Children question ministers on rights at government hall in Finland

In a vibrant atmosphere, children from across Finland have gathered at the government hall to question invited ministers on matters that matter to them. This year, eleven ministers accepted the invitation to engage with these young inquisitors. Since 2019, Finland’s government has celebrated the Week of the Child’s Rights, with this being the third ministerial session of its kind.

The session kicked off with a significant inquiry from students of Lapua Upper School directed at Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. Their challenging question was whether children’s rights are being fulfilled in Finland. Orpo conceded that this is not always the case, stating that while everyone in the country supports the agreement, many youths do not experience their rights sufficiently.

The students also raised concerns regarding the prevention of substance abuse among young individuals. Justice Minister Leena Meri emphasized the collective responsibility of society, highlighting that every child has the right to grow up in a family free from substance use. She acknowledged the importance of education on the dangers of substances and accessible support services, inviting the youth to share their ideas on addressing the issue.

From Hetta in Enontekiö, students inquired about the impact that Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne has on preserving and producing media in the Sámi language, particularly in children’s programming. Ranne praised the Yle law, which currently safeguards the production of programs in North Sámi, Inari Sámi, and Skolt Sámi, ensuring cultural representation remains protected regardless of governmental changes.

The discussions also covered a range of topics closely related to the children’s own lives, including equality, mental health issues, and future challenges. The entire session can be viewed online, hosted by Sean Ricks, with a special musical performance by Aliisa Syrjä.