Refugee rights activists have raised concerns over Poland's plans to enhance security at the border with Belarus and its continuation of a policy to push migrants back across the border. Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently visited the border area, emphasizing the need to strengthen security measures in response to what he described as Belarus escalating a 'hybrid war' against the EU by using migrants to exert pressure on the border.
The influx of migrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, began in 2021 at the EU's external frontier, with Polish authorities attempting to prevent their entry by pushing them back, a practice deemed to violate international law by activists. The EU has accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the migration crisis to destabilize the EU, leading to a new migration route that has attracted more migrants seeking entry into Europe.
Despite being a safer and more accessible entry point compared to other perilous routes, some migrants have tragically lost their lives, with reports of over 60 migrant deaths since 2021. The construction of a steel wall along the 187-kilometer border between Poland and Belarus was initiated by the previous populist government, which also implemented the policy of pushing irregular migrants back across the border.
While there were hopes for a change in policy under the current government led by Tusk, known for his more socially liberal stance, the practice of pushbacks continues. Activists express challenges in raising awareness about ongoing pushbacks due to the positive international image of the current government, making it harder to shed light on the situation.
As Poland grapples with the complexities of border security and migration, the issue remains a point of contention between the government's efforts to fortify the border and the concerns raised by refugee rights activists regarding the treatment of migrants seeking entry into the EU.
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