Brussels, 21 Nov : .The human rights and humanitarian situation at Poland’s border to Belarus are alarming.
Dunja Mijatovic (CoE Commissioner for Human Rights), has stated that urgent action must be taken to ensure the safety of those stranded. Mijatovic, in a statement released at the conclusion of her four day visit to Poland called upon the Polish government for media access and humanitarian aid to the Polish border.
This would allow them to stop human suffering and other violations.
Since August thousands of migrants from war-torn Middle East countries have been stranded on the border of Belarus and the neighbours.
They are trying to get into the territory of the European Union (EU).Last week, clashes broke out between Polish soldiers firing water cannons at migrants and their stones throwing.
According to the Commissioner, the ban on entry to border areas, which are covered under Poland’s emergency status, had “harmful effects” and prevented civil society and international organizations from providing crucial humanitarian aid and monitoring human rights.
She said that denying access to media hinders freedom of expression, information, and transparency, which can lead to disinformation, and insecurity.
Journalists should have the freedom to freely report from any area along the border. “Safely,” said the Commissioner.
The current Polish legislation allows people to return to Poland immediately if they cross the official border.This violates their right to asylum.
Mijatovic stated that she has personally heard the horrendous stories of suffering by desperate people, including many children, families and seniors who were forced to live in harsh and cold conditions due to their pushbacks.
She added that she had seen clear signs such as frostbite and exposure to extreme cold.
One woman was fighting for life at a hospital.Many people were killed.
It is clear that if any of these individuals are returned to the border, it will cause more human suffering and even more death.She stated that every night they spend in borderland is a real risk to their life.
He stressed that the responsibility for addressing this situation must not be placed solely on Poland.This is an issue that affects all of Europe and requires solidarity as well as European standards and values.
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