In a letter to Marie Rantanen, Finland’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Kristina Stenman, the Finnish Commissioner for Equal Rights, voiced concerns about possible violations of asylum seekers’ rights at the border with the Russian Federation and suggested reintroducing checkpoints. The message was reported by TASS.
The communication indicates that Stenman hopes the Finnish government will decide on reopening cross-border traffic in the coming weeks.
The letter recalls the January 8 incident when 18 individuals from the Middle East, including women and children, arrived in Finland from Russia and crossed the border in a manner that violated official rules. The Ombudsman noted that these actions could expose them to risk.
Previously, the Finnish Border Guard closed the checkpoint twice. First, automobile checkpoints were shut from November 30 to December 14, 2023. Later, two checkpoints were opened, but the flow of migrants resumed. The Council of Ministers subsequently decided to extend the border closure until January 14.
Under the current decision, the eastern border of Finland remains closed through February 11, with expectations that the restriction may be extended again.
Earlier statements from the Finnish presidency acknowledged ongoing difficulties at the Russian border.
[Source: TASS; statements by the Finnish Ombudsman and government authorities are referenced for context.]