Key Takeaways
• Poland suspended asylum rights at the Belarus border in early 2025, legalizing pushbacks of migrants and asylum seekers.
• At least 87 deaths have occurred since 2021 near the border, with migrants suffering from cold, violence, and exclusion from aid.
• Humanitarian groups and the EU criticize Poland’s policies, highlighting increased violence, blocked aid, and violation of international asylum norms.
The situation at the Polish-Belarusian border has grown into a large-scale humanitarian crisis, drawing attention from governments, non-governmental groups, and citizens across Europe and beyond. This crisis is shaped by tense political struggles, harsh new border policies, and the suffering of thousands of men, women, and children seeking safety. The latest move by Poland to stop giving migrants a chance to apply for asylum at the border with Belarus has deepened an already dire situation, raising serious questions about rights, safety, and international responsibilities.
A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
Over the last several years, more and more people have arrived at the Polish-Belarusian border. Many are fleeing war, unstable governments, or poverty in places far from Europe. They hope to find shelter, peace, and the chance for a better life. But for those caught between Belarus and Poland, the reality is harsh and sometimes deadly.
Human rights groups, like Oxfam, have described what they call a humanitarian crisis. Migrants, including families with children, are trapped in forests and wetlands. Food, water, and medical care are often out of reach. Since 2021, at least 87 people have died near the border. Some froze to death. Others suffered injuries or grew too weak to survive after weeks in the cold. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these deaths show just how dangerous the border has become for those hoping to reach safety.
Growing Dangers
The area on both sides of the border has been heavily militarized. Poland’s government declared an “exclusion zone” near Belarus, making it illegal for most aid groups, medical teams, or journalists to enter. This move blocks help for people in need. It also means few outsiders can witness what is really happening, leading to deep worries about the treatment of migrants in these hidden areas.
Inside this exclusion zone, reports from several non-governmental groups describe harsh abuse. Both Polish and Belarusian border guards have been accused of using violence against migrants. There are reports of rubber bullets and pepper spray. Many people have suffered physical injuries, and the use of force has reportedly included direct beatings.
Women and girls have spoken out about sexual violence, with claims of rape and other abuse on the Belarusian side. These stories show how dangerous the journey has become, especially for the most vulnerable.
The cold weather adds yet another danger. Many people end up stuck in the Białowieża Forest, a thick wood along the border, where temperatures often drop below freezing. Frostbite and hypothermia are common among those left without shelter or proper clothing. The trauma is not just physical. Many experience deep psychological wounds—fear, anxiety, and depression—after weeks or months of waiting with no clear escape.
Suspension of Asylum Rights: A Turning Point
In early 2025, Poland made a major change to its immigration policy at the border with Belarus. Authorities suspended the right to apply for asylum directly at the border. This step effectively “legalized pushbacks,” which means border guards can force migrants back into Belarus without considering their request for protection. This is a sharp departure from international asylum norms, which normally protect people’s right to ask for safety when they reach a new country.
The suspension of asylum rights has been widely criticized. Oxfam and other groups argue that this decision will worsen the humanitarian crisis, leaving even more people stranded in limbo with nowhere safe to go. Human rights organizations say the move strips people of basic protection, making it easier for both physical and emotional abuse to go unchecked.
Poland’s government has defended its actions by arguing that the border has become a flashpoint in a bigger political struggle. Officials say Belarus is using migrants as “political tools,” encouraging them to head west as part of a dispute with the European Union. This argument has prompted Poland to treat the border mainly as a security threat, rather than a humanitarian emergency.
The Impact of the Exclusion Zone
To further control what happens at the border, Poland extended its exclusion zone in 2025. Only local residents and certain officials can enter. Journalists and doctors are kept out. This means humanitarian groups are blocked from delivering blankets, food, or first aid to those in need.
For the people stuck in the middle, this policy has life-or-death consequences. Being left without outside help in freezing woods can be fatal. The lack of truthful reporting also means it is hard for the world to really grasp the scale of suffering taking place.
Humanitarian groups have spoken out. They say the exclusion zone puts barriers in the way of life-saving support. Organizations that used to provide daily food distributions or emergency shelter have been forced to withdraw. As a result, fear and desperation have only grown.
Violence and Abuse: A Bleak Reality
Both Polish and Belarusian forces face accusations of wrongdoing. Reports detail:
- Use of rubber bullets and pepper spray
- Physical beatings of migrants
- Forced “pushbacks” without processing asylum claims
- Sexual violence, especially against women and girls
These actions break various national and international rules about the treatment of refugees. Poland, as a member of the European Union, is bound by laws that guarantee the right to ask for asylum. By pushing people back across the border before considering their cases, Poland raises concerns about breaking these agreements.
Likewise, the actions of Belarusian officials also add to the suffering. Some migrants say they were tricked into traveling to Belarus with promises that were never kept, only to be left without shelter or support when they arrived.
The Role of the European Union
The European Union has been drawn into the crisis, though some say its actions have not matched the size of the problem. The EU has given money to Poland and other countries for border security, such as fences, new technology, and armed patrols. While these steps may stop some unauthorized movement, critics argue that they do not address the root causes of migration or the needs of vulnerable people stuck at the border.
Non-governmental groups have called on the European Union to investigate reports of abuse and to strengthen the systems meant to protect asylum seekers. These critics argue that the union must do more than build walls—it must uphold its promises to provide safe, legal ways for people fleeing danger to ask for protection.
At the same time, the EU faces internal disagreements. Some member states support Poland’s tough measures, seeing them as necessary to defend European borders. Others warn that these actions undermine the spirit and letter of basic human rights commitments. This debate has led to a slow, sometimes split response.
If you would like to learn more about the official responsibilities of European Union countries towards asylum seekers, you can visit the European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs page for up-to-date information.
The Politics Behind the Crisis
The standoff at the Polish-Belarusian border is not just about migration. It is also part of a larger political struggle between Belarus and the European Union. Western governments accuse Belarus of deliberately sending migrants toward the border, as a way to pressure the EU after previous political disputes.
This tense backdrop helps explain why Poland has acted so swiftly and forcefully. However, many experts argue that a focus on security over humanitarian aid does not solve the crisis and may actually make things worse. The endless cycle of blaming each other and using migrants as “bargaining chips” leaves people suffering with no clear way out.
Several reports suggest that as long as the political conflict continues, more migrants and refugees could be forced into dangerous situations at the border. This ongoing tension means that relief and solutions may not come quickly.
The Push for Humanitarian Solutions
Faced with criticism, some leaders and advocates are calling for new approaches. They stress the need to put people’s safety at the heart of all border and migration policies. Some main ideas include:
- Ending collective pushbacks, so each person can apply for asylum
- Allowing aid groups and medical staff into the exclusion zone to help those in need
- Setting up clear, safe ways for people to seek protection, so they do not have to rely on smugglers or risky routes
Groups like Oxfam urge countries in the region to follow international rules and treaties, which say that all people have the right to ask for safety when fleeing harm. These goals, they say, can prevent further loss of life and give people a real chance to rebuild in peace.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that strong humanitarian solutions could ease suffering, reduce deaths, and help both Poland and other countries meet their legal and moral obligations. The group’s analysis suggests that investing in support systems for refugees, rather than fences or tough laws, could bring more stability in the long run.
International Support Needed
The need for help goes beyond one border or one country. Human rights groups and policy experts agree that the crisis will only improve if there is broader international support. This support might include:
- Giving money and supplies to aid agencies working near the border
- Supporting efforts to find safe homes for people stuck in limbo
- Helping address the basic causes of forced migration, such as war, poverty, and climate change in migrants’ home countries
Legal avenues for migration, such as regular resettlement programs, could also help. If more people had clear ways to apply for protection, there would be less incentive to risk dangerous journeys or to rely on traffickers.
The Human Cost
It is easy to get lost in the numbers and headlines. But it is important to remember that each person at the Polish-Belarusian border has hopes, fears, and family. Some are children separated from their parents. Others are mothers or fathers desperate to save their loved ones from harm. The humanitarian crisis, stoked further by the suspension of asylum rights, means these people face choices no one should have to make—whether to stay in danger or try to cross a heavily guarded border.
What Comes Next?
The crisis is still ongoing, and there are no easy answers. Political decisions, like the suspension of asylum rights, have direct impacts on people’s safety. The push for stronger borders shows no sign of slowing. Advocates are pressuring Poland, the EU, and other actors to shift toward more humane policies and to allow help to reach those in need.
The world will watch what happens at the Polish-Belarusian border in the coming months. Will security/defense continue to win out over human rights concerns? Or will there be a turn toward safe migration pathways, open humanitarian corridors, and stronger protection for those seeking a new life?
Summary and Next Steps
The humanitarian crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border, made worse by the suspension of asylum rights and growing violence in exclusion zones, highlights the need for new thinking about migration, borders, and basic human rights. The suffering there is a sign of deeper problems, including political conflicts and the lack of help for those who need it most.
As international pressure grows, all eyes will be on how Poland, Belarus, the EU, and other actors respond. Safety, dignity, and lawful protection for vulnerable people must shape the future. Only by focusing on humanitarian solutions, stronger asylum systems, and real cooperation will there be hope for people caught in this ongoing crisis.
Learn Today
Pushback → A forced return of migrants or refugees across a border without assessing their asylum claims or personal situations.
Exclusion Zone → A designated border area closed to outsiders, including journalists and aid workers, restricting access for help or oversight.
Asylum → Protection granted by a country to someone fleeing persecution, war, or violence in their homeland, allowing legal residence.
Militarization → Increasing military presence or activity, such as soldiers, patrols, and surveillance, especially in border regions or conflict areas.
Hypothermia → A dangerous medical condition that occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below safe levels, often due to exposure to cold.
This Article in a Nutshell
A harsh humanitarian crisis unfolds at the Polish-Belarusian border, as Poland’s 2025 asylum suspension deepens suffering for migrants. Exclusion zones, militarization, and frequent violence threaten the lives of those seeking refuge. Growing international criticism calls for immediate policy shifts to restore safety, legal protection, and humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable.
— By VisaVerge.com
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