The European Union has granted Poland permission to temporarily halt accepting asylum requests from refugees at its border with Russia and Belarus due to hybrid threats from Russia.
The European Commission announced that this new measure, aimed at halting illegal migration through Russia and Belarus, has been approved temporarily and under strict oversight, according to Polish media.
The suspension of asylum requests is considered an emergency measure, required by the exceptional situation and the increase in attempts to cross the border illegally.
Human rights organizations have condemned Poland’s increasing use of force in response to more aggressive attempts by migrants to cross the 5.5-meter-high metal fence at the Belarusian border.
“Poland, which is assuming the EU presidency, should serve as an example of dignity, protecting the right to seek asylum at its borders, and ensuring that refugees are treated humanely,” said activist Lidija Gal in an interview with Polish state TV.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized earlier in December that there is now less opposition to effective border protection against illegal migration and the exploitation of refugees and migrants by Russia and Belarus as part of a hybrid war against the EU and Poland.
“Not everyone is enthusiastic about Poland’s initiative to temporarily halt asylum requests, and this was confirmed in today’s meeting. Poland will pursue a strict national policy. Effective border protection against illegal migration, which is being misused by Belarus and Russia as a tool, is a common good,” Tusk said during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the heads of all parliamentary factions in the European Parliament.
Earlier, in response to criticism from NGOs that Poland is violating international law and conventions by not accepting asylum requests, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that Polish authorities would continue to accept requests from mothers with small children, but not from men arriving armed with sticks and knives.
