Yesterday, Finland enacted a controversial law empowering border guards to reject asylum seekers from Russia, citing concerns over “hybrid warfare” and manipulation of migration flows by Moscow. This legislation comes as Helsinki accuses Russia of directing migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia across its borders as a form of retaliation for Finland’s NATO membership.
The new law, which narrowly passed with the minimum required votes in Finland’s 200-seat parliament, allows for the temporary rejection of asylum applications at border points under specific conditions. It explicitly aims to prevent individuals from entering Finland via orchestrated routes from Russia, although it makes exceptions for children, the disabled, and those deemed particularly vulnerable.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, leading a right-wing government, has declared the measure essential for national security. He emphasized that it sends a clear message to both Russia and international allies about Finland’s commitment to safeguarding its borders and the broader security of the European Union. However, this move has sparked a significant debate about its compatibility with Finland’s constitutional and international obligations concerning human rights.
Critics, including academics, legal experts, and human rights organizations, argue that the law violates international treaties and Finland’s commitments under EU regulations. They warn that it sets a dangerous precedent that could affect the global asylum system. Concerns were also raised by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, who highlighted that security and human rights do not have to be at odds, suggesting that the law could have broader negative implications for humanitarian practices worldwide.
The Finnish government has defended the legislation as a necessary response to an unusual situation, stressing the need for enhanced border security in light of what it perceives as aggressive moves by Russia. In 2023, over 1,300 migrants crossed into Finland, prompting the government to shut down its borders with Russia temporarily.
This legislation aligns with similar measures taken by other European countries like Poland and Lithuania, which have also faced challenges with migrants entering through Russia and Belarus. These countries have cited similar security concerns and the need to control their borders against orchestrated migration efforts.
Finland’s Interior Minister Mari Rantanen reiterated that no timeline has been set for reopening the border crossings with Russia, highlighting ongoing security assessments. Meanwhile, the Finnish Border Guard reported that enforcement of the new law began immediately, with personnel at border points prepared to implement the new rules.
As Finland navigates these complex security and humanitarian challenges, the international community watches closely. The debate continues on balancing national security needs with the obligations to protect human rights and provide refuge to those in dire need. The Finnish government remains firm on its stance, urging potential migrants not to risk illegal crossings into Europe, while Moscow denies any involvement in orchestrating migration patterns.
Red = Russia
Green = Finland
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