Russia’s bordering country endorses controversial ‘deportation bill’
Date
7/14/2024 7:28:40 AM
(MENAFN) On Friday, Finnish lawmakers approved a contentious bill that grants border guards the authority to reject asylum seekers at the border. This legislation, titled "on temporary measures to combat instrumentalized migration," follows Finland's closure of all border crossings along its 1,340-kilometer frontier with Russia late last year, amid allegations that Moscow has been "weaponizing" migration.
The Finnish government has accused Russia of deliberately directing migrants towards its border crossings, a claim that Russia has labeled as “unsubstantiated.” Moscow has further asserted that Finland has effectively suspended cooperative efforts between their border agencies.
In response to these tensions, Finnish officials argue that the new law is necessary to counter what they describe as Russian “hybrid influence” that threatens national security. Since 2022, Finland has experienced a noticeable increase in migrants attempting to enter the country via its land border with Russia, with many hailing from conflict zones such as Somalia and Syria.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed optimism about the law, stating that its approval by parliament was a necessary step and hoping that it would never need to be implemented. He emphasized the government's commitment to finding solutions to the migration challenge.
However, the bill has faced significant backlash. European Union Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty wrote to Finnish lawmakers, urging them to reconsider, citing "significant human rights concerns" associated with the proposed law. He warned that the legislation could create a troubling precedent that might be adopted by other countries, particularly those with weaker human rights practices.
Additionally, over 200 university researchers from Finland and beyond signed a petition advocating for the rejection of the bill, reflecting a growing concern about its implications for human rights and the treatment of asylum seekers. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities surrounding migration policy and national security in the region.
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