Finland has once again closed its border with Russia for a month following a spike in asylum seeker entries. Over 300 individuals entered from Russia within two days, prompting the Finnish Border Guard to implement the closure. While two border crossings had been reopened after a two-week total closure, the Finnish government decided to reinstate the restrictions after an immediate resurgence in asylum seekers.
Background:
In November alone, around 900 asylum seekers, hailing from countries such as Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, entered Finland from Russia. This marked a significant increase from the previous rate of less than one per day. The Finnish government alleges that Moscow orchestrated this influx in retaliation for Finland’s decision to enhance defense cooperation with the United States. However, the Kremlin denies these accusations.
Closure and Reopening:
Finland initially closed its border in late November, causing the influx to halt temporarily. The border was later reopened in early December, only to be closed again on Friday. The decision to close was made swiftly after the Finnish Border Guard observed a renewed surge in asylum seekers following the reopening of two border crossings.
Challenges and Tensions:
The sudden closure led to congestion and tensions on the Finnish side of the Vaalimaa crossing. Reports indicate that Russian border crossers, some with children, had queued for the whole day, only to find out about the abrupt reclosure. Traffic congestion and frustrated individuals characterized the situation.
International Concerns:
The Council of Europe expressed concern about the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants following the temporary border closure. The council urged Finland to ensure that seeking protection remained possible. However, Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen asserted that there were no human rights concerns, emphasizing that asylum could still be sought at other entry points, such as harbors and airports.
As Finland grapples with the complex situation at its border with Russia, the closure highlights the challenges posed by the intersection of migration, geopolitics, and national security. The ongoing developments underscore the delicate balance between safeguarding borders and addressing humanitarian concerns, sparking both domestic and international scrutiny.
