The Polish authorities pay their utmost attention to the situation of persons camping in the territory of Belarus near the Polish-Belarusian border. Poland is complying with its obligations under international law. The provisions of national and international law, in particular European law, are fully applicable to those seeking international protection. It is particularly important to ensure the protection of the European Union’s external border, in accordance with international obligations of the Republic of Poland.

Poland fully respects the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and complies with its provisions in the current situation. At the same time, we expect Belarus, as a party to the Convention, to fulfill its obligations and provide appropriate assistance to persons in its territory. In this context, we hope that the involvement of the UNHCR Office in Minsk will lead to the Belarusian authorities taking action to help those in need.    

For humanitarian reasons, on 22 August the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland sent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus a diplomatic note in which it declared its willingness to provide material aid on site. This note remains unanswered to date. In view of the gravity of the situation, Poland has prepared a humanitarian convoy which is currently at the Polish-Belarusian border crossing point in Bobrowniki pending the approval of the Belarusian authorities for entry. 

The Polish authorities are also involved in the evacuation of Afghan nationals whose lives are threatened by the Taliban advance in Afghanistan. Both visa procedures, where necessary, and the evacuation process require the full mobilisation of the relevant Polish services and agencies.

 

MFA Press Office