by Emma de Luiter
It’s published •update
The Polish Parliament has voted to extend the suspension of asylum on the eastern border with Belarus.
In total, 366 politicians supported the move, with 17 voted against the extension.
The measure, which has been widely criticized by human rights groups, allows Polish authorities to suspend their rights of asylum for 60 days at a time. It was first adopted in March before being updated this week.
On Tuesday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tass assembled bills as needed to combat the flow of immigration into Poland through Belarus.
The prime minister of his government and others argue that Russia and Belarus are deliberately encouraging foreigners to cross borders to destabilize Europe. Tusk said that asylum halts are needed because of the “serious and real threat” this poses to Poland’s national security.
Tusk added that only Poland’s “tough” stance effectively reduced this influx.
The regulations allow exemptions for certain categories of people, including children, pregnant women, individuals with special medical needs, and those who are considered “real risk of harm” when they return to the border.
The final amendment to the bill also allows minor families to claim asylum under new restrictions.
In February, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned Poland that the proposed law is not compatible with either international or European asylum laws.
Human Rights Watch said last month that the EU should take legal action against Poland if the bill is implemented, adding that the law “flys in the face of Poland’s international and EU obligations.” The Polish Parliament encouraged it to vote.
However, a European Commission spokesman recently confirmed to assess the law in the “context” of the security threats facing Poland.
