The Ombudsman for Equality has requested information from the Ministry of the Interior regarding the process of devising the refugee quota for 2025. This follows a report published by Helsingin Sanomat claiming that Ministers Mari Rantanen and Lulu Ranne have been looking to reduce the share of Muslims and increase that of Christians in the quota.
Rantanen, currently on leave, and Ranne have allegedly instructed ministry officials to create a quota for next year that excludes refugees from countries like Afghanistan and focuses on receiving more refugees from places such as Venezuela. The Ombudsman for Equality is investigating these instructions to ensure they do not discriminate based on religion or country of origin, as prohibited by the Finnish constitution.
The government is expected to finalize the refugee quota for 2025 this month, with Parliament making a decision by year-end. Opposition parties have criticized the reported plan to reduce Muslim intake, citing discrimination and racism. The situation has raised concerns about using refugee issues to push domestic policies and racist agendas.
Overall, the request for information aims to ensure that the refugee quota process is fair and in compliance with equality laws in Finland.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT