In forests on the Poland-Belarus border, migrants are fighting for survival
Migrants crossing into Poland from Belarus say Polish border guards are pushing them back over the frontier, leaving them hiding in forests along the border, as winter approaches. Olivia Chan reports.
“Bring me to the jail. Let me die there.”
This is 26-year-old Yemeni migrant Mohammed’s plea to Polish border guards after they pushed him back to Belarus and left him in the forest.
The former travel agent is one of the thousands of migrants from countries in the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan who are trying to enter the European Union country via Belarus.
“What should we do? What’s our mistake? Our mistake, that we were born in this life? Our mistake, that we believe in Europe? Our mistake, that we believe in the United Nations? That was our mistake?”
On Thursday (October 14), Poland’s foreign ministry summoned the Belarusian charge d’affaires after Polish police found the sixth migrant body near the border with Belarus.
The European Union’s executive Commission blames Belarus for deliberately orchestrating the flow of migrants to put pressure on the bloc in retaliation for sanctions it had slapped on Minsk over human rights abuses.
Belarus has denied this
Human rights advocates have accused the Polish government of treating migrants inhumanely and not letting them apply for international protection.
Piotr Bystrianin is a senior official with the Ocalenie Foundation, a charity planning to deliver humanitarian aid for migrants at the border.
He said Polish authorities are operating a strategy that aims to see migrants quote “eventually give up and go back to the country they fled from.”
The Polish government says the migrants are Belarus’s responsibility as they are legally on its territory, and that offers of humanitarian aid have been refused.
Poland also began building a barbed wire fence in August and lawmakers are due to vote on the construction of a wall equipped with motion sensors and cameras at a cost of over $407 million.
Migrants have resorted to desperate measures to enter Poland
Syrian Zainab Ahmad told Polish border guards she needed medical attention and was taken to a hospital, and from there a migrant center in Poland.
“They (Polish border guard) say ‘you will go there and get asylum there’ but they took us to the Belarusian border again.”
The Border Guard have prevented over 9,000 attempts to cross the frontier from Belarus into Poland from the start of January till the end of September, according to Poland’s parliament website – and of those around 8,000 took place in the last two months alone.
In Brussels, the EU executive summoned envoys from Poland, Lithuania and Latvia on Thursday over the fate of migrants stuck on their borders with Belarus.
A new report has raised concerns about potential power shortages this summer in several Australian states. With temperatures expected to soar, experts warn that the electricity grid could be under significant strain.
The report, released by the Energy Authority of Australia, highlights that New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia are at the greatest risk of experiencing blackouts. Increased demand for electricity due to air conditioning use during hot summer days is the primary driver of this concern.
The report suggests that immediate measures should be taken to mitigate these risks. These measures include improving grid infrastructure, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing demand-side management programs to reduce peak electricity consumption.
Energy Minister Sarah Thompson acknowledged the challenges but assured the public that the government is actively working on solutions to prevent power shortages. She stated, “We are committed to ensuring a stable and reliable power supply during the summer months.”
As the summer approaches, Australians will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure a steady power supply during the hottest days. #featured
New details about the relationship between the failed FTX boss and politicians and business leaders has been laid bare.
It’s been revealed that Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of FTX crypto exchange, explored the idea of offering former President Donald Trump a substantial sum of money to dissuade him from running for president again.
The proposition is detailed in an upcoming book that promises to shed light on behind-the-scenes dealings and unconventional political strategies.
#featured
Enhancing National Preparedness: The Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
On October 4, the United States is set to conduct a crucial nationwide emergency alert system test, a vital evaluation of the nation’s ability to disseminate critical information effectively during emergencies.
This upcoming test is a significant event, not just as a routine check but also in response to notable past incidents that underscore the imperative of a robust emergency alert system. One such incident took place on January 13, 2018, in the state of Hawaii, when an accidental alert was issued via the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System.
This alert, transmitted across various media platforms including television, radio, and cellphones, advised citizens to seek shelter due to an incoming ballistic missile, concluding with the chilling declaration: “This is not a drill.”
The subsequent 38 minutes and 13 seconds were filled with panic and uncertainty, until state officials clarified that the alert had resulted from a miscommunication during a routine drill at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The incident prompted a public apology from David Ige, the governor of Hawaii, acknowledging the distress it had caused.
Additionally, it triggered investigations by the Federal Communications Commission and the Hawaii House of Representatives, ultimately leading to the resignation of the state’s emergency management administrator. This incident served as a stark reminder of the critical importance of a well-functioning, error-free emergency alert system.
Fast forward to the present, the nation is preparing for the upcoming nationwide emergency alert system test scheduled for October 4. At the designated time, a loud alert tone will resonate across all devices, followed by a test message that clearly identifies its nature as a simulation meant to evaluate the readiness and functionality of the emergency alert infrastructure. This exercise aims to assure citizens that the emergency alert system is well-prepared and efficient in conveying vital information during a crisis.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to this test, acquaint themselves with the alert sound and message, and comprehend its profound significance in the broader context of preparedness for potential emergencies in the future. The October 4 nationwide emergency alert system test represents a commitment to learning from past incidents and continuously improving preparedness measures to protect citizens and ensure a resilient society. It highlights the nation’s dedication to enhancing its communication systems, thereby reinforcing the safety and security of its populace.