Poland

Government attacks on judicial independence and rule of law remains a serious concern. Women’s sexual and reproductive rights and activists continued to be under attack, with a 2023 criminal conviction of an abortion rights activist for helping a woman access abortion pills. Officials use anti-LGBT rhetoric and authorities have established so-called “LGBT Ideology Free” zones. Independent media outlets and journalists faced threats and obstacles in their reporting. While Poland admitted millions of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, unlawful pushbacks of migrants and asylum seekers from other parts of the world continued at the border with Belarus.

Refugees and Migrants

December 10, 2024
Report
Poland: Brutal Pushbacks at Belarus Border
Azerbaijan

September 30, 2024
Commentary
OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 30 Sept 2024 Keynote speech

Hugh Williamson

Director, Europe and Central Asia Division
Europe/Central Asia

May 30, 2024
Dispatches
European Commission Prematurely Ends Rule of Law Scrutiny of Poland

Iskra Kirova

Advocacy Director, Europe and Central Asia Division

Lydia Gall

Senior Researcher, Eastern Europe and Western Balkans

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December 10, 2024 Report

Poland: Brutal Pushbacks at Belarus Border

Border Guards Use Force, Deny Access to Asylum Procedures
September 14, 2023 Report

Poland: Abortion Witch Hunt Targets Women, Doctors

Criminalization, Pursuit of Alleged Offenders Violates Rights
December 15, 2022 Report

Poland: Rule of Law Erosion Harms Women, LGBT People

EU Action Needed to End Undermining of Institutions that Protect Rights
June 7, 2022 Report

Violence and Pushbacks at Poland-Belarus Border

Halt Summary Returns, Ensure Accountability For Abuse