The situation of Chechen refugees in Poland. Human rights issues

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Fleeing from human rights violations in Chechnya to the European Union

3. Difficult living conditions and instable situation after the application

4. Desired decisions for the refugee status

 4.1.    Depressing Statistics

 4.2.    Refugee status under the Geneva Convention and "supplementary protection"

 4.3.    Tolerated stay

5. Conclusion

6. Demands of the society for threatened peoples to the EU member states relating to the European Asylum       Policy and the Dublin II System

7. References

Introduction

The Dublin II Regulation of 2003 provides a new legal instrument for regulating asylum procedures within the European Union. Though the Regulation was initially developed to establish an effective common strategy of immigration policy among the EU States, it has produced a number of unintended problems. Many of these problems arise from a complicated constellation of the sense of responsibility EU States have toward refugees, the desire to present themselves as good actors at the international level, as well as a concern over their national political interests.

In particular, EU Border States such as Poland, Greece and Malta are affected by the implementation of the Dublin II Regulation. This report from the Society for Threatened Peoples is intended to raise awareness and discuss the issue of asylum seekers in Poland. It is motivated by the numerous reports that have been released in recent years regarding the unacceptable situation of medical care, legal status, and other fundamental problems the refugees there are facing.

Since entering the EU in 2004 Poland faces a major challenge to both ensure adequate support for a large number of asylum seekers and carry out their asylum procedures quickly. Asylum seekers from the North Caucasus, similar to other refugees, abandon their homes because of armed conflicts, human rights violations, or because the experience of torture and kidnapping make them fear for their lives and their freedom. They come to Europe in search of a dignified and protected life and hope to provide a future free from fear for their children.

This report aims to improve the status of Chechen refugees by drawing the attention of the international community and responsible decision makers at all levels to their current situation. The following text provides information on entry, reception, living conditions, legal status and prospects of asylum seekers from Chechnya. It should serve to describe the current situation of this specific refugee group and to highlight an urgent need for action.

You can download the whole document here.