Finland’s Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen of the Finns Party. Non-Discrimination Ombudsman: Interior Ministry’s political leadership discriminated in refugee quota allocation. LEHTIKUVA
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Finland’s Interior Ministry has been accused of discrimination in its refugee selection process, according to a report by the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman. The ministry allegedly sought to prevent Muslim refugees from Afghanistan and Syria from coming to Finland as part of the country’s quota refugee plan for 2025.
The report states that officials received discriminatory instructions favouring applicants from Christian-majority countries.
Kristina Stenman, the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, said the ministry’s actions violated principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination based on religion and national origin.
The Interior Ministry has stated that it will review the report and awaits an assessment from the Chancellor of Justice. Mari Rantanen, the Minister of the Interior, has declined to comment on the matter.
Concerns over Finland’s refugee policies have grown in recent months. The government has introduced multiple legislative changes affecting asylum seekers and immigrants, including restrictions on work permits, reduced financial support, and longer residency requirements for citizenship. The Ombudsman’s office has warned that these measures disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, particularly children and individuals granted international protection.
The Chancellor of Justice is expected to issue a formal assessment of the case, while the Interior Ministry has been tasked with reviewing its policies.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
