Four EU member states on Monday appealed to the United Nations to take motion towards Belarus for permitting migrants to cross into the bloc illegally.
Some EU officers not too long ago claimed that Belarus was “deliberately” sending migrants into the EU by way of Lithuania – after hundreds – principally from the Middle East – crossed the border in current months.
On Monday the prime ministers of Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Estonia mentioned it was clear that the “ongoing crisis has been planned and systematically organized” by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
The newest row between the European Union and Belarus comes after a 27-member bloc imposed sanctions on Lukashenko’s regime over its crackdown on Belarusian discontent following controversial presidential elections final yr.
‘A hybrid assault’
The 4 Eastern European international locations mentioned in a joint assertion that “using immigrants to destabilize neighboring countries is a clear violation of international law and qualifies as a hybrid attack on them and on the bloc as a whole”.
The 4 prime ministers wrote, “The time has come to bring the issue of migrant abuse in the Belarusian region to the attention of the United Nations, including the United Nations Security Council.”
“We urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to take proactive steps to facilitate the resolution of this situation and the need for Belarus to comply with its international obligations,” the assertion mentioned.
He mentioned “giving arms to refugees” is a severe human rights violation and a menace to the regional safety of the EU.
According to the assertion, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Estonia will take migrants crossing the border, however may also name for “potential new restrictive measures by the EU to prevent any further illegal immigration”.
rising pressure
Latvia, Lithuania and Poland – which share a land border with Belarus – are all making an attempt to cease or push again migrants who try unlawful crossings.
In May, Latvia and Lithuania raised the alarm about free passage to Belarusian migrants. Since then there have been a number of standoffs alongside the border.
Lithuania is putting in a metallic fence outfitted with razor wire alongside its 670-kilometre (416 mi) border with Belarus.
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszak additionally mentioned {that a} 2.5 m (8.2 ft) excessive “concrete fence” could be constructed alongside the Polish-Belarusian border.
Meanwhile, Latvia declared a state of emergency alongside its 175-kilometre border with Belarus to permit troops and police to help border guards.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
