In a significant and controversial move, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the government will temporarily suspend the right of migrants arriving from Belarus to apply for asylum. This decision follows the signing of a contentious law by President Andrzej Duda, allowing Polish authorities to halt asylum applications for up to 60 days.
Poland Imposes Temporary Asylum Ban Amid Migrant Crisis
Poland Imposes Temporary Asylum Ban Amid Migrant Crisis
Poland's government halts migrant asylum applications at the Belarus border, drawing international criticism.
The law aims at fortifying border security, especially as the number of illegal crossings has surged since 2021. Tusk stated that the measure is necessary to address groups of migrants alleged to pose a threat to national security. However, it has sparked backlash from human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, which called on the EU to take legal action against Poland, asserting that such policies violate international obligations.
While the suspension applies predominantly to those crossing illegally, vulnerable groups like unaccompanied minors and pregnant women will be exempt from these restrictions. Rights groups have warned that this legislation could lead to further dangerous situations at the border, where many migrants have already faced dire conditions, leading to numerous fatalities.
With increasing tensions on Europe's eastern borders, the EU and member states accuse Belarus and Russia of weaponizing migration as a tactic for political leverage.
As the situation evolves, the balance between national security and humanitarian obligations remains a pressing concern for Poland and Europe at large.
While the suspension applies predominantly to those crossing illegally, vulnerable groups like unaccompanied minors and pregnant women will be exempt from these restrictions. Rights groups have warned that this legislation could lead to further dangerous situations at the border, where many migrants have already faced dire conditions, leading to numerous fatalities.
With increasing tensions on Europe's eastern borders, the EU and member states accuse Belarus and Russia of weaponizing migration as a tactic for political leverage.
As the situation evolves, the balance between national security and humanitarian obligations remains a pressing concern for Poland and Europe at large.
