Suojelupäätökset

Suojelupäätökset are formal decisions issued by Finnish public authorities that establish protective measures to safeguard people, property, or values from identified risks. They are administrative decisions intended to prevent harm or preserve welfare, health, safety, privacy, or cultural heritage, and must be justified with factual basis and statutory authority.

They are used across sectors: social services, law enforcement, environmental protection, data protection, cultural heritage, and emergency management. Examples include protective orders in child welfare, temporary restrictions on activities or access to premises, orders to remove dangerous conditions, or data processing restrictions to protect privacy.

Process: a suojelupäätös is typically prepared after a risk assessment, sometimes on petition or ex officio. The decision states its purpose, scope, duration, and conditions. Affected parties must be informed, and may be entitled to be heard or to appeal. Many decisions include monitoring provisions and may be time-limited.

Legal framework: rooted in administrative law and sector-specific statutes; guided by principles of proportionality, necessity, non-discrimination, and respect for human rights. Decisions may be complemented by other measures and require documentation and justification.

Impact and oversight: while aimed at protection, suojelupäätökset balance protection with rights and freedoms. They are subject to administrative reviews, appeals, and, in some cases, judicial review. Authorities coordinate with relevant agencies to implement measures.