Deputy Senate Speaker Magdalena Biejat addressed the humanitarian crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border, signaling a move toward a more coordinated response. While Gazeta Wyborcza acknowledged publishing inaccuracies about border events, the deputy supported the calls from non-governmental organizations and aid agencies working on the border to halt the hardships faced by vulnerable people. Biejat also urged the Interior and Administration Ministry to collaborate on a comprehensive migration policy.
Biejat backs an end to pushbacks
In a press conference focused on the border humanitarian crisis, Senate Vice President Magdalena Biejat expressed support for NGOs and aid groups urging an immediate stop to pushbacks, defined as returning individuals to the state border. She emphasized that current pushbacks threaten the health and lives of people reaching Poland.
“Today, pushbacks pose a serious risk to the well-being of those seeking safety in Poland,” she noted. Biejat highlighted a lack of control over who remains in the country, a situation she described as unacceptable from both humanitarian and border-security standpoints.
She added that there is no legitimate justification for these actions from a humanitarian standpoint or for maintaining border integrity. Representing the Migration Team, Biejat called on the government and the Minister of Administration and the Interior to engage in dialogue with aid agencies and non-governmental organizations to craft a coherent migration policy.
Cooperation with NGOs mandated
Senate Vice President Maciej Żywno remarked that the border crisis must be addressed at the regional level as well. He noted that facilitating and even requiring cooperation with non-governmental organizations—groups that rescue lives and provide help—is a legal obligation for regional authorities, such as the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
Former Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Hanna Machińska drew attention to measures discussed at the Council of Europe. A recommendation from the Council’s Commissioner for Human Rights, following visits to Poland and other nations, states that pushbacks are not lawful under international law.
“We call for the immediate abolition of the rules that underpin these pushbacks. A migration policy aligned with international standards is needed,” Machińska said.
“GW” admits the presence of misinformation
Editors of Czerska acknowledged that some early portrayals, such as stories about families with children or a pregnant woman near the border, were not representative of the broader situation. The account of a girl named Eileen, and related claims, were described as inaccurate by the publication. Activists and media aligned with the opposition were criticized for presenting sensational narratives in December 2021, with claims about deportations and children wandering in harsh conditions. The Ombudsman also became involved in related discussions.
Commentary suggests that presenting a filtered image of reality can mislead the public and shape perceptions at the border. Questions remain about the impact of media portrayals on real-world decisions at the border, including how migrants are portrayed in social networks and by political commentators.
In a piece by Małgorzata Tomczak for Gazeta Wyborcza, the discussion continued around how coverage can influence public understanding of migration events. The publication highlighted concerns that inaccurate portrayals may fuel anti-migrant sentiment and policy responses that do not reflect on-the-ground conditions.
Additional voices urged a cautious approach to reporting, stressing that decisions about border policy must rest on verified information and uphold human rights standards. Opinions from the Ombudsman’s office and other officials were cited in calls for careful evaluation of measures at the border and for ensuring that any response remains within legal and ethical boundaries.
— The debate over how migration stories are told and what constitutes credible reporting continues to shape policy debates and the public’s sense of safety at the border. The emphasis remains on humane treatment, transparency, and adherence to international norms.
— The broader discussion includes questions about the appropriate handling of irregular migration, the role of regional authorities, and the necessity of a clear, humane, and enforceable migration framework for Poland and its neighbors.
Wkt/PAP
Citation: wPolityce