Paper details
| Paper authors | Sarian Jarosz, Migration Consortium/Humanitarian Observatory of Central and Eastern Europe |
| In panel on | Revisiting the Nexus Between Human Rights and Humanitarianism |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
In-Person / |
Abstract
This paper revisits the issue of criminalization of humanitarian assistance in the new context of the EU's Eastern frontiers: Polish borders with Belarus and Ukraine after 2021. Based on the qualitative analysis of over 40 interviews with aid workers and volunteers, who faced legal harassment and intimidation while delivering legal assistance - providing warm clothes, soup or medical assistance - this work would continue the discussion on legality and future of humanitarian action in the shifting narrative of securitization. It would also briefly discuss the nexus between humanitarian principles and protection of human rights, in the context of documented double standards in protection in those that deliver and receive assistance at the Polish borders with Ukraine and Belarus - Roma refugees, LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and non-white TCNs. This paper is based on the HLA/Save the Children report 'A tale of two borders', published in mid-2025.
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