Finnish attitudes towards immigrants more positive

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Finnish attitudes towards immigrants as a whole have become more positive than before.
      "The native Finnish population's attitudes towards various nationalities, however, vary greatly", points out the Finnish League for Human Rights annual report Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Finland 2005, edited by Annamari Salonen.
      For example, attitudes towards the Swedes or the Ingrian returning migrants are generally positive, whereas those towards the Russians or the Somalis are mainly negative. The most reserved with their attitudes are young men and pensioners.
     
According to the report by the Finnish League for Human Rights, one out of four Finnish youngsters consider themselves racist, or at least in some way give their support to activities directed against immigrants.
      Somalian Sahra Abdillah feels the attitudes towards the Somalis have toughened. "I don't know why. Many of us work, study, and make an effort to integrate, but it seems there are always problems when people talk about us."
      "I believe it may be because the Finns have learned to recognise us. It is more difficult to pick a quarrel if you don't even know the nationality of the person", reckons upper secondary school student Shirwae Qasim.
     
The report pays special attention to violence and discrimination against female immigrants.
      In relation to the size of population, the number of immigrant women inhabiting shelter homes for women is manifold compared with women of Finnish origin. It has also been pointed out that the immigrant women often face problems when seeking advice or support services. This is mainly because of the language barrier and lack of information.
      According to the Finnish League for Human Rights project manager Annamari Salonen, the fear of deportation without a permanent resident status can also force many women to remain in an abusive relationship.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  About 200 Ingrian returning migrants deported for committing crimes (12.12.2005)
  Immigration and tourism from Russia boost economy and population of Eastern Finland (15.3.2005)

Links:
  Finnish League for Human Rights

Helsingin Sanomat