Members of the new Human Rights Delegation elected – importance of the Delegation emphasised in exceptional situations

The Parliamentary Ombudsman has appointed a new Human Rights Delegation for the Human Rights Centre (HRC). Especially during this exceptional time, extensive cooperation is necessary in order to safeguard fundamental and human rights. The Human Rights Delegation plays an important and central part in this work.

A total of 135 experts from different sectors of society applied for the Human Rights Delegation. From these applicants, 38 members were elected, representing strong expertise in fundamental and human rights in their respective fields. The Delegation also always includes the representatives of the supreme overseers of legality, special ombudsmen and the Sámi Parliament.

The new Delegation has expertise on issues such as the constitutional state, the rights of persons with disabilities, the rights of the elderly, social rights, corporate responsibility for human rights, fundamental and human rights issues related to technology, and climate change.

The term of the new delegation will start on 1 April 2020 and end on 31 March 2024. The Human Rights Delegation addresses fundamental and human rights issues with far-reaching significance and principal importance, approves the HRC's action plan and annual report and can issue statements on topical fundamental and human rights issues. The Chair of the Delegation is Sirpa Rautio, Director of the Human Rights Centre.

Further information:

Sirpa Rautio, Director of the Human Rights Centre (sirpa.rautio@ihmisoikeuskeskus.fi, +358 (0)9 4321 (Parliament switchboard).

Leena Leikas, Expert, Secretary of the Human Rights Delegation, leena.leikas@ihmisoikeuskeskus.fi, +358 (0)9 4321 (Parliament switchboard)

Members of the Human Rights Delegation 2020-2024:

• Reijo Aarnio, Data Protection Ombudsman
• Kimmo Hakonen, Intelligence Ombudsman
• Rainer Hiltunen, Office Manager, Acting Non-Discrimination Ombudsman
• Jukka Maarianvaara, Ombudsman for Equality
• Elina Pekkarinen, Ombudsman for Children
• Mikko Puumalainen, Deputy Chancellor of Justice
• Maija Sakslin, Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman
• Juuso Tuomas Aslak, Chair, Sámi Parliament

• Atik Ali, LL.M, Managing Partner, Lakiasiaintoimisto Allianssi Oy
• Inga Angersaari, MSSc, Project Manager, Diak
• Laura Arikka, MTh, CEO, Timeout Foundation
• Anna Caldén, Bachelor of Social Services (UAS), Coordinator, Samarbetsförbundet kring funktionshinder SAMS
• Anca Enache-Kotilainen, MA, Development Manager, Helsinki Deaconess Institute Foundation
• Outi Haanperä, PhD (Economics), Leading Specialist, Sitra
• Esa Iivonen, LLM, Leading Expert, Mannerheim League for Child Welfare
• Anu Juvonen, MA (Development Studies), Executive Director, DEMO ry
• Marja Jylhä, Ph.D., Professor of Gerontology, University of Tampere
• Laura Kalliomaa-Puha, LL.D, Professor of Social Rights, University of Tampere
• Arto Kallioniemi, Ph.D., M.Sc. (Econ.), Professor of Religious Didactics, University of Helsinki
• Sakris Kupila, MB, Chair, SETA ry
• Niina Laajapuro, Pol.Mag, MBA, Policy Director, Amnesty International, Finnish section
• Janne Laukkanen, LLM, MSSc, Director (Communications and Influencing), Association of Finnish Lawyers
• Pirkko Mahlamäki, MA, LLM, Secretary General, Finnish Disability Forum
• Kaari Mattila, D.Soc.Sc., Secretary General, Finnish League for Human Rights
• Yrjö Mattila, D.Soc.Sc., LL.Lic., LL.M, Consulting Lawyer, Carers Finland
• Anna Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen, LL.D, Docent., Director, Institute of Law and Welfare / University of Eastern Finland
• Kimmo Nuotio, LL.D, Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Helsinki
• Tuomas Ojanen, LL.D, Docent, Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Helsinki
• Laura Okkonen, fil.stud., Senior Human Rights Manager, Vodafone Group Plc
• Natalia Ollus, LL.D, M.Soc.Sc., Director, European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI)
• Lea Rankinen, M.Sc. (Tech) in Environmental Technology, Director of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Paulig Group
• Mirva Salminen, MSSc, Researcher, University of Lapland
• Nitin Sood, M.Soc.Sc., BA (Liberal Arts and Sciences), Non-Discrimination Advisor, City of Helsinki
• Katariina Suomu, MSSc, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society of Finland
• Leena Suurpää, D.Soc.Sc., Docent, Director, Youth Shelter Support activities, Finnish Red Cross
• Antti Teittinen, DSSc, Docent, Research Manager, Finnish Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Astrid Thors, LL.M
• Jukka Viljanen, Ph.D., Professor of Public Law, University of Tampere