November 23, 2021
Cited article by Al Jazeera
HRRC's Response:
Belarusian authorities reported that over 100 refugees have been repatriated to their home countries, with more planned. While much of the information regarding those refugees was withheld, it was stated that embassies, including Iraq and Syria, were involved in organizing the return flights. These refugees have faced ongoing crises, which have escalated since August.
Many critics point to Belarus for encouraging refugees to enter the EU through countries such as Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania. Notably, Poland has put laws in place that keep returning refugees from reentering Poland from Belarus, completely denying them access to Poland. Meanwhile, human rights groups report that refugee camps along the borders lack in appropriate housing, food, and care for the people placed within.
HRRC urges Belarus, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and all other countries taking in mass refugees to work with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for support. In addition, we call upon these governments to provide protections to all refugees, and only repatriate those who wish to return to their home countries.