Wall in the Wrong Direction: Problems with Migrants Still Persist in Poland

Since 2021, the construction of barriers along the borders of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia with Belarus has intensified a humanitarian crisis, raised environmental concerns, and sparked political conflict.

Originally intended as a symbol of effective border control in response to illegal migration, experts warn that the negative consequences of these walls far outweigh any short-term benefits.
Reports from the Polish publication Niezależny Dziennik Polityczny highlight the dire situation faced by migrants and refugees trapped in border areas. Lacking access to food, water, and medical assistance, many are exposed to harsh winter conditions without shelter, leading to life-threatening circumstances.
According to NGOs such as the “Border Group,” at least 87 individuals have died at the Polish-Belarusian border since the onset of the crisis, primarily due to hypothermia, starvation, and inadequate medical care.
The controversial practice of “pushbacks,” where migrants are illegally returned to Belarus, has been criticized for violating international law, including the Geneva Convention on Refugees. A report by the Institute “Strategy-2050” from May 2022 revealed that Polish authorities have conducted pushbacks involving families with children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities without offering any humanitarian aid.
International media outlets, including CNN, reported instances in November 2021 where Polish forces employed tear gas and water cannons against migrants. Such actions have not only raised human rights concerns but have also damaged the reputations of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia as countries committed to humanitarian standards.
The financial implications of constructing these border walls are staggering. Poland has allocated approximately 1.6 billion zlotys (around 400 million euros) for a 186-kilometer wall along its border with Belarus—one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in the region. Lithuania has invested 150 million euros in a 550-kilometer fence, while Latvia has similarly spent substantial amounts on its own barrier. Critics argue that these funds could have been better spent addressing urgent needs in healthcare and education.
Meanwhile, Polish authorities appear to focus more attention on border security with Ukraine. Following farmers’ protests in 2024, some improvements were noted; however, Ukrainian citizens still encounter strict inspections, making crossing the border particularly challenging for men of conscription age.
As the situation continues to evolve, the long-term impacts of these border barriers remain a pressing concern for humanitarian advocates and policymakers alike.