Riku Vassinen’s Post

In the following years, thanks to the support of the Koneen Säätiö - Kone Foundation, I will work together with Valentine Berthet, Marie Cazes, and Lynda Gyldy on the project "Transnational flows: The impact of transatlantic conservative networks on Finnish and EU environmental, health and social policies". The project aims to comprehensively understand the transatlantic networks of nationalist and right-wing populist politics in the European Union and Finland and their impact on health and social policies. More information is available at the link. https://lnkd.in/dkmGxWf2

We regularly ask readers of The Local to fill out questionnaires on everything from "how can Sweden become more inclusive" to "how did you meet your Swedish friends". Then we build articles on their responses. But why reader surveys and not 1-1 interviews? First of all, it's not one or the other. 1-1s are unbeatable for in-depth interviews and on-the-spot follow-up questions. But surveys have benefits too: 1. Broad reach. Because your interviewees self-select, you may receive responses you didn't expect from people you don't usually reach. That's especially important when you serve a diverse audience with a team that's not as diverse as it could be (which is often the case in journalism), but I think it's true in general too. It helps me not only grow my pool of actual interviewees but also who I (based on habit/experience/bias/prejudice/misconceptions) consider as possible interviewees. 2. Listening. Even if I don't use everyone's responses (sometimes we get hundreds) readers know (because I tell them, and I mean it) that I read all of them. Sometimes the main thing people need is to be listened to. Surveys let me listen to more people at once. 3. Community. Everyone who contributes to a survey contributes to the article, together with all the other respondents. I always email respondents to tell them that the article has been published. Readers often tell me they felt included even though their response didn't make the final article. 4. Efficient. Let's be honest about this! We're a small team with slim resources. Surveys get me much more material to work with, faster, than setting up 1-1 interviews with several different people. But of course they have their downsides too. What do you think?

As #EuropeDay and the #Europeanelections approach, in a time that queries us and puts us under the scrutiny of our consciences, giving "substance" to the duty of #solidarity that permeates our European citizenship appears to be more crucial than ever. Fortunately enough, joint efforts at a supranational level are being made in order to implement the right-duty to serve our community, which sees us all as protagonists and beneficiaries, called upon to do what is within our capabilities in a philantropic spirit, with love and dedication. The #EuropeanSolidarityCorps constitute yet another attempt and opportunity for young Europeans aged 18-30 to build a more inclusive society, helping the most vulnerable people and responding to social problems through voluntary work and training for collective benefit throughout Europe. In this way, participants aim to undertake commitments of shared responsibility and mutual support. In this regard, on October 24, 2023 I took part in a conference organized at the #EuropeanParliament in #Brussels by some honorable MEPs in order to discuss and encourage youths' involvement in solidarity projects. The meeting was held in memory of late President David Maria Sassoli, Whom I had had the honor to interview. Here is an excerpt of my speech: "What better way to accomplish this mission of ours than through joint efforts at a supranational level? If not by facilitating constructive dialogue and safeguarding the core values of freedom, dignity and solidarity to which David Sassoli referred during His inaugural speech as President of the European Parliament? He believed, as I hope we all do, that Europe has still much to achieve, but that this can only be done together, with ambition and compassion. While grief, affliction and atrocities are rampant in the world, it is up to us to choose whether to remain inert in the face of the pain of others, turning our gaze elsewhere, with indifference and selfishness, or rather to side with the Latin playwright Terence, in affirming with conviction: "I am a human being, and there is nothing human that is alien to me", thus recognising the humanity of our neighbour, that same humanity that makes us rediscover ourselves as fragile and vulnerable and at the same time strong and resilient together. ... It is by doing this in my own small way that I have discovered the inherent value that lies in being able to dedicate oneself to others. I have experienced first-hand that one truly receives by giving oneself, by bringing hope where despair reigns. I ask You: is this not the point? In this our strength lies: in the desire to make a difference in the days of others, leaving a legacy of Love and fraternity".

For over seven and a half decades on, the 10th December of every year since the #UNGA in Paris in 1948, we have been commemorating Human Rights Day globally. In Sierra Leone, we join in celebrating the fundamental rights and freedoms that unite us as Sierra Leoneans as it is enshrined in Chapter III: The Recognition and Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms of the Individual of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991, Act No. 6 of 1991 (Sections 16-27). As put forward António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, affirmed that “human rights are under assault” and that “this year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now. Therefore, “we must stand up for all rights — always." The theme for this year's Human Rights Day is "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now." It emphasizes the urgent need for global change and highlights the role of human rights in addressing contemporary issues such as inequality and conflict. The theme further aims to inspire collective action to protect and promote human rights, ensuring dignity and respect for all individuals worldwide. As Sierra Leoneans (and the world over), let us commit to fostering an inclusive society where every voice is heard, and every right is respected. Together, we can build a future that honours our shared humanity and promotes sustainable development for every human being. Photo Credit: International Rescue CommitteeUK #StandUp4HumanRights #TheSDGsAreHumanRights #PersonsWithDisabilityRightsAreHumanRights #HumanRights #HumanRightsDay #Equality #Justice #Freedom #WomensRightsAreHumanRights #HumanRightsCampaign #Humanity #Act4RightsNow #UDHR75 #HumanRightsActivist

A few nights ago the Northern Lights were rumoured to be visible from my neighbourhood. Where I live is currently a construction zone with only two occupied buildings in our block. At night it's devoid of people, bar the occasional dog walker. So, in search of the revontulet (foxfire in Finnish), I set off through empty streets at about 23.00 (11pm). Even when I realised that it was not my night to see the Northern Lights, I kept walking. The air was clear, the building's quiet. It was safe, well lit and there's a responsive police force at the other side of 112. So I kept on walking. I count myself incredibly lucky to live in a country that I - a black woman - can walk around in at night unaccompanied and not be particularly fussed. Of course it is not 100% safe, nowhere on this planet is completely safe. But here I can take night buses without having to sit behind the driver, I can go out at night for a few drinks and not be harassed or attacked. Though Helsinki is a major city, our children walk home or take public transport without worry. I feel too many people are enjoying maligning Finland at this time. While some people have had a very different experience, I can say in nine years I have not had to worry about my or my child's safety. Here when a horrific crime happens it's an anomaly, a rare occurrence, that shakes us to the core such as the school shooting this year. Finland has its issues, but I'm not sure what it is that so many people is trying to achieve by claiming there are racists at every corner or that immigrants are fleeing it in droves. Yes there is racism, and the job market is hard - but I don't know of any country with streets paved with gold - especially not if you're a black female, gender diverse, or lack a tertiary education. Finland has a huge number of successful and satisfied immigrants. Many have made it against incredible odds, coming from low-income or refugee backgrounds without the luxury of European, British or American certifications or Finnish spouses. I believe it does them a great disservice to constantly bleat about what's impossible to achieve in this country. #finland #suomi #workinfinland

🇳🇴 Happy Constitution Day, Norway! 🎉 Today, as we celebrate our cherished national day, we're reminded of a profound thought from Danby Choi: 'It's not agreement that makes Norway an incredible place to live; it's the disagreements.' This is the reason Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch became famous in the first place. They explored the very essence of human conflict and introspection - even when it was controversial. Women’s rights should now be obvious and vital. That’s what we learned from Ibsen's 'A Doll's House'. It’s a dialogue on discord that sparks greater awareness and freedom. Our ability to embrace and discuss our differences is what strengthens our society. As Hegel would put it in his philosophy: Thesis + Antithesis = Synthesis. And democracies allow for positive infinities of such synthesis - as opposed to negative. Today, let's celebrate our capacity to disagree constructively—because it’s at the heart of our progress and unity. Let’s cherish our shared values and the beautiful diversity of thought that makes Norway truly unique. 🌟 #ConstitutionDay #Norway #HenrikIbsen #EdvardMunch #Philosophy #NationalDay"

The right wing Swedish government’s latest proposal to map the values that immigrants bring with them to Sweden is a deeply troubling & dangerous step towards an increasingly authoritarian and exclusionary policy. Under the guise of “protecting Swedish values” or defending democracy, we must question whether this mapping is yet another tool to stigmatize & cast suspicion on already marginalized groups, particularly Muslims & non-white minorities. Introducing such policies shifts the focus towards a racist & Islamophobic agenda, reminiscent of a time when people were classified based on their origin, faith, & ethnicity rather than their actions. This proposal echoes the dangerous ideas that have been legitimized by the Sweden Democrats (SD), a racist Political party whose members have openly expressed misogynostic, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, homophobic, & deeply racist views. What is particularly disturbing, yet revealing, is that the Swedish government are pointing to Muslims as a supposed threat to Pride parades, while it is well-known that representatives from the SD themselves have attacked and threatened Pride. Björn Söder, a former speaker of the parliament, has stated that the Pride movement is linked to pedophilia, thus undermining its legitimacy. We see a similar double standard in relation to anti-Semitism. Muslims are often scapegoated as threats to Jewish communities in Sweden, while it was a SD speaker who once declared that “Jews cannot be Swedes.” This is not the first time we’ve witnessed this pattern: immigrants, particularly Muslims, are used as scapegoats for every social problem, while the real threats to human rights & democracy are ignored — or worse, encouraged — by this far-right government. The mapping of “values” implies that some values are inherently better or more “Swedish” than others, paving the way for the dangerous exclusion of those who do not fit into a narrow, nationalist mold. From an anti-racist and anti-fascist perspective, it is unacceptable for the government, with the support of the SD, to pursue a policy that dehumanizes & marginalizes people based on their faith, background, or values. This kind of rhetoric is not only dangerous, but it also fundamentally violates human rights. Every individual has the right to be protected from discrimination and judged based on their actions, not on preconceived notions about their beliefs or culture. Human rights are built on the principles of equality and human dignity. Instead of mapping and casting suspicion on immigrants and Muslims, the government should focus on confronting the real threat: the normalization of racist and fascist ideas within Swedish politics and society. That is where the true danger to our democracy and values lies. The government’s proposal is not just an attack on immigrants, Muslims, and other minorities, but a threat to the very foundation of Sweden’s democratic principles.

Honoring the 25th of April: A Celebration of Democracy in Portugal 🇵🇹✨ Today, we join Portugal in commemorating the 25th of April, a pivotal moment in history that marks the Carnation Revolution of 1974. This day not only signifies the triumph of democracy over dictatorship in Portugal but also stands as a reminder of the enduring value of freedom, justice, and human rights. At Belalgarve Consultants, we recognize the significance of this day, as it reminds us of the importance of democratic values in fostering open, inclusive, and prosperous societies. As we reflect on this day, we celebrate the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of progress that continues to inspire our partnerships and our work across the globe. Let us all take a moment to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today and recommit ourselves to the principles of democracy and equality. #25deAbril #DemocracyDay #Portugal #Freedom #belalgarveGlobal

We fully support AGE Platform Europe and European Youth Forum in denouncing age-based discrimination in all forms. Find out more in this important #SolidarityBetweenGenerations declaration 👇