FI SV EN

National Child Strategy

Lapsia päiväkodissa

Finland has completed its first National Child Strategy. The goal is a society that respects the rights of children. The National Child Strategy is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Child Strategy is based on information and research evidence, and it will promote the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The National Child Strategy records the current state of the wellbeing and rights of children and young people as well as the key objectives and measures to promote them.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child guides the preparation of the National Child Strategy

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international convention on human rights. In Finland, it has been in force at the level of an act since 1991.

The Convention obliges everyone to observe the rights of the child. The Finnish legislation must comply with the rights laid down in the Convention.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child monitors the implementation of the Convention. The committee has recommended that Finland develop a comprehensive policy and plan for the effective implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Preparations during government term 2019-2023

The Child Strategy was prepared in two stages. The long-term objectives and actions that will be promoted across government terms were recorded in the actual Child Strategy. 

The Child Strategy was prepared as parliamentary committee work during 2020. 

In the second stage, an implementation plan for the Child Strategy was carried out. It included 30 measures.

Children, young people and adults were invited to participate in preparing the National Child Strategy.

Preparatory work and background materials

Groundwork for National Child Strategy was published 20th May 2020. It is founded on information on children’s rights.

The preparation of the National Child Strategy made use of the preparatory work carried out earlier, which resulted in a vision for a child and family-friendly Finland.

Further information

Johanna Laaja, Chief Specialist 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Communities and Functional Capacity / YTO, Children and Young People Unit / LANU Telephone:0295163406   Email Address: [email protected]