Disability policy promotes equality

Disability policy is made up of society’s actions and policies that ensure equal opportunities, rights and services in Finland for persons with disabilities.

What are the principles of Finland’s disability policy?

Finland’s disability policy is based on fundamental and human rights.

The Constitution of Finland states that the public authorities must guarantee basic and human rights for all, which includes protection for people with disabilities.

As a member of the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU), Finland is committed to creating a society that is open to all.

The principles of Finland’s disability policy are the right of people with disabilities to

• equality and non-discrimination
• inclusion in society and decision-making
• right to self-determination
• independent lives
• necessary individualised services and support.

Who is responsible for Finland’s disability policy?

All ministries and public authorities consider these rights in their areas of responsibility.

The ministries work together to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The ministry under whose competence a matter falls is responsible for organising the cooperation.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health ensures that the cooperation and disability policy are aligned when preparing measures for the policy.

Involving persons with disabilities in decision-making is a core principle at all levels and in all fields of the administration.

What is VANE?

The Advisory Board for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (VANE), which operates under the Ministry for Social Affairs and Health, supports the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in central government and in different sectors and at different levels of society.

Ministries, persons with disabilities and their families, labour market organisations and representatives from regional and local government are represented on the Advisory Board.

What is the aim of the UN Convention?

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promotes the rights of persons with disabilities globally. Finland has ratified the Convention and its optional protocol.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health are the national points of contact for the implementation of the Convention.

The Convention aims to

• ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for persons with disabilities
• promote and protect these rights and freedoms
• promote respect for the inherent dignity of persons with disabilities.

An individual or group may submit a complaint to the Advisory Board regarding any violation of their rights under the Convention based on the optional protocol.

• Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) 

What is the National Action Plan?

VANE prepares a national action plan for each of its terms to promote the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This plan defines the core national goals, as well as their support and monitoring measures. The ministries are committed to implementing the national action plan and its objectives.

The first national action plan was published for 2018–2019, the second plan was for 2020–2023, and the third plan is for 2023–2027.

• Right to social inclusion and equality: The National Action Plan on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2023–2027 

How does the EU promote the rights of persons with disabilities?

The European Union promotes the rights of persons with disabilities and, like its Member States, has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It is a shared objective to reinforce the implementation of the Convention.

The EU’s Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021–2030 aims to empower persons with disabilities so they can participate fully in society and economy. The key principles of this strategy are equal opportunity and non-discrimination, covering the fundamental content of the UN Convention.

Finland is committed to the objectives of the EU Strategy and their implementation, which requires Member States to share knowledge and experiences, and to commit to the effort at the Member State, regional and local levels.

• EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030