Perusoikeuslainsäädäntö

Perusoikeuslaki, commonly translated as the Basic Rights Act, is a Finnish statute that codifies fundamental rights and freedoms and sets the framework for how public authorities must respect and safeguard these rights. It operates alongside the Finnish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, providing detailed rules and remedies for the protection of individuals’ basic rights in everyday governance.

The act encompasses core civil and political rights, including personal liberty and security, privacy and data protection, and freedoms such as expression, assembly, and association. It also addresses freedom of religion and conscience, equality before the law, and protections against discrimination. In addition, the Basic Rights Act covers procedural protections related to how government actions affect individuals, outlining the principles of legality, proportionality, and necessity when rights may be restricted.

Public authorities have explicit duties under the act to respect, safeguard, and promote fundamental rights, to provide justification for any limitations, and to offer accessible remedies when rights are violated. Remedies may include administrative reconsideration, judicial review, and, where appropriate, compensation or restoration of rights.

Interpretation of the act is guided by the Finnish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, with ECHR standards commonly informing judicial and administrative decisions. The act also interacts with European Union law in areas where EU rules apply, ensuring coherence with supranational protections of rights.

Overall, Perusoikeuslaki serves to operationalize fundamental rights within Finnish governance, providing individuals with enforceable protections and channels to challenge government actions that threaten core liberties. See also: Constitution of Finland; European Convention on Human Rights; Human rights in Finland.