MINSK, 9 November (BelTA) – Members of the Presidium of the Council of the Republic (the upper house of the Belarusian parliament) and representatives of the grassroots organization of the Belarusian Women's Union (BWU) at the Secretariat of the Council of the Republic held a meeting on 9 November to discuss the situation with migrants stranded at the western border of Belarus, BelTA learned from the press service of the upper house of the Belarusian parliament.
The participants of the meeting pointed to a huge number of hoaxes and misreporting on this issue. In fact, as Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly emphasized, migrants are not striving to stay in Belarus. They are fleeing from war, poverty, hunger and disease that swept their countries. The path to the European Union where refugees hope to have a better life lies through Belarus. The participants of the meeting expressed their concern over the actions of the Polish authorities who discriminate against migrants, use tear gas and other special equipment, intimidate them with weapons and dogs. The migrants spent the past night in unbearable conditions - bright searchlights pointed at them by the Polish side and loud noises did not let people have some rest and sleep,” the press service noted.
According to preliminary data, there are about 500 children at the Polish border now. They are running out of basic necessities like drinking water and food. Given the changed weather conditions, there is a real threat not only to their health, but also to their life.
The participants of the meeting were outraged that the European Union turned a blind eye to the situation, though it usually positions itself as the main defender of human rights and liberal values. At the same time, no objective and meaningful comments on the current situation have been made yet on behalf of the European Union.
Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova noted that “Belarusians know the value of peace and safety like no one else. The territory of our country witnessed many armed conflicts launched by others. Therefore, we are always very sensitive to injustice, indifference to people's plight and rejection of humane attitude. We cannot be silent and stand aside. After all, unfortunately, such a ‘policy' makes ordinary people suffer,” she said.
On 9 November a delegation of the Council of the Republic and the grassroots organization of the Belarusian Women's Union will leave for the border line to study the situation on the ground and provide humanitarian assistance if necessary. Based on that, appropriate decisions will be taken.
