Advancing Disability Inclusion Globally

Finland consistently champions the rights of persons with disabilities across its foreign, development, and humanitarian policy, promoting their meaningful participation and leadership as essential to inclusive and sustainable societies.

Guided by the disability movement principle “nothing about us without us”, Finland has systematically advocated for the meaningful participation and leadership of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations. It amplifies their voices across foreign, development and humanitarian policy.

A key foundation of this work has been the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a global human rights treaty that safeguards the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. Together with EU partners and multilateral institutions, Finland works to strengthen the implementation of the CRPD internationally.

Finland considers disability inclusion within the UN a priority. Finland supports the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, which holds UN entities accountable for mainstreaming disability rights. Finland also contributes to the UN Global Disability Fund, which advances country-level opportunities for persons with disabilities in areas such as education, employment, and access to services in over a hundred countries. Together, these initiatives have driven stronger disability inclusion across the UN system and its programmes.

Finland promotes the implementation of the Security Council Resolution 2475 to strengthen both the protection and active engagement of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action, and to ensure their meaningful participation in peace processes and peacebuilding. Conflicts increase both the prevalence of disabilities and disproportionately affect persons with disabilities who are often in vulnerable situations.

Finland emphasises inclusive and non-discriminatory support, ensuring that persons with disabilities are reached and involved. Peace is crucial for all human development, but lasting peace can only be achieved when it is inclusive of all sections of society, including persons with disabilities.