Residents of Kempele supported housing unit relocated to ensure their safety

The Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation (ODL) has transferred young asylum seekers from the supported housing unit in Kempele to ensure the safety of residents.

A demonstration was held in Kempele on Saturday. During the protest, a dozen persons entered the yard of the supported housing unit, but were escorted off the premises by a security guard. Some of the intruders were representatives of the media. Disruptive activity has been continuous around the unit since Tuesday. Stones and fireworks have been thrown at the building and intruders have appeared on its grounds.

Kempele has been in the headlines this week as the result of a very distressing suspected crime. Young residents in particular were shocked by the news and the prejudice and fear directed at them as a consequence. Hardened attitudes among the locals have also been tough for the staff of the unit. The issue has been extensively discussed among both staff and young residents of the supported housing unit.

Young people have been guided in information sessions and in everyday life, in line with instructions

Supported housing units are responsible for providing asylum seekers with the legally required reception services, primarily accommodation, social services and health care. Staff use teaching materials provided by the Finnish Immigration Service to instruct asylum seekers on the ground rules of Finnish society. Information sessions are arranged on issues such as the Finnish legal system, equality and sexuality.

In such meetings, it is emphasised that, in Finland, all people have the right to full physical integrity. All sessions are interpreted into the native language of the asylum seekers.

Such guidance is not based solely on information sessions – the everyday work of reception staff naturally involves discussions with the residents on Finnish customs and rules during everyday activities. It is also emphasised to asylum seekers that every individual is responsible for their own actions.

Following the stir caused by the news, the Kempele supported housing unit now hopes that its staff can continue working and, most of all, the young residents can live in peace. The ODL will make every effort to normalise the situation in Kempele.

The Kempele supported housing unit is run by Arjen Avain Oy, a sub-organisation of the Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation. A few dozen young asylum seekers aged 16 to 17 who came to Finland without their parents live in the unit.

Further information for the media

Tapani Turpeinen, Director, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation