perusvapauksien

Perusvapauksien is a Finnish term referring to the fundamental civil liberties guaranteed to individuals by the Finnish Constitution as part of the broader category of perusoikeudet (basic rights). They serve to limit public power and protect individual autonomy, dignity, and participation in democratic life. The constitution outlines several key perusvapauksia, including freedom of religion and conscience, freedom of expression and information, freedom of assembly and association, freedom of movement and residence, and the privacy and integrity of the person, home, and communications. These rights typically have both negative and positive dimensions: the state must refrain from unnecessary interference, while law may set conditions for lawful restrictions.

In practice, perusvapauksien protections are subject to proportionality and can be restricted by law for important aims such as public order, safety, health, the rights of others, or national security. Any restriction must be necessary and proportionate. Finland’s adherence to international human rights standards, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights (to which it is a party), reinforces and complements these protections.

Interpretation and enforcement of perusvapauksien are carried out by Finnish courts, including the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court, within constitutional and human rights jurisprudence. They influence legislative drafting, administrative practice, and public debate on issues such as freedom of expression in media and digital privacy.

See also: Perusoikeudet, Sananvapaus, Ihmisoikeudet.