Poland has reached a pivotal decision as it temporarily suspends the right for migrants to apply for asylum upon entry from Belarus. This move, championed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, comes after President Andrzej Duda signed a contentious bill into law, enabling authorities to halt asylum applications for up to 60 days. Tusk asserted the need for immediate implementation, citing border security as a primary concern.
The legislation, however, has sparked backlash from human rights advocates like Human Rights Watch, urging the EU to challenge Poland legally if the law takes effect. The group denounced the bill for contradicting Poland’s international responsibilities, warning it could lead to a complete closure of the Poland-Belarus border, where alleged pushbacks by Polish authorities have already occurred.
The Polish government clarified that this suspension is primarily aimed at individuals deemed a threat to state security—such as groups allegedly storming the border. Nevertheless, exceptions are carved out for unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, the elderly, and those facing serious harm if returned. Tusk has challenged criticism, emphasizing that the focus is on migrants illicitly crossing borders under Lukashenko’s organisation, not on violating human rights.
Escalating since 2021, the influx of migrants from Belarus and Russia has prompted Poland and its Baltic neighbours to fortify their borders. Thousands of troops and border guards now patrol this frontier, alongside a formidable steel fence stretching 186 km. Tragically, rights organisations report over one hundred migrant deaths along these treacherous borders amidst ongoing tensions, as the EU confronts Belarusian and Russian efforts to weaponise migration toward destabilisation.
Poland has temporarily halted the right for migrants to apply for asylum from Belarus after a law was signed, claiming a need for security. Human rights advocates oppose this, asserting it violates international obligations and may exacerbate humanitarian crises at the border. Exceptions in the law do permit some vulnerable groups to apply for asylum, but the broader implications of this decision have raised significant concern.
In conclusion, Poland’s suspension of asylum applications reflects a complex interplay between national security and human rights obligations, raising alarms among advocacy groups. Amidst mounting pressures and harsh measures at the border, the situation demands careful scrutiny to balance humanitarian principles with security concerns amidst a politically charged environment. The task now lies with the EU and Poland to navigate this critical juncture responsibly.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
