Finland has announced the closure of its entire border with Russia in an attempt to combat the increasing number of migrants crossing into Finland. The country has already closed seven out of eight crossing points along the border and will shut down the final crossing, Raja-Jooseppi, on Thursday night for a period of two weeks. The Finnish government has accused Russia of orchestrating the crossings, claiming that Russian officials are deliberately assisting migrants without proper documentation to reach the border. In November alone, around 900 asylum seekers from various countries including Morocco, Pakistan, and Syria entered Finland from Russia, a significant increase compared to the previous average rate of less than one per day. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the government’s determination to put an end to these crossings, stating that they pose a threat to national security.
This progressive closure of the border has been a response to the rising number of migrants entering Finland. The Raja-Jooseppi crossing, located within the Arctic Circle, was the last road crossing remaining open, but it will also be closed by Friday. Although the government reported only three migrants crossing through Raja-Jooseppi on Monday and none on Tuesday, it argues that this move is necessary to maintain national security. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of this decision on individuals seeking asylum, particularly due to the remote location of the crossing, about 900 kilometers north of Helsinki. The Finnish non-discrimination ombudsman expressed worries that this closure could jeopardize the right to asylum under international law.
Finnish border guards have stated that they have observed clear evidence of Russian officials assisting migrants in crossing into Finland. Instances have been noted where Russian border points were closed after individuals had crossed to prevent them from returning. This indicates a potential collaboration between Russian authorities and migrants. The Finnish government has cited legal concerns regarding the maintenance of Finland’s obligations under international refugee law as one of the reasons behind the decision to progressively close the border.
Despite the closures, there are concerns that asylum seekers will resort to unofficial crossing points, navigating through hundreds of kilometers of forests and rivers along the long border. With the arrival of winter, this poses even greater risks for individuals attempting to make their way to Finland. Pia Lindfors, the Executive Director of the Finnish Refugee Advice Centre, has called for the Finnish authorities to provide assistance to those in need on the Russian side of the border and to uphold the principle of “non-refoulement” by not pushing people back into Russia.
The decision to close the border with Russia has significant implications for both Finland and Russia. It further strains the relations between the two countries, and raises questions about the effectiveness of border control measures. The closure also highlights the challenges faced by countries in managing migration flows and the complex interplay between national security concerns and individual rights.
As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor the impact of the closures on migrant flows and the response of both Finland and Russia. The potential consequences for asylum seekers and the effectiveness of alternative border crossing prevention measures will also require close attention. The closure of the border with Russia serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by countries in managing migration and the pressing need for international cooperation and dialogue to address these issues effectively.
