The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland welcomes the UN Security Council addressing the problem of the crisis on the EU-Belarus border during the closed meeting on November 11, 2021 at the request of Estonia, France and Ireland, with the support of the UK, Norway and the USA.

The Ministry appreciates the press stakeout by the above-mentioned countries and Albania, the incoming UNSC member, in particular for the solidarity expressed with Poland and Lithuania, as well as the readiness to support and determination to protect the EU from hybrid attacks Belarusian authorities.

Active participation in the discussions of all member states of the Council confirms the importance of this issue at the UN forum. It should be stressed that the members of the Council who are in favor of including the topic of the crisis on the EU-Belarus border in the UNSC meeting agenda share Poland's point of view and arguments.

In its activities in international fora, including the UN Poland keeps reminding that:

• The migration crisis was triggered by Belarus, which puts the lives of people from third countries at risk while pursuing its short-term political goals and trying to destabilize the situation in neighboring countries and on the EU's external border. Over 32,000 people have attempted to illegally cross the border from Belarus to Poland since January 2021;
• The structures of the Belarusian state responsible for the security of international borders are involved in international trafficking in human beings. The situation is unprecedented and the risk of escalation is very high;
• These actions are supported by Russia, who is interested in destabilizing the EU and NATO countries;
• Disinformation plays an important role in the hybrid activities by Belarus;
• All responsible members of international community should act to stop the transfer of migrants to Belarus, and international pressure on Belarus should be intensified.

In addition, the Polish side is concerned about the difficult humanitarian situation of migrants and calls on the Belarusian authorities to provide them with appropriate care or to ensure the possibility of returning to their countries of origin.

Łukasz Jasina

MFA Spokesperson