The UN Youth of Helsinki is striving to make all of its events safer spaces. For us, this means that everyone has the freedom to be themselves without a fear of violence, harassment, mockery or discrimination. The goal is to make everyone feel safe, welcome and aware of actions to take when inappropriate behaviour is detected. Maintaining a safer space is a shared responsibility of all event attendees.
In case of experiencing or noticing harassment, you may contact the equality and parity representative of UN Youth of Helsinki by
- E-form: https://elomake.helsinki.fi/lomakkeet/95458/lomake.html
- E-mail: mimmi.herranen (at) helsinki.fi
If the event has a separate harassment contact person, you may inform them about the inappropriate behaviour immediately. A person guilty of harassment or assault will be removed from an event immediately if necessary.
Guidelines for a safer space:
- The golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
- Don’t make assumptions about a person, their background, or opinions based on their skin tone, other external characteristics, or speech.
- Don’t assume a person’s sexuality or gender.
- Don’t assume everyone to be able to do the same things as you. Don’t assume everyone to be healthy.
- Since we all still hold prejudice, try to become aware of your assumptions. Respect others past your biases.
- Don’t embarrass or shame others.
- Don’t touch others without their permission and respect personal space. Remember that you don’t know someone’s limits before you ask them.
- Don’t interrupt others and respect what they have to say. Don’t judge.
- Don’t reproduce racist stereotypes in your speech, actions, or behaviour.
- Give space – make sure that everyone is able to participate in the discussion.
- Be respectful when discussing sensitive topics.
- Don’t criticize someone’s looks.
