In practise, however, the equal enjoyment of human rights faces many obstacles. Discrimination can be based on various factors. Let me here concentrate on certain aspects of inequality. The fact that a person has been born as a member of a minority often makes his or her life considerably more difficult. Children belonging to minorities are more likely to find it hard to attend school as education may not be available in their mother tongue.
Minorities tend to be underrepresented in political and economic elites.
In the worst cases, discrimination of minorities on various grounds even amount to persecution and violence. Finland wants to emphasize the importance of promoting minority rights as an essential human rights issue. Building on pluralistic values as well as respect to i.a. Governments should also appreciate the added value to the cultural diversity created by the presence of minorities. Due to the gravity of existing problems, Finland wants to strengthen the specific protection afforded to minorities and indigenous peoples by developing international standards and mechanisms.