Reacting to the Emergency Law on Migration in Finland
Amnesty International’s Concerns
Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Europe, Dinushika Dissanayake expressed grave concerns over Finland’s approval of an emergency law on the “instrumentalization” of migration. The law is seen as a threat to asylum access and protection from refoulement in the country, raising fears of arbitrariness and violence at the border.
- Undermines access to asylum and protection rights
- Raises concerns about Finland’s commitment to the rule of law
- Contradicts EU crisis regulation on force majeure
Background of the Emergency Law
The new emergency law defines “instrumentalization” of migration as actions by states or actors to facilitate irregular movements for destabilization. This law is part of recent measures to limit rights of asylum seekers and migrants, responding to increased crossings from Russia into Finland since last September.
- Similar measures in Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland
- Multiple policies introduced in breach of human rights law
- In response to perceived “instrumentalization” attempts
Amnesty International’s Call to Action
Amnesty International called for the European Commission to scrutinize the legality of the new Finnish law, which goes beyond EU powers and threatens fundamental asylum principles. The organization urges a reevaluation of the law’s impact on human rights and international obligations.
Find more information in Amnesty International’s media advisory.
Source: www.amnesty.org