Poland: Supporting the forgotten migrants at the border with Belarus

The people seeking asylum in Europe started arriving in large numbers in 2021. They had flown to the Belarus capital Minsk, with fake visas and were told they would be safe. As the numbers grew, Polish authorities instructed border guards to push people back across into Belarus and told residents to report any new arrivals to the police. As the story made news headlines, many volunteers and non-governmental organizations coordinated humanitarian aid and support for those hiding in the forest. Among the first responders were members of Grupa Granica, a grassroots movement created to respond to the border crisis. LWF's partner Egala is a member of that movement.

Complex situation

Ms Oliwia Hurley, head of Egala, says the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border is tense and complex. This year's humanitarian crisis appears more severe than in the same period last year. Since April, there has been a significant increase in the number of patients admitted to hospitals," she says.  

"Individuals arrive daily, day and night, requiring prompt and comprehensive support. Patients are often physically exhausted, and communication is difficult due to language barriers. Many newly arrived people are malnourished. Some have stayed five months in the forest and repeatedly tried to cross the border without success."  According to the local partner organization, people report experiencing harsh conditions on the Belarusian side, including being pressured to cross into Poland and instances of being beaten by authorities.  

LWF's partner provides food, water, and other essential non-food items like blankets, shoes etc. They also offer first aid, counseling, and legal support, including assistance with the asylum procedure. The organization also collects personal narratives, like the story of the young mother from Eritrea, to document backgrounds and instances of unlawful actions by authorities for advocacy purposes.  

Challenging work

Work for migrants in the border area is difficult, and humanitarian assistance remains heavily restricted. Activists and humanitarian workers must operate discreetly to avoid legal repercussions, further marginalizing those in need. Despite these challenges, Egala continues to play a vital role in addressing the humanitarian needs of migrants at the Poland-Belarus border, ensuring they receive the essential care and support they urgently require.

The young mother from Eritrea has been on the road for many years, looking for a safe place to live. "She lived in refugee camps in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Her path was marked by suffering, hardship, and loneliness. She stayed in the Belarusian forest for over a month and was pushed back twice from Poland to Belarus by the border guard," the report by Polish NGO Egala says.

Neither Egala nor LWF Poland can say whether the mother from Eritrea can stay in Poland and raise her little girl. "Now the young Eritrean woman and her daughter are safe and cared for, hoping for a peaceful future in Poland," Egala's report reads.