Polish PM urged to protect asylum rights amid regional turmoil
- Over 60 NGOs, including Amnesty International, have criticized Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's plans to suspend the right to asylum.
- The coalition argues that fundamental rights should not be subject to political bargaining, recalling the historical context of Polish refugees during communism.
- The situation raises concerns about Poland's commitment to international law and the implications for its asylum policies.
In Poland, over 60 NGOs, including Amnesty International and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, have urged Prime Minister Donald Tusk to abandon plans to temporarily suspend the right to asylum. This call comes in response to Tusk's announcement of a new migration strategy aimed at addressing regional instability. The NGOs emphasized that fundamental rights should not be subject to political negotiation, recalling how many Poles sought refuge during the communist era. They highlighted the importance of maintaining humanity and legal obligations amidst current global conflicts. Tusk's coalition government faces internal dissent, with members asserting that the right to asylum is sacred under international law. The European Commission has acknowledged the need for a European solution to migration issues while reminding member states of their obligations to provide asylum access. Critics argue that Tusk's proposals are politically motivated and legally unfeasible, reflecting a shift from promised cooperation with civil society to populist rhetoric. As the situation develops, the implications for Poland's asylum policies and its international commitments remain uncertain.