Finland's first National Ombudsman for Children begins work

Maria Kaisa Aula feels concerned about indifference toward children

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Indifference toward children today will prove expensive for society tomorrow, said Finland’s new National Ombudsman for Children Maria Kaisa Aula on her first day on the job.
      Taking up her post in Jyväskylä, Aula promised to serve as a mouthpiece and amplifier for the voice of children. She placed a special emphasis on the vulnerability and sensitivity of children.
     
"Children's rights are parents' obligations", she observed.
      As she began her work as the country’s official advocate for children’s rights some of the conditions of her employment were set by the needs of her own children, Anni and Lauri; Aula is availing herself of the right to part-time child care leave.
      Under the arrangement, she spends there days of her five-day working week at her Jyväskylä office, or on official travel, and one day working from her home in Viitasaari on a telecommuting basis. One working day a week is devoted entirely to her family.
     
The establishment of the new post was hailed on Thursday as a step forward of historical proportions.
      "One could even speak of the turn from a ten-year period of stagnation to a new rise in family policy", said Liisa Hyssälä (Centre), the Minister of Social Services.
      The establishment of the post was mandated in the policy programme of Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre).
     
Aula’s task in her new post will be to follow the progress of legislation and other decisions, and to assess their effects on the welfare of children.
      Aula pointed out that she does not have the power to rule on individual grievances, but that her post is nevertheless influential, as she can put forward initiatives, and give advice and counsel.
      She said that she would welcome parents, children and grandparents to her offices in Jyväskylä.
      Although the Ombudsman is not authorised to interfere in the business of social welfare officials or the courts, Aula says that she wants to know what is going on in the field. On the basis of what she hears, she will be able to take issue with structural distortions, pass on information, and propose corrective measures.
      The post of Children’s Ombudsman is based on stipulations in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Finland approved in 1991.
      The Ombudsman is an independent official, connected with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The term of office is five years.


Links:
  Ministry of Social Affairs and Health press release 29.6.2005: First Ombudsman for Children appointed

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