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.

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
Asylum Seekers

April 15, 2024
News Release
Tajikistan: EU States, Türkiye Should Not Return Dissidents
Refugees and Migrants

March 13, 2024
Dispatches
To Really Help Migrants, Poland Should Stop Pushbacks at Belarus Border

Lydia Gall

Senior Researcher, Eastern Europe and Western Balkans

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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
April 29, 2022 Report

Poland: Trafficking, Exploitation Risks for Refugees

Security Measures, Systems to Address Gender-Based Violence Urgently Needed