Poland: Caritas helps migrants on border as Belarus clears camps

Source: Caritas Poland

Caritas Poland has promised to continue assisting people in need on the Belarus border as long as the crisis lasts.

On Thursday, Belarus authorities began clearing several migrant camps along the border with Poland, where thousands of people have been huddled for weeks in the cold, in hopes of entering the EU. On Thursday more than 400 people were taken to Minsk airport and flown back to Iraq. Others have taken to accommodation in a local warehouse.

The move by Belarus came after weeks of tensions along the Poland-Belarus border. The Polish government, the European Union, and NATO have accused Belarus of helping the migrants gather at the frontier and enter Poland. The Belarusian government, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, denies the claim. The European Commission has rejected a Belarus proposal that EU nations take in up to 2,000 migrants.

Poland has fortified its border and repelled groups trying to enter the country with tear gas and water cannons.

On Friday the Polish government said that around 250 people tried to cross the border into Poland over the previous 24 hours. This was half the number that tried to cross the day before.

The director of Caritas Polska, Fr Marcin Iżycki said the charity would continue to help the migrants. he said: "There is no contradiction in helping the needy and respecting the work of those who defend the security of our border and our country."

Caritas Belarus has also been been distributing food and warm clothing as temperatures plunge. Caritas Poland has set up 'Tents of Hope,' which collect food, clothing, and blankets, in seven parishes near the border in the Archdiocese of Białystok.

Fr Cordian Szwarc, a Franciscan friar and deputy director of Caritas Poland, praised the response of Catholic parishes near the border. He said that many have come forward to help the refugees offering food and clothing.

On Sunday, Catholic churches in Poland will hold a collection in aid of migrants and refugees.

At least 10 migrants have died in the freezing temperatures, including a one-year-old child.