Turku Moving with Human Rights? : A Case Study on the Localisation of Human Rights at the City of Turku
Varho, Mia (2023)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20231113146339
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20231113146339
Tiivistelmä
This study aims to generate a locally informed understanding of the current human rights practice in Turku, using a participatory approach to gauge the perception and prioritisation of human rights among its residents via a survey. The study analyses city’s approach to human rights by evaluating its policies and practices, specifically focusing on areas emphasised by the residents’ survey feedback. Accordingly, the thesis primarily reviews policies in the context of health and well-being, specifically focusing on sports and physical activities as a means to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
The study uses a Human Rights-Based Approach to analyse Turku's policies, aligning with the PANEL -principles (Participation, Accountability, Non-Discrim ination, Empowerment, and Legality) to assess their effectiveness in implementing human rights. It highlights Turku's worthy emphasis on the health and well-being of its residents and its legal adherence to national and international regulations concerning health, well-being, and sports development.
Key findings suggest that while Turku's policies and initiatives embody a rights-based approach, there is a distinct shortfall in the explicit use of human rights language in policy-making and public communications. The city's efforts reflect an ideological commitment to empowerment and inclusivity, but fail to educate residents about their rights and entitlements.
Study also reveals a widespread concern across diverse demographics regarding non -discrimination and equality. Turku's policies demonstrate a commitment to these principles, aiming to integrate them into various aspects of governance and service provision. The city strategy and initiatives like the Moving Turku -policy are focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups and promoting inclusivity, recognising that preventing social exclusion is key to advancing equality and non-discrimination.
The study reinforces the importance of localising human rights to enhance their relevance in local contexts. It underlines the role of local governments like Turku in this process. It shows that local authorities can actively contribute to the realisation of residents' human rights. To further these efforts, the study recommends Turku to explicitly use human rights language, foster social cohesion and promote human rights awareness.
The study's timing aligns with the current global focus on localising human rights and the ongoing impetus on increasing awareness among local authorities of the benefits in embracing a rights-based approach in their governance.
To conclude, the thesis presents Turku as a city that, while implementing human rights in practice, remains detached from the rights discourse due to the lack of explicit acknowledgment and education on human rights. The recommendations urge the city to bridge this gap through an active commitment to human rights.
The study uses a Human Rights-Based Approach to analyse Turku's policies, aligning with the PANEL -principles (Participation, Accountability, Non-Discrim ination, Empowerment, and Legality) to assess their effectiveness in implementing human rights. It highlights Turku's worthy emphasis on the health and well-being of its residents and its legal adherence to national and international regulations concerning health, well-being, and sports development.
Key findings suggest that while Turku's policies and initiatives embody a rights-based approach, there is a distinct shortfall in the explicit use of human rights language in policy-making and public communications. The city's efforts reflect an ideological commitment to empowerment and inclusivity, but fail to educate residents about their rights and entitlements.
Study also reveals a widespread concern across diverse demographics regarding non -discrimination and equality. Turku's policies demonstrate a commitment to these principles, aiming to integrate them into various aspects of governance and service provision. The city strategy and initiatives like the Moving Turku -policy are focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups and promoting inclusivity, recognising that preventing social exclusion is key to advancing equality and non-discrimination.
The study reinforces the importance of localising human rights to enhance their relevance in local contexts. It underlines the role of local governments like Turku in this process. It shows that local authorities can actively contribute to the realisation of residents' human rights. To further these efforts, the study recommends Turku to explicitly use human rights language, foster social cohesion and promote human rights awareness.
The study's timing aligns with the current global focus on localising human rights and the ongoing impetus on increasing awareness among local authorities of the benefits in embracing a rights-based approach in their governance.
To conclude, the thesis presents Turku as a city that, while implementing human rights in practice, remains detached from the rights discourse due to the lack of explicit acknowledgment and education on human rights. The recommendations urge the city to bridge this gap through an active commitment to human rights.