Temporary suspension on right to asylum is the latest Poland policy by PM Tusk, marking a significant shift in the country’s migration approach. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced plans to temporarily halt the right to asylum as part of a broader strategy aimed at combating irregular migration. This move is seen as a response to the increasing number of migrants crossing into Poland from Belarus, a trend that Warsaw claims is orchestrated by Belarus and Russia to destabilize the European Union (EU).
During a recent speech in Warsaw, Tusk emphasized that the suspension is necessary to regain full control over Poland’s borders. He accused people smugglers, with alleged backing from Belarus and Russia, of exploiting the asylum system to facilitate illegal entry into Poland. The proposed suspension has stirred both domestic and international debate as it challenges international asylum laws.
Migration Crisis and Security Concerns
Poland has been at the forefront of the European migration crisis since 2021, when large numbers of migrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia began crossing the Belarus-Poland border. Temporary suspension on right to asylum is the latest Poland policy by PM Tusk, introduced as a countermeasure to what the Polish government describes as “hybrid warfare” by Belarus and Russia. The term refers to the deliberate use of migrants as political tools to create instability within the EU.
In August 2021 alone, the number of attempted border crossings surged eightfold compared to the entire previous year, and dozens of migrants continue to attempt to cross daily. Poland has responded with a range of defensive measures, including constructing a 5.5-meter-high steel fence along a significant portion of its border with Belarus. Despite these efforts, the crisis persists, with many migrants using Poland as a gateway to Germany and other EU nations.
Controversial Asylum Suspension
Under international law, asylum seekers have the right to request protection if they are fleeing persecution or conflict. However, Tusk’s proposal for a temporary suspension on right to asylum aims to limit this right within Polish territory. While Tusk did not provide specific details on how the suspension would comply with EU and international obligations, he stressed that Poland needs to take back “100% control” of who enters the country.
Tusk’s argument is that the asylum system is being manipulated by human traffickers and hostile foreign actors, leading to increased illegal migration and security risks. “We know very well how this right to asylum is used against its very essence,” Tusk said, pointing to the need for tougher border policies.
This stance mirrors the previous government’s hard-line approach to migration, which included pushbacks at the border and strict measures against illegal crossings. Despite these policies, Poland under the Law and Justice party issued the highest number of work and residence permits in the EU for several years. Now, Tusk’s pro-EU Civic Coalition government appears to be continuing—and even intensifying—this strict border policy.
Public and Political Reactions
Domestically, the temporary suspension on the right to asylum has received mixed reactions. Opinion polls suggest that a significant portion of the Polish population supports tougher migration policies, especially in light of the security threats posed by illegal border crossings. According to recent surveys, 86% of respondents are in favor of allowing border security forces to use weapons in self-defense, a policy introduced after a tragic incident in which a Polish soldier was killed by migrants near the border.
Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski highlighted that temporary suspension on right to asylum is the latest Poland policy by PM Tusk in a bid to maintain electoral support. Sikorski noted that Tusk’s party had to “outflank” the previous government on migration to secure victory in the last elections. By positioning themselves as tough on border security, Civic Coalition neutralized migration as a political issue.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Criticism
While the government’s stance has garnered support from many voters, it has also drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups. Activists have raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis at the Poland-Belarus border, where at least 130 migrants have died since the migration surge began. Many migrants face harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and a lack of food and shelter, as they attempt to cross into Poland.
Malgorzata Szuleka, a board member of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, criticized Tusk’s asylum suspension, calling it a “new low” for Poland. “We need to find a place for rational discussion that is not driven by populism,” Szuleka said, urging for a more humanitarian approach to the migration crisis.
Internationally, the temporary suspension on the right to asylum could also create tension between Poland and its EU partners. Asylum is a fundamental right under European law, and Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend it may face legal challenges or opposition from the European Commission.
Conclusion
Temporary suspension on right to asylum is the latest Poland policy by PM Tusk, reflecting the country’s ongoing struggle to manage irregular migration while safeguarding national security. While the suspension has strong domestic support, it raises important questions about Poland’s obligations under international law and the potential humanitarian consequences. As Poland moves forward with its new migration strategy, it remains to be seen how the EU will respond to this unprecedented policy shift.
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