E/C.12/1/Add.8 page 2 B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee notes the generally high level of achievement by Finland of its obligations in respect of the protection of the rights set forth in the Covenant. In this regard, the Committee expresses its appreciation of the recent amendments which have been incorporated in the Constitution concerning the protection of certain economic, social and cultural rights of all persons under the State party’s jurisdiction. The Committee also notes with satisfaction the existence and the activities of the Advisory Board on Human Rights Affairs, composed of representatives of various human rights organizations and of several ministries, and of the Parliamentary Ombudsman, who has competence in the field of human rights. 4. The Committee welcomes the measures taken to promote equality between men and women, such as the establishment of the Council of Equality, the Equality Ombudsman and the recent adoption of legislation requiring at least 40 per cent representation of both sexes in government appointed bodies at the national and local levels. 5. The Committee also welcomes the Government’s policies and programmes aimed at creating new jobs and at helping the unemployed to join or return to the labour force, through vocational training programmes, particularly those aimed at young people. 6. The Committee notes with satisfaction the measures taken to protect and shelter the victims of domestic violence, in particular the activities deployed in this respect by the government-subsidized Union of Shelter Homes. The Committee also welcomes the recent criminalization of marital rape as a means to combat the phenomenon of violence against women. 7. The Committee notes with satisfaction the measures aimed at promoting the teaching of the Roma and Sami languages in schools and welcomes the possibility provided to the elected representatives of the Sami people to address the Parliament on issues affecting their interests. 8. The Committee notes that, despite the difficulties due to the economic recession, Finland regularly contributes, although at a reduced level, to programmes of international cooperation, thus potentially promoting the realization of economic, social and cultural rights in other countries.