President Halonen at the Institute for Human Rights: Don't leave politicians on their own

"Achieving international agreements is important, but it is not enough. Politicians are the ones who implement these agreements. Don't leave them on their own," said President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the Institute for Human Rights at Åbo Akademi University on Thursday, 16 August. President Halonen addressed her words particularly to participants in the Advanced Course on the International Protection of Human Rights, who are professionals in the field and come from different countries. The Institute for Human Rights was established in 1985 as part of the Department of Law at Åbo Akademi University. President Halonen and Doctor Pentti Arajärvi learned more about the Institute's activities under the tutelage of Professor Martin Scheinin, who serves as Director.

President Halonen talked with participants in the Advanced Course on the International Protection of Human Rights. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

During the visit President Halonen asked course participants about their current research interests. According to Professor Scheinin, key research topics are the development of the legal basis and globalization, human rights and terrorism, and children's rights. The rights of minorities and indigenous people are being given attention as well. The growing threat of racism in Eastern Europe, the position of the Roma in Europe and research financing were likewise discussed. University Rector Jorma Mattinen and Judge Allan Rosas of the European Court of Justice also took part in the discussion.

Important role of international organizations

President Halonen and Doctor Arajärvi also learned more about researchers' work at the Institute. Doctoral Candidate Jukka Kumpuvuori reported on a project concerning the implementation of human rights in the case of persons with disabilities in Uganda. One goal of the project is to stimulate local actors with the help of a blog, among other things.

Doctor Arajärvi, Professor Martin Scheinin (top centre), President Halonen and Doctoral Candidate Jukka Kumpuvuori (bottom centre). Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

Addressing the participants in the Advanced Course on the International Protection of Human Rights, President Halonen spoke at length on the focuses of Finnish peacekeeping activities. "The primary task of peacekeeping is not to control peace but to bring hostilities to an end," President Halonen pointed out. "In international peacekeeping tasks, however, resources are always limited."

President Halonen emphasized that issues related to peace and conflicts go hand in hand with development and globalization matters. International organizations such as the UN are extremely important in protecting human rights.

Participants in the course asked President Halonen about Finland's role in Kosovo and hoped that Finland would take strong measures to prevent the use of children as soldiers. "We will continue work in Kosovo, which is one of Finland's priorities," President Halonen said. Finland is actively striving through international organizations to improve the position of children in conflict areas.

The Institute for Human Rights at Åbo Akademi University

Disability Rights in Uganda - Research Blog