UN committees criticize Finland for mineral exploration permits in Sámi areas

Two UN monitoring bodies have issued criticism towards Finland regarding cases involving mineral exploration permits granted in Sámi areas. The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on its website addressing the matter. The findings came from the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The committees concluded that Finland violated the rights of individuals who contested the permits in multiple ways.