Sexual and gender-based violence during times of armed conflict or in the aftermath of disasters and other emergencies

In Finland sexual violence is seen as a serious offence both in peace time and during armed conflicts.

Finland has ratified already in 2015 the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

The sexual violence faced by refugees (often arriving from the conflict areas) is considered in the latest draft of Finland’s updated action plan on Women, Peace and Security. The draft emphasizes the strengthening of equality and gender perspective within the reception services for asylum seekers and other services and supportive measures advancing the integration.

Many services, which are meant for Finnish women who have faced sexual violence, are also available for women arriving from the conflict areas. Also one safe house is dedicated only for the immigrant women.

In Finland the female genital mutilation became an acute issue in 90s, when immigrants started to arrive from areas where FGM was practised. The FGM is still an acute problem and it is criminalized as an aggravated assault.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and National Institute for Health and Welfare have annually organized a working meeting on the FGM in which the key contact persons from different actors are invited.

National Institute for Health has promoted awareness of FGM as part of the national action plan for years 2012-2016.

Finland highlights the fact that sexual violence against women, and sexual violence in conflict, must be confronted in an increasingly effective manner. We emphasize that SGBV should be addressed in a comprehensive way, seeing women as powerful agents of change and not only victims.

Finland has played an active role in JRR’s activities since the network was established, and has held the Chair of JRR since September 2014. Justice Rapid Response (JRR), in collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre (FINCENT) and the Institute for International Criminal Investigations (IICI) have organised a training course for experts on the investigation of international crimes, held in Finland in October 2016. Finland has continued its financial support to ICC Trust Fund for Victims.

The Finnish military and civilian crisis management personnel follow both the Code of Conduct adopted by the crisis management operation/mission and the Finnish authorities. All exploitation cases shall be investigated in accordance with Finnish law. Finland pays special attention to the fact that the code of conduct of international organizations prevents discrimination and exploitation, that the management of the operation fully adheres to the rules and that delays in exploitation cases are investigated. Finland applies zero tolerance to SEA. All Finnish soldiers participating in crisis management operations get a lecture on conduct and discipline in pre-deployment training before the operation.