10 NOVEMBER 2021

Belarus- Poland Border Conflict

Thousands of migrants were desperately stranded on the border between Belarus and Poland on 8 November 2021.

Poland and Belarus accused each other as the migrants camped near the border and repeated attempts to pull down the razor wire fence on Poland’s border.

The UN News on Migrants and Refugees reports that “the border became a flash point after the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Belarus on the basis of alleged human rights violations,  and the EU reportedly contends on the assistance given to the migrants to cross the border into Poland illegally by Belarus, a charge which Belarus denies.”

“Taking advantage of the despair and vulnerability of migrants and refugees by offering them unrealistic and misleading promises, is unacceptable and has severe human consequences,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR )and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued a joint statement  to ensure the safety and human rights of migrants and refugees on 9 November 2021.

“both sides must uphold their obligation under international law and guarantee the safety, dignity and protection of the people stranded at the border,” the UN agencies cautioned.

It is also reported that a large group of migrants and refugees, including women and children were moved from Belarus towards the international border and settled in makeshift camps under severe climatic conditions.