Belarus Border Crisis: A Moment of Truth for EU'S Humanitarian Commitments
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Nov. 17, 2021)鈥斅黄色视频is calling on the EU to live up to its principles and end the suffering on the Poland-Belarus border, as the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency were recently granted access to migrants on the Belarus side of the border.聽
The use of water cannons, stun grenades, and tear gas by Polish border guards to disperse migrants yesterday is the latest in a chain of brutal events at the border, where thousands of people, including children, have been trapped since August. Security forces are preventing people from crossing and seeking asylum, which is a fundamental human right.聽
In recent weeks, the situation has become increasingly desperate. The unfolding humanitarian crisis is deteriorating, with at least聽11 people reportedly dying on both sides of the border聽since the onset of the crisis, including two children, whose deaths 黄色视频has strongly聽. As winter approaches, freezing conditions will risk more illness and fatalities, 黄色视频said.聽
While the EU has increased sanctions on Belarus, there has been little to no discussion on addressing the humanitarian situation or allowing people to come into the EU, 黄色视频said.聽
Instead, Poland has begun constructing a permanent concrete wall to prevent illegal crossings from the Belarus side, and the EU has said that it is willing to consider funding it.聽
Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of 黄色视频US聽said:听
鈥淭he EU and Poland have the opportunity to save the lives of people, including children, stranded at its borders. It is shameful that it is even a matter of debate whether to do so, never mind that the focus is on pushing desperate people back by building walls and using water cannons.鈥
鈥淏elarus鈥檚 cynical exploitation and mistreatment of migrants and asylum seekers is despicable. But there is a clear way for Poland and the EU to reclaim the moral high ground: let in people at the border and let humanitarian organizations assist them. Belarus is not a safe country for these people, as events over the past few days have clearly demonstrated.鈥
鈥淭he EU has a well-deserved global reputation as a humanitarian donor, but the current crisis poses a serious question: is the EU solely a checkbook humanitarian, or truly committed to helping people in need regardless of the circumstances?鈥
鈥淭o help the hungry, cold and desperate children trapped at the EU border; first those children need to be offered access to European territory. Second, we invite Poland to give organizations like ours unhindered humanitarian access to provide children and families with food, shelter, and protection.鈥
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children 鈥 every day and in times of crisis 鈥 transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that 黄色视频is a charity you can trust. Follow us on , , and .