With news footage showing migrants on the border between Belarus and Poland attempting to dodge teargas and make their way through razor wire, UN agencies called for an âimmediate de-escalationâ, following weeks of rising tension.
Alarmed by the latest reports, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued a joint statement calling on States to ensure âthe safety and human rights of migrants and refugeesâ.
The border became a flash point after the European Union imposed sanctions on Belarus on the basis of alleged human rights violations, following the crackdown on protests, and the forcing down of a commercial flight between two EU nations by Belarus in May, in order to remove a leading dissident, according to news reports.
The EU reportedly contends that in reprisal, Belarus has been deliberately assisting migrants to cross the border into Poland illegally, a charge which Belarus denies.
Humane treatment âhighest priorityâ
On Monday, reports surfaced that a large group of migrants and refugees, including women and children, moved from Belarus towards the international Bruzgi border crossing, where they allegedly settled in a makeshift camp.
In contact with both Governments, UNHCR and IOM are calling for âan urgent resolutionâ to the confrontational situation along with âimmediate and unhindered accessâ to provide humanitarian assistance and other forms of protection.
With several tragic deaths recently recorded at the border area amidst the onset of winter temperatures, the UN agencies reminded States that it is âimperative to prevent further loss of lifeâ and to treat migrants and refugees humanely, âas the highest priorityâ.
Political manipulation
Both UN agencies have frequently stated that instrumentalizing migrants and refugees for political ends is âdeplorable and must stopâ.
âTaking advantage of the despair and vulnerability of migrants and refugees by offering them unrealistic and misleading promises, is unacceptable and has severe human consequencesâ, their statement read.
UNHCR and IOM have repeatedly reiterated to the Belarusian authorities the need to preserve the well-being of people and avoid creating difficult humanitarian situations.
UN ready to assist
The two organizations stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants and refugees on both sides of the border and to support Belarus in assessing people and providing counseling away from the areas.
âIn view of the alarming situation at the border, both sides must uphold their obligations under international law and guarantee the safety, dignity, and protection of the rights of people stranded at the borderâ, they stated.
Both IOM and UNHCR have also urged the authorities to explore all humanitarian options to respond to the situation, including voluntary returns.
Protect children
Meanwhile, the UN Childrenâs Fund (UNICEF) Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe, Afshan Khan, expressed her deep concern over âthe dire situation facing migrant and asylum-seeking children in Europe and at its bordersâ.
She reminded that âshockingâ reports of children living in appalling conditions, detained at the eastern borders are âa direct violationâ of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
âChildren and their families have the right to seek asylum and have their protection needs evaluated on an individual basisâ, upheld Ms. Khan.
Acknowledging that UNICEF recognizes Member Statesâ sovereignty, the challenge posed by irregular migration and the need for safe and orderly border management processes, the Special Coordinator joined UNHCR, IOM and the UN human rights office (OHCHR) in condemning the use of pushbacks across borders, as a violation of international law that puts childrenâs lives at risk.
New commitment
âThere is a need for a renewed collective political commitment for the protection and safeguarding of all children in Europe â regardless of their migration statusâ, she said. âMigrant children should not be instrumentalized for political purposes and their right to safely claim asylum must be guaranteedâ.
UNICEF stands ready to work with governments, UN organizations and civil society to ensure that the rights of all children are âunderstood, protected, and promoted everywhereâ.
âA child is a child. No matter the circumstancesâ, concluded Special Coordinator.
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