Human Rights Day: Youth Take Center Stage

Finland held the Annual Council of Europe Human Rights Day for the second time in its history, and this time around, the Scandinavian country focused on youth engagement.

“Finland has developed its legal system and legislation in line with Council of Europe standards, so membership of the Council of Europe has had a far-reaching impact on the everyday lives and rights of Finnish people,” states Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

On this day, the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law were celebrated, as well as the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe. The involvement of young people in what Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge calls “a war against our values” is crucial to “stand up and fight for those values.” The event welcomed 130 participants from parliament, government, and ministries, as well as officials, experts, students, and civil society representatives. It included an exchange with Finnish representatives professionally connected with the Council of Europe, who spoke about their experience with the organization.