Finland discussing abuse and migration
Several cases of sexual abuse of children by refugees or asylum seekers in Finland have led to heated disputes in Finland about migration and criminal law. The parliament decided on Tuesday to raise the maximum punishment for the sexual abuse of children from four to six years. For Finnish media that is not about to put an end to the debate.
Asylum system works against women and children
The asylum system is the problem, writes Iltalehti:
“It's above all women and children across the world who need protection. The sex abuse victims in Finland belong to these two groups. There's a connection between the women in Finland and those in a weaker position in other countries: the European asylum system. It clearly puts young men at an advantage. Travelling from the Middle East or Central Asia through the EU and across the Finnish border is very demanding for individuals. ... Mostly it is only young men who manage this. ... What Finland really needs is an asylum system that protects those in great need both inside the country and elsewhere.”
Dangers of the Internet still unrecognised
The fact that the first contact between victims and perpetrators took place partially via social media means that people are still insufficiently aware of the dangers lurking on the web, Ilta-Sanomat points out:
“It's easy to say you're someone else on the Internet, and social media offer unlimited possibilities to do this. ... In schools it's important to talk with children and youths of all age groups about the problems of the Internet. ... And the topic should also be discussed at home. ... Many adults are still in the learning phase as far as the Internet goes. Only now are we starting to understand that although it opens up the world to us, it also brings many unpleasant things with it.”