Finland's parliament has narrowly passed controversial legislation that will allow border guards to turn away migrants trying to cross from Russia. Human rights critics call the move a breach of international laws.

Läykänkuja

Finland's parliament has narrowly passed controversial legislation that will allow border guards to turn away migrants attempting to cross from Russia. The legislation follows accusations that Russia is aiding the flow of migrants into Finland, prompting the country to take decisive action on its border control policies.

Mouyad Salami, one of more than 1,300 asylum seekers who crossed into Finland last year, highlighted the ease of passing through Russian checkpoints with the help of a smuggler. Finland's government has cited such instances to justify the new law, claiming it is a strong message to Russia to deter the orchestrated movement of migrants into Finnish territory.

While Finland defends the legislation as a necessary measure, human rights and legal experts argue that it violates European Union laws and undermines the country's longstanding commitment to human rights. The UN refugee agency has voiced concerns that this move could set a worrying precedent, suggesting that fundamental human rights are being compromised in the process.

Despite the passage of the new law, Finland revealed there has been minimal attempted illegal crossings since the law was enacted, with only one reported case. However, according to Salami, there remain many others in Russia waiting for a chance to cross the border. For now, Finland's border with Russia remains closed indefinitely.



Finland passes law banning migrants crossing from Russia

We are in a village very close to Russia. This is a dormitory where asylum seekers live while they wait to find out if they can stay in Finland. Mouyad Salami crossed over the Russian border last year on a bicycle with others. After paying a smuggler and stopping at a Russian checkpoint. It was very easy. Only you talk to them, you give them your passport. They check your passport, your visa is valid. They said okay, you can enter. They sell for us a bicycle and we enter. Salami, who was previously living in Syria, is one of more than 1,300 asylum seekers who crossed into Finland last year. Leading the country to close its border with Russia, which it accuses of funneling the migrants into the region. And now Finland's parliament has approved a controversial law which allows border guards to block asylum seekers from entering the country. We have prepared, said Finland's prime minister. It's a strong message to Russia. But legal and human rights experts are alarmed by Finland's legislation, which they say is against EU law. Finland has a very proud tradition of upholding human rights. The UN refugee agency fears Finland's move could set an even greater precedent. The other message that this law sends is that, you know, human rights are negotiated. For now, Finland says there's no need to use the law because since March, only one person has tried to cross illegally. But Salami says many more are waiting in Russia. I think if they open the border here for one week, maybe we'll find here a thousand of people here. Which is why for now, Finland says its border with Russia is closed indefinitely. Briar Stewart, CBC News, London.

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