Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced a temporary suspension of the right for migrants arriving through Belarus to seek asylum, raising concerns among human rights advocates and EU officials.
Poland Enacts Temporary Asylum Suspension Amid Border Tensions
Poland Enacts Temporary Asylum Suspension Amid Border Tensions
Polish authorities to halt asylum applications from migrants crossing Belarus, citing security concerns.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited the border with Belarus, where he confirmed that a new law enabling the suspension of asylum applications was signed into effect by President Andrzej Duda. The legislation permits Polish authorities to suspend the right to apply for asylum for up to 60 days, a decision fueled by ongoing concerns over national security amid a surge in migration.
Tusk stated the government's intent to promptly implement the law, emphasizing the need to tighten security at the border. However, this move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch, which has urged the European Union to consider legal actions against Poland should the law take full effect. The group argues that the suspension contravenes Poland’s obligations under international law and could result in a near-complete blockade at the Poland-Belarus border—a place already marred by reports of unlawful pushbacks by authorities.
The Polish government clarified that the suspension would be selectively applied, aimed at individuals deemed a security threat, such as large groups allegedly orchestrated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Essential exemptions are promised for unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone at risk of serious harm upon return.
Despite international criticism, Tusk has defended the legislation, asserting that the focus is on individuals illegally crossing the border rather than a blanket violation of asylum rights.
Since 2021, Poland, alongside Lithuania and Latvia, has managed a notable spike in illegal border crossings, prompting the deployment of thousands of troops and the construction of a high steel fence over a significant portion of the border. Reports indicate that over one hundred people have died in the attempts to cross between Belarus and Poland during this period, highlighting the humanitarian crisis at play.
Alongside Poland, EU eastern flank countries maintain that Belarus and Russia are weaponizing migration to destabilize the European Union.
Tusk stated the government's intent to promptly implement the law, emphasizing the need to tighten security at the border. However, this move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch, which has urged the European Union to consider legal actions against Poland should the law take full effect. The group argues that the suspension contravenes Poland’s obligations under international law and could result in a near-complete blockade at the Poland-Belarus border—a place already marred by reports of unlawful pushbacks by authorities.
The Polish government clarified that the suspension would be selectively applied, aimed at individuals deemed a security threat, such as large groups allegedly orchestrated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Essential exemptions are promised for unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone at risk of serious harm upon return.
Despite international criticism, Tusk has defended the legislation, asserting that the focus is on individuals illegally crossing the border rather than a blanket violation of asylum rights.
Since 2021, Poland, alongside Lithuania and Latvia, has managed a notable spike in illegal border crossings, prompting the deployment of thousands of troops and the construction of a high steel fence over a significant portion of the border. Reports indicate that over one hundred people have died in the attempts to cross between Belarus and Poland during this period, highlighting the humanitarian crisis at play.
Alongside Poland, EU eastern flank countries maintain that Belarus and Russia are weaponizing migration to destabilize the European Union.
