The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners have increased their help for migrants and refugees in response to the situation at the Belarusian-EU border, delivering humanitarian aid at the border and expanding voluntary return chances and other forms of assistance.
Up to 2,000 migrants and refugees are estimated to be at the Polish border, primarily Kurds from Iraq, but also Syrians, Iranians, Afghans, Yemenis, Cameroonians, and others.
Because many deaths from hypothermia have already been reported on the EU’s border with Belarus, and because the group includes a high number of women and children, there are grave worries for their welfare in the frigid weather.
The Belarusian authorities have provided IOM, UNHCR, and the Belarus Red Cross access to migrants and refugees near the border on many occasions in recent weeks to assess their conditions and needs, administer humanitarian supplies, and develop solutions for those desiring to return home.
In late October, IOM was able to provide assistance through the Belarus Red Cross. Following the IOM’s initial visit to the Bruzgi border crossing on 11 November, the Red Cross quickly distributed food, clothing, and hygiene kits to migrants transported to a logistics facility near the border. The same group received water, food, and infant food on November 24.
The entire number of migrants and refugees in Belarus is estimated to be around 7,000, with just a small percentage indicating a desire to return home voluntarily thus far. However, the Iraqi government has recently facilitated the repatriation of over 1,000 of its nationals, and talks with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to enable further voluntary returns are ongoing.
IOM expects to be able to provide a charter flight for all those still wanting to return to Iraq in the next two weeks. Because COVID-19 protocols must be followed, this process takes longer than usual.
IOM has so far aided at least 44 persons in returning home voluntarily, with another 38 on the way.
“Together with UNHCR and partners, our priority is the safety of these stranded migrants, upholding their human rights and preventing more deaths as temperatures remain well below freezing,” said António Vitorino, Director General of IOM.
“We are committed to providing humanitarian assistance and working with authorities on both sides of the border, and those who wish to return voluntarily will be helped by IOM to do so in a safe and dignified way.”
