Black Lives Matter

The Finnish Institute stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and voices its unconditional support for the transnational cause of anti-racism. The work of the Institute is guided by a commitment to equality, diversity and transparency.

As an organisation, we recognise our participation in a society and culture shaped by the legacies of colonialism, enslavement, systemic racism and oppression. We also acknowledge that minorities face serious discrimination in Finland. It is our duty to push conversation and action forward in Finland.

The Institute must now proactively reflect on its own work and address the challenges presented by our present moment and the histories that shape it. We must listen, learn from and act upon voices calling for systemic change. We will harness our position at the intersection of societal and cultural exchange to inform action and conversation surrounding equality and social justice.

The Institute affirms its commitment to support black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) organisations, artists and activists in Finland, Ireland and the UK; diversify the voices that guide our work by incorporating more BAME, LGBTQIA+ and other minority voices in our programme and ensure that our work reflects the guiding principles of diversity and equality.

A selection of resources for education and engagement:

European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) country profile for Finland

https://www.coe.int/en/web/european-commission-against-racism-and-intolerance/finland

Black Cultural Archives

https://blackculturalarchives.org/

Legacies of British Slave-ownership project

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/lbs/

The UCL Sarah Parker Remond Centre for the Study of Racism and Racialisation

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/racism-racialisation/

Windrush Foundation

https://windrushfoundation.com/

The National Caribbean Heritage Museum