Polish Rights Activists Criticise Tusk's Government for Harsh Border Measures

Refugee rights activists have voiced their concerns over the Polish government's decision to enhance security measures at its border with Belarus. This criticism follows Prime Minister Donald Tusk's recent visit to the border area, marking his first since assuming office in December. During his visit, Tusk interacted with border guards, soldiers, and police, committing to bolster Poland's border security without financial restraint.

Tusk highlighted the intensification of a "hybrid war" by Belarus against the European Union (EU), utilizing migrants to exert pressure on the border. He also referenced Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a justification for reinforcing the border defenses between Poland, a NATO member, and Belarus, which is closely allied with Russia.

Anna Alboth from Grupa Granica, a Polish organization aiding migrants in the eastern part of the country, criticized Tusk for not acknowledging the human aspect of the migration crisis during his press conference. The influx of migrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, began in 2021 as they sought entry into the EU through Poland, an external frontier of the bloc. Polish authorities have been accused of pushing these migrants back across the border, a practice that activists claim breaches international law.

The EU has accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating a migration crisis to destabilize the EU by inviting migrants to Belarus. This new route has been deemed by many as a safer and more affordable alternative to perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea.

Despite being considered a safer route, there have been migrant fatalities, with some buried in Muslim and Christian cemeteries within Poland. Bartek Rumienczyk from Grupa Granica mentioned that over 60 migrant deaths have been recorded since 2021, though he suspects the actual number could be significantly higher.

The previous Polish government under the Law and Justice party, known for its anti-migrant stance, erected a steel wall along the 187 km (116 miles) land border with Belarus. This administration also initiated the policy of pushing back irregular migrants across the border.

Activists had hoped for a policy shift with Tusk's administration, given his more socially liberal stance and avoidance of derogatory language towards migrants and refugees. However, Tusk has maintained a firm position against irregular migration. The activists expressed difficulty in disseminating their message due to Tusk's popularity and respect on an international level.

"Thanks to the fact that the government changed into a better government, it's also much more difficult to talk about what is happening," Alboth stated, highlighting the challenges in raising awareness about ongoing pushbacks against migrants at the border.