Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's recent announcement of a plan to temporarily suspend the right to asylum has raised concerns among human rights and civil society groups. The move comes in response to alleged abuse of the asylum system by eastern neighbors Belarus and Russia.
Poland has been grappling with migration pressures on its border with Belarus, which is a part of the European Union's external border. The Polish government has accused Belarus and Russia of orchestrating the mass transfer of migrants from the Middle East and Africa to destabilize Western countries, viewing it as part of a hybrid war.
Some migrants have sought asylum in Poland, but before their requests are processed, they often travel to other EU countries in Western Europe. Germany, in response to security concerns, has recently tightened border controls to combat irregular migration, a move that Tusk criticized as 'unacceptable.'
Tusk's plan to suspend asylum rights temporarily was announced at a Civic Coalition convention and will be presented at a Cabinet meeting. However, numerous nongovernmental organizations have urged Tusk to uphold the right to asylum as guaranteed by international conventions and Poland's constitution.
While Tusk defended his decision, citing the need to prioritize border control and territorial security, critics argue that fundamental rights and freedoms must be respected. The European Commission acknowledged the challenges posed by Belarus and Russia but emphasized the legal obligation of EU member countries to allow individuals to apply for international protection.
The Commission intends to work on providing member states with the necessary tools to address hybrid attacks and protect external borders. The situation remains complex, with concerns about security, human rights, and adherence to international law at the forefront of the debate.
For more information on migration issues, visit AP's coverage of migration issues.
