59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
Delivered by H.E. Ambassador Heidi Schroderus-Fox, Permanent Representative of Finland
18.06.2025
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report and dedicated work.
Freedom of opinion and expression is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Similarly, elections are key democratic milestones that help hold governments accountable.
The challenge today is, how to harness the positive impacts of digital technologies to elections while keeping the negative ones at bay. Increased possibilities to seek, receive and transmit information and ideas can make electoral processes more open, increase transparency around candidates, and engage voters.
However, the use of disinformation that undermine the legitimacy and integrity of elections remains a major concern. Hate speech spread on digital platforms, targeting especially women and girls, minorities and journalists, can silence important voices, and discourage voters from casting their vote. Furthermore, internet shutdowns and network disruptions have no place in the toolbox for organizing elections.
Special Rapporteur Khan, how can we best mitigate the harmful potential of digital technologies to freedom of opinion and expression during elections?
I thank you.