Speech by the President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the Eötvös Loránd university of sciences on 27.8.2002

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The degree of doctor iuris honoris causa conferred on me by the Rector of Eötvös Loránd University and the University Senate is greatly appreciated. Let me express to you, Rector Klinghammer, as well as to you, Professor Mezey, my sincere appreciation for the kind words that you have addressed to me.

I am aware of the illustrious history of the Eötvös Loránd University, which is perhaps the most respected in Hungary. As has been demonstrated once again this year, the faculty of law remains the most popular choice with new students. As we all know, my distinguished host in Hungary, President Ferenc Mádl, is among the alumni.

Democracy, human rights and the rule of law are the foundation of a modern society. In today's world, however, these very necessary principles are being continually challenged. Unfortunately extreme attitudes and opinions have reappeared in Europe and are increasingly manifesting themselves in political movements. These extremist views are expressed in the form of ultra-nationalism or even outright racism, racial or gender discrimination and xenophobia.

All governments, institutions and civil society must take measures to counter intolerance and violence against different outlooks and religions. The promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is an obligation for every government and a concern of every individual.

At the same time, promoting and encouraging respect for human rights is a universal task at international level. The Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe are based on our common European values and principles: democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Hungary has been a successful member of both these organizations for a long time now.

Hungary will very soon be a member of the European Union, which is founded on the very same values as the Council of Europe and the OSCE. I have noted with satisfaction that Hungarians are active in promoting democracy and human rights. The members of your recently-elected Parliament belong to parties which fully subscribe to the Treaty on European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

In order for these European principles and values to be fully implemented, they need to be constantly reinforced in every corner of the continent.

Finland and Hungary have actively promoted human rights in international fora. We have contributed to formulating a solid structure of concepts, declarations, treaties and conventions. But even here equality starts at home.

In Finland in recent years a strong efforts has been made to protect and promote the rights of our minorities. This has been done in the framework of an extensive review of the basic rights and liberties of each individual resident in Finland. The process has produced a number of amendments to our Constitution. Let me mention as an example that the Constitution guarantees expressis verbis the cultural and linguistic rights of certain minority groups, including the Roma and the indigenous Sami in the north of Finland.

Roma are not in the majority anywhere, and thus they are a genuine European minority. They meet discrimination in all parts of Europe, in many areas of society, such as access to employment, housing, health care and education.

On the other hand, many governments and organisations in Europe are actively working on Roma issues. This work is emerging as one of the core priorities of the Council of Europe. An inherent shortcoming in existing activities in various fora has been the lack of arrangements to ensure participation of Roma themselves in the development and implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving their status. I have strongly felt that there is a need to create a new body, which should contribute to this work using the Roma people's own experience. This is the reason I have presented an initiative to create a consultative body for the Roma to make their voice count also at the Pan-European level.

Upon this initiative an exploratory group has been working since December. This group has for the first time brought together a wide range of Roma experts and leaders from different regions of Europe to cooperate in good faith with each other and with the international community for a shared objective. The final report of the group will be submitted to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in a few week's time.

I am well aware of the importance to Hungary of the Roma issue. Therefore I am particularly pleased at the support and understanding which the Government of Hungary as well as the Roma representatives themselves have expressed for my initiative.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a source of inspiration and basis for international human rights instruments. The Charter of the United Nations expresses a determination to, among other things, establish conditions under which justice and respect for obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, to promote social progress and better standards of life and to practice tolerance and good neighbourliness.

Nation-states bear the main responsibility for peace, upholding democratic principles and justice. International instruments and mechanisms are an essential tool in combating the root causes of domestic or international terrorism. To be effective, these instruments need to be strengthened and made truly universal. This applies also to the topical issue concerning the International Criminal Court of Justice.

The European Union can play - and is playing - an active role in promoting universal agreements and treaties as well as in harnessing globalisation for the common good.

The role of the faculty of law of this university is to educate women and men who can go on to use the wisdom they receive here to promote the rule of law and democracy. They can also advise tolerance and respect for all human beings without discrimination.

With these remarks, let me once again thank you so much for honouring me with the title of doctor iuris honoris causa. I assure you that I shall cherish this title with pride.