MINSK, 27 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian Women's Union (BWU) has passed a statement in connection with the mounting refugee crisis at the border, BelTA has learned.
“The Belarusian Women's Union cannot stand aside as the refugee crisis is evolving near the western border of our country. We were horrified by the images of an unfortunate woman, a mother of three, who was found dead at the border. Where are you, international human rights organizations, why do you not want to see and hear the truth?” the statement reads.
“We would like to remind the countries of the collective West that your promises of a quiet life prompted these people to leave their homes and go to a foreign land in search of peace and good. Your urgent actions provoked military conflicts in their native countries,” the Belarusian Women's Union said.
“Why do European media outlets turn a blind eye to the disregard for international law, the European Convention of Human Rights and the Refugee Convention by politicians and governments? Why did Poland and other European countries choose to create obstacles for refugees instead of granting asylum? Why are even people fleeing war, poor women and children used as tools against our country? We have always been good neighbors, Belarusians and Poles have some common history,” the statement reads.
According to the union, citizens of Belarus want to live in peace and harmony. “The suffering of our ancestors who experienced the horrors of the Great Patriotic War will echo with pain and trauma for many centuries to come. We, Belarusian women, want to raise our voice to make ourselves heard by Polish public associations, human rights and volunteer organizations, ordinary citizens, all people of goodwill,” the statement reads.
The women's union urges: “Show solidarity and raise your voice in defense of peace, justice and sympathy for refugees at our borders. We urge you to join the campaign of the Belarusian Women's Union. We should have enough strength and wisdom to stop the escalation of the conflict and help these people.”
