UN for urgent resolution to migrant situation at Belarus-Poland border

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday called on countries to ensure the safety and human rights of migrants and refugees currently at the Belarus-Poland border.

A joint statement issued by the two UN agencies cited reports saying that a large group of migrants and refugees on the Belarusian side of the border are "moving towards the international border crossing point 'Bruzgi' with Poland."

"UNHCR and IOM have been in contact with both governments and are calling for an urgent resolution of the situation and immediate and unhindered access to the group to ensure that humanitarian assistance is provided, those in need of international or other forms of protection are identified and those who wish to apply for asylum can do so where they are," the statement said.

"In view of the alarming situation at the border, both sides must uphold their obligations under international law and guarantee the safety, dignity, and protection of the rights of people stranded at the border," the statement said.

Belarus and Poland have been caught in a spat in recent months. Poland has accused Belarus of trying to encourage migrants and refugees to cross into Poland and the European Union, while Belarus said that Poland is "deliberately" escalating tensions by military deployment at the border without notification.