Russia is not unpredictable. In its operations against Finland, it exploits racism because Finland is a racist country.
The observation by writer Sofi Oksnanen is the only one I have read that reveals the government’s pushbacks and their draconian immigration and asylum policy. The government’s knee-jerk reaction to closing the Finnish-Russian border shows how Finnish politicians and the media have jumped on the populist-racist bandwagon.
Oksanen is a sharp writer and observer, especially of governments with autocratic intentions. It is surprising that the Finnish media, never mind politicians, have not dared to question the government’s policies but bowed instead to them.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo can claim with a poker face its immigration policy isn’t racist because it is a copy of what is being done in other Nordic countries. Would it be fair to say that the immigration policy of all Nordic countries is then racist?
Thanks to a talk hosted by the European Network on Religion and Belief (ENORB) this week, we were able to witness once again the violent pushbacks occurring on EU borders, Migrant Tales recently published a story about this pushback on the Turkish-Greek Evros River border.
The pushbacks, which go largely unnoticed by the European media, are happening right now and are the region’s blind spot and shame.
Writes Mireia Rimbau Vilà of ENORB: “As negotiations for the New EU Pact on Migration and Asylum are finalized, the future is bleak. For this, we need to stand together in solidarity. At the European Network on Religion and Belief, we want to build bridges between different groups to strengthen community cohesion.”
Pushbacks are a reality that asylum seekers and migrants are facing in many parts of the EU.
It is hard to make any sense out of the on-and-off Russian border closings.
Whether these will have any real effect in the long run on numbers of asylum seekers remains to be seen.
The way the war is going in Ukraine this winter almost guarantees an influx of hundreds or thousands more from that country, all of whom have so far been granted humanitarian protection. The impact of the Gaza conflict looks increasingly scary.
Ostensibly some of those who come from Ukraine have other destination options and as many might be diverted elsewhere as the number seen to be trickling across the Russian border when allowed. That way the objections about the social costs of accepting asylum seekers could be managed. A place in a refugee reception center has the same price, regardless of nationality.
But then there is this political contention that we should be helping Ukraine.
Now, the news just out from Russia is that the country is tightening up its laws regarding undocumented persons and that those who are not regularized will be fined or jailed- but given the option to fight in Ukraine after which they would be granted Russian residence.
It seems to me that if we really want to help Ukraine, we (meaning Finland) could grant many of those applying to Finland entry residence permits and deny the Russian army their services as reinforcements to destroy Ukraine. Accommodating, hundreds of such applicants from Russia would likely come much cheaper than the millions we are now spending to send weapons for Zelensky to fight a losing war. It would also likely be a policy appreciated by both Ukraine and our EU colleagues struggling to retain a credible refugee protection regime in the eyes of the world.
It would likely also be accepted by Russia as such a policy could also allow us to open the eastern border permitting persons of Russian extraction to be reunited over the holidays and winter months. Keeping the border open would also allow the continuation of container and automobile traffic transiting Russia, the loss of which is costing Finnish businesses millions.
This is the kind of “realpolitik” we could use as the birthrate in Finland has plummeted and those entering retirement are increasing apace. In an economy that is hardly growing, there is not much to attract the high-flying career movers that the Confederation of Finnish Businesses (EK) and Business Finland fantasize about, not even with fast-track residence permits.
On the other hand, knocking at the Eastern border among the “anonymous masses” are many highly educated and experienced professionals of working age. There is no really good reason not to allow them to enter. We just need to do the screening to identify them. This could to a large extent probably be done at Finnish consulates like Petroskoi. This would also take the pressure off the border crossings. Unfortunately, our government decided to close those as an empty gesture to Russia meant to show disapproval of the invasion of Ukraine.
The problem at the Eastern border is really a management one. In 2016, there was a similar issue of hundreds without documents entering from Russia. President Sauli Niinistö set up a meeting with Vladimir Putin and the whole problem was dealt with. Orpo, then the Finnish interior minister, went to Moscow and worked out the details behind the scenes. In short order persons without documents were stopped before getting to the border and the crisis was over. This was done with quiet diplomacy and no-one asked how this could happen under international or EU refugee protection laws.
I ran into former SUPO chief Seppo Tiitinen at an event where he was promoting his book at a community center in my neighbourhood. I asked him why Finland does not use the same formula to address the crises at the eastern border as in 2016.”We have to come off our high horse and talk to the Russians,” he said or words to that effect. “If we are able to,” He pointed out that the country had long used a “special” link to the top Russian leadership.
Orpo has announced that he has no interest in talking to Putin -or the Russians. So has Niinistö. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen met Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the CSCE meeting in Skopje, a meeting convened to keep alive “The Helsinki Spirit” of all things. The words describe a high point of Finnish diplomacy, all about ending the cold war with peaceful diplomacy. Valtonen refused to shake Lavrov’s hand. Being new to the job, it seems Valtonen doesn’t understand what she is there for.
Finns are entitled to be represented by politicians who are willing to pragmatically manage relations with neighbouring countries- not build antagonisms.
Before starting their jobs, leaders-particularly in small countries neighboring huge ones, should be required to repeat Paasikivi’s famous quote a hundred times. They can find it engraved on the statue dedicated to him on Mannerheimintie Avenue.
“Peace comes from understanding the reality of things.
*Ahti Tolvanen is on the Migrant Tales’ editorial board.
Article 3 – border control measures must be without prejudice to the rights of refugees and other people requesting international protection, in particular as regards the principle of non-refoulement.
Perussuomalaiset (PS)* FinnishInterior Minister Mari Rantnanen called herself Tuesday a “tough border lady” on A-studio. After opening two border checkpoints Thursday at Vaalima and Niirala, Rantnan announced they’d be closed again on Friday at 8 pm due to about 200 asylum seekers.
“We have seen an immediate resumption of illegal immigration at the eastern border [and therefore we will close to border again],” Rantanen was quoted as saying in Helsingin Sanomat.
Illegal immigration? Even Yle reporter Juulia Tillaeus at Vaalima, said Russia was allowing “illegal asylum seekers” to go to Finland.
Migrant Tales sent Juulia Tillaeus an email stating that her reporting was biased since there was no such thing as “illegal asylum seekers.” Such terms are used by anti-immigration politicians to discredit and dehumanize asylum seekers.
Send her an email ([email protected]) and ask her to stop labeling asylum seekers wrongly. Ask her to read at least the European Convenion on Human Rights.
The billboard was published om 2015-2016, claiming that 10,000 “illegal” refugees were coming to Finland. The claim that refugees are “illegal” is preposterous since such people have a right to ask for asylum in another country. The claim that refugees are coming to the country “illegally” is a good example of the xenophobia spread by the Finnish media. Source: Iltalehti
Regurgitating her favorite echo chamber hits about asylum seekers, one claim by Rantanen tops them all: such people coming from Russia are “a threat to national security.” Really? How?
After opening the two vborder crossings, the government decided to shut them the following day.Source: Yle News
When Rantanen speaks about asylum seekers, she reflects the ongoing toxic anti-immigration narrative so common in many EU countries.
As Finland plans to open two of its eight bordercrossing points Thursday, Interior Minister Mari Rantanen was busy on A-studio spreading her usual bravado and get-tough-on-migrant soundbites earmarked principally for the Perussuomalaiset (PS)* party’s supporters.
Rantanen has a funny habit of smiling after a difficult comment. According to her, some 900 asylum seekers were a threat to national security and therefore Finland had to close the border with Russia.
It’s pretty clear that after breaking its campaign, like promising lower fuel prices at the pumps and food prices, coupled with massive cutbacks in social welfare spending, the PS is in deep trouble with its supporters.
After the European Council’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic, rebuked Rantanen for the closure of the border, Poland’s new Prime Minister Donald Tusk gave a strong speech at the Sejm, the lower house of parliament, that gave hope against the toxic tide of anti-immigration rhetoric, which runs also high in Finland. as well.
“The criticism [by EU Commissioner Miatovic] doesn’t have any bearing on our decision [to open up two border crossings] since the government has been guided by national security, which has been the main factor for closing the [Finnish-Russian] border,” said Rantanen.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (left) and Prime Minister Donald Tusk are two very different politicians. Sources: Yle and Wikipedia
In many respects, Tusk’s speech was not only directed at the outgoing ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), but against xenophobic politicians like Rantanen and other ones in other European countries.
For years now the day has seen gatherings and rallies in support of immigrant and refugee rights and counterdemonstrations by nationalists who stand for ethnic purity.
At times the police have seized Nazi flags from the arch-nationalists or blocked violent attacks by some of these people against antifascists and antiracists.
Some claim that the police took sides with the neo-Nazi 612 demontrators. on December 6. Photo: Ahti Tolvanen.
This year for the first time, the police left the nationalist extremists and Nazis to go about their grim business and drove the anti-Nazi antiracist larger group off the streets -or tried to. One might say the Helsinki constabulary seemed to be bent on turning Independence Day 2023 into a festival for bigots.
The undersigned was at Töölöntori around 17.30 where “Helsinki Ilman Natseja” (Helsinki Without Nazis) group had convened a demonstration beginning at 4 pm. Another demonstration by known nationalist extremists had been called for at 6 pm in the name of “612”.
Is it a coincidence that Perussuomalaiset (PS)* Interior Minister Mari Rantanen’s letter Tuesday to the EU Commission on scraping asylum rights temporarily is an accidental coincidence? News of Rantanen’s letter, which has received harsh criticism from Professor of International Law Matti Koskenniemi, was published after a story byThe Guardian claiming global inaction on human rights could fuel “mass atrocities” and over 1,000 unmarked graves were discovered on EU migration routes.
Interioir Minister Mari Rantanen is the dark face of Finland’s immigration policy who wants to put on ice human rights for asylum seekers. Some consider her an incompetent minister driven by Islamophobia and xenophobia. Source: Yle
While Professor Koksenniemi slammed Rantanen’s letter to the EU Commission as “unbelievable and incomprehensible,” not one minister, never mind Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, has questioned or commented on Rantanen’s letter to overhaul the asylum system.
Even President Sauli Niinistö, whose job is to oversee Finland’s foreign policy, has not uttered a word.
Rantanen’s letter to the EU Commission is another black stain on how the present government is undermining systematically human and civil rights in Finland.
“The whole purpose of this [refugee] system is to protect people in need,” Koskenniemi was quoted as saying in Demokraatti. “And the minister wants to attack this system without saying anything about what the purpose of this system is.”
Rantanen does not mention the word “refugee” once in the letter to the EU Commission.
Dr. Faith Mkwesha is a Zimbabwean who did her doctorate in South Africa and now lives in Finland. She has worked in higher education in Africa for many years. She is currently a lecturer and researcher at the University of Helsinki, the Swedish School of Social Sciences, and the Centre of Ethnic Relations and Nationalism (CEREN). She founded the Ubuntu Nordic Academy (UNA), where she offers Ubuntu-centered courses and expert workshops for institutions, businesses, and politics on health and well-being.
“I registered UNA after being encouraged by a friend who liked the meaning and practices of Ubuntu/Unhu African philosophy when he heard me give lectures on Ubuntu centered relations and partnerships. He even went on to buy some books on Ubuntu to show me that what I teach is more meaningful than some of these books. You know i was not thinking of making this a business that contributes in society here in Finland. You know Ubuntu teaches us to be kind even to strangers, give them food because we say a visitor does not empty the granary, and to respect each other. Ubuntu is very relevant in any society, i even teach about Ubuntu in university. This inspired me to start SahWira Africa International NGO an organization grounded in Ubuntu to advocate for women and children´s rights. “ – Dr. Faith Mkwesha
In a Western society, embracing the concept of Ubuntu has tremendous potential to foster unity, acceptance, and prosperity. Rooted in African philosophy, Ubuntu emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the idea that our well-being is intertwined with the well-being of others. By embracing this principle, Western societies can move toward a more communal and inclusive mindset, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. In a world often characterized by individualism, Ubuntu promotes empathy, cooperation, and mutual support – essential elements for addressing societal challenges. This philosophy can pave the way for a more compassionate and understanding society where diverse perspectives are not only tolerated but celebrated. Ultimately, the integration of Ubuntu into Western cultures can help build a more harmonious and prosperous community where the collective success of all is prioritized over individual achievement.
Among other very important things, Dr. Faith Mkwesha in her lecture below, “Ubuntu Centered Diversity,” highlights the profound importance of the deeply rooted Sankofa bird which is a rich tapestry of Akan culture. Sankofa embodies a profound philosophy that transcends time, encourages a reflective journey, and reminds us that understanding our roots is essential to personal and collective growth. This timeless wisdom resonates and echoes throughout the African diaspora, serving as a powerful beacon of cultural identity.
Amid the rise of far-right ideologies, Ubuntu is emerging as a powerful tool for healing and building a stronger society. Ubuntu serves as a counterforce to divisive narratives by championing interconnectedness and shared humanity. It encourages dialogue over discord and promotes understanding in the face of ideological polarization. The philosophy’s emphasis on collective well-being by dismantling the exclusivity often associated with far-right politics, it paves the way for a more inclusive and harmonious society. Ubuntu challenges the us-versus-them mentality and offers a way to heal societal fractures and build a resilient foundation rooted in empathy, cooperation, and shared prosperity. In times of political polarization, embracing Ubuntu becomes not only a cultural imperative but a pragmatic strategy for forging a more united and resilient future.
I invite you to embark on a transformative intellectual journey by watching a riveting lecture by Dr. Faith Mkwesha, which delves into Ubuntu Centered Diversity. The video, accessible via Ubuntu Nordic Academy’s YouTube channel, showcases Dr. Faith Mkwesha’s expertise and promises to provide valuable insights that could reshape our understanding of our society and how much Ubuntu is needed.
Much of Finland’s hostility towards asylum seekers and visible minorities lies on President Sauli Niinistö, who hosts today his last Independence Day gala. For some, like me, this is good news. Hopefully, Finland’s next president will have a greater understanding of migrants, cultural diversity and peace-building.
Ahti Tolvanen, who is a member of the Migrant Tales board, believes that President Niinistö failed in his job number one.
“One of the areas that President Niinist failed was maintaining Finland as a peacekeeping nation,” he said. “He just walked away from decades of a tradition in The Helsinki Spirit.”
The Helsinki Spirit was the basis of Finland’s foreign policy grounded on détente and non-involvement and not taking sides in conflicts.
President Niinistö dancing with his wife Jenni Haukio at the Independence Day gala.
During the past eight years of his mandate, President Niinistö has shown his hostility towards asylum seekers, especially Muslims, and other people of color. He was never a friend of such communities.
President Niinistö’s prejudices and apparent ignorance about racism are one source that feeds Finland’s hostile environment against migrants and minorities. Some of his comments and stances (see below) leave some scratching their heads.
Why is the dual citizenship issue being raised again by Yle? According to a survey of MPs, 34 would block dual Finnish-Russian citizenship, while 36 said they would not. Twenty-six had no opinion.
Is it surprising that the majority of MPs who want to restrict dual citizenship are members of the Perussuomalaiset (PS)* and National Coalition Party?
The whole issue of dual citizenship should be seen as another step in the road of insularity and xenophobia. It’s concerning because if the government succeeds at excluding Russians from enjoying dual citizenship, other nationalities will follow. What else could you expect from the present government?
The government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo plans to tighten citizenship laws. Some of the measures include raising the residence requirement for citizenship to eight from five years. Are there plans to do away with dual citizenship rights as well?
After the Cold War and joining the EU in 1995, Finland passed a number of laws that aimed to make the country more inclusive. With the tightening of immigration laws and the hostile view of outsiders by the present government, some believe that Finland wants to return to the days when the country did everything possible to exclude and make life difficult for foreigners.
