1 Background 8

1.1 Fourth action plan as part of the continuum of fundamental and human rights policy 8

1.2 Fundamental and human rights situation in Finland 10

1.3 Preparation of the fourth action plan 12

1.4 Links between the action plan and other government projects 16

2 Rule of law and fundamental rights 18

2.1 Concept of the rule of law 18

2.2 Relationship between the rule of law and fundamental and human rights 21

3 State of the rule of law in Finland 23

3.1 Strengths of the Finnish rule of law 24

3.2 Challenges and threats to the Finnish rule of law 26

4 Strengthening the basic structures of the rule of law 31

4.1 Strengthening the independence of the judiciary 31

4.2 Access to legal protection and rights 34

4.2.1 Access to legal protection 37

4.2.2 Access to justice for persons with disabilities 44

4.2.3 Children’s access to rights and remedies 46

4.2.4 Access to rights for victims of crime 50

4.3 Equal realisation of rights 57

4.3.1 Promoting equality and combating discrimination 58

4.3.2 Persons with disabilities 59

4.3.3 Older persons 62

4.3.4 Homelessness 64

4.3.5 Regional equality 66

4.4 Increasing knowledge of human rights and the rule of law 68

4.4.1 Democracy and human rights education 68

4.4.2 Developing the authorities’ human rights competence 71

4.4.3 International cooperation on the rule of law 74

4.5 Monitoring the realisation of rights 75

4.5.1 Fundamental and human rights indicators 76

4.5.2 International human rights recommendations 76

4.5.3 Developing the knowledge base 78

4.6 Democracy, good governance and freedom of expression 79

4.6.1 Democracy, participation and inclusion 80

4.6.2 Good governance and trust in the public authorities 84

4.6.3 Sámi self-government 88

4.6.4 Freedom of expression and media pluralism 90

5 Monitoring the implementation of the action plan 92

5.1 Government Network for Fundamental and Human Rights 92

5.2 Monitoring of implementation 93

6 Abbreviations 95