We'd like to emphasise that the UN Human Rights Committee has not, without exception, taken a stand on Metsähallitus' existing logging plans in Angeli, or elsewhere in Inari. The committee has evaluated already logged areas, and their impact on the Sámi culture.

The decision of the committee also points out (articles 10.2. and 2.2) that the cumulative impact of the on-going and planned logging operations may violate the Sámi reindeer herders human rights, when the wider picture is considered. The committee's decision includes a statement on the ancient forest in Kippalrova and the existing logging plans for that area. The committee stated that it doesn't have to evaluate these plans since Metsähallitus has in its reply promised that this particular area will not be logged. So one of the most important reindeer grazing areas in Angeli has been protected.

Also, this UN Human Rights Committee's decision doesn't disprove the last year criticism by the UN Human Rights Commission, when it clearly stated that the Finnish government's current land use in the Sámi homeland threatens the traditional reindeer herding practiced by the indigenous Sámi minority.

- The Forest Rescue Team