Finland is proposing a plan to push back migrants at the Russian border.
HELSINKI, May 19 (Reuters) – Finland’s prime minister will propose legislation next week that would allow border guards to block asylum seekers trying to enter from Russia, a decision that could lead to Helsinki temporarily suspending its international obligations. violate.
Finland closed its borders with Russia last year to prevent the entry of a growing number of countries including Syria and Somalia, accusing Moscow of weaponizing migration against itself and the European Union, a claim the Kremlin denies.
Finland annoyed Russia last year by dropping its longstanding military noncommitment and joining the NATO alliance in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The country has also signed a bilateral defense treaty with the United States.
The right-wing government coalition’s proposed draft law acknowledges that returning migrants to Russia without processing their asylum applications is a violation of Finland’s international human rights obligations, but says its use will be temporary and limited.
Prime Minister Petri Urpo said the proposal would go to parliament next week, where it would be presented to the constitutional committee for consideration.
It needs five-sixths of parliamentary votes to pass — the upper threshold required for constitutional matters — and success is not certain.
“Since this phenomenon is in the hands of Russia – who, from where and when comes to the Finnish border – we can not allow,” Urpo told reporters. So we need to strengthen our laws.
Border guard data shows that fewer than 40 migrants from Russia have crossed the border through desert areas this year since Finland closed its land crossings, compared to about 1,300 last year. have been imported. A railroad crossing is open for cargo only.
Finnish leaders say the law remains needed because migrants can re-enter as warmer weather makes travel easier.
“There are still thousands of people in Russia,” Urpo said, citing intelligence reports. They are waiting for a chance to reach the Finnish border.
Finland shares a 1340 km (830 mi) border with Russia.
The bill allows border authorities to return asylum seekers who cross Russia with or without force. But it does not apply to children and disabled people whose asylum applications Finland continues to accept.
Contacted by Reuters on May 3, Finland’s largest opposition group, the Social Democrats, said it would not commit to supporting the bill before parliament debates the final version.
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