Good relations between population groups are based on positive attitudes, functioning interaction, a sense of security and participation in society. Good relations between population groups are part of a receptive society that promotes inclusiveness.
Promoting good relations between population groups can be an objective in almost all planned activities related to people’s everyday lives. The key parts of policies on relations between population groups are:
- influencing attitudes
- promoting the safety of people belonging to different population groups,
- measures to increase and improve the interaction between groups,
- use of conflict resolution and mediation methods, and
- preventing segregation of housing.
Municipalities, organisations and civil society promote interaction between people at local level. Supporting good relations between population groups requires that practices causing inequality are identified and discontinued and that services and activities are developed in a way that makes them suitable for everyone. At local level, it is important to analyse what kind of measures would support cooperation between immigrants and people born in Finland in residential areas and in recreational activities.
All immigrants should be able to participate in decision-making on matters affecting them. It is important for the authorities to be open about their activities and to consult and engage the public, for example through hearings, client panels and various customer feedback systems.
Municipalities alone or together with others may form, in cooperation with local labour market, business and civil society organisations, a local advisory board, whose tasks may include the promotion of good relations between population groups.
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Equality.fi
