The human rights organization Amnesty International complains about the unequal treatment of refugees in Poland. Polish border officials are systematically gathering refugees coming from Belarus and pushing them back by force — sometimes under threat of gun violence, Amnesty said on Monday. Above all, people from countries like Iraq or Syria have to put up with the degrading behavior of the border officials.
Those who manage to cross the border into Poland are held in inhumane conditions in overcrowded and unsanitary detention centers. In total, nearly 2,000 refugees who entered Belarus in 2021 have been arrested by the Polish authorities.
“Hypocrisy and racism on the part of the Polish authorities”
“The treatment of these people from countries like Iraq or Syria who seek protection is in stark contrast to the warm welcome refugees from Ukraine receive,” said Annemarie Schlack, general manager of Amnesty International Austria. “This behavior underlines the hypocrisy and racism on the part of the Polish authorities. Poland must treat all those seeking protection at the border equally and respect their right to asylum and decent reception – regardless of their passport.”
Hundreds of people fleeing conflict in the Middle East and other parts of the world remain stranded on the border between Belarus and Poland without shelter, food, water or access to medical care. “The Polish government must end the pushbacks immediately,” Schlack demanded.
Violent deportations of refugees
Refugees have reported disrespectful and abusive behaviour, racist comments and other psychological abuse. At the Wedrzyn Detention Center, new inmates were greeted with the words “Welcome to Guantanamo”. Up to 600 people are accommodated in Wedrzyn – up to 24 men in just eight square meters.
There are also violent deportations. In some cases, physical violence is used – in abuse, using tasers or administering narcotics.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
