Fact Check: Belarus had sended Kurdish migrants into Polish border

Fact Check: "Belarus had sent Kurdish migrants into Polish border"

What We Know

The claim that Belarus has sent Kurdish migrants into Poland is supported by multiple sources. In August 2021, the Belarusian government began facilitating an influx of migrants, primarily from the Middle East, including many Kurds, to the borders of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. This was viewed as a form of hybrid warfare in response to deteriorating relations between Belarus and the European Union following the controversial 2020 presidential election in Belarus and subsequent protests (Wikipedia). Reports indicate that Belarusian authorities actively encouraged these migrants to cross into the EU, providing them with resources and instructions on how to breach border barriers (Wikipedia).

Human rights organizations have noted that many of these migrants, including a significant number of Kurds, were fleeing persecution and hardship in their home countries (Wikipedia). The Polish border police recorded approximately 30,000 illegal attempts to cross the border in 2021, with many of these migrants being of Kurdish origin (DW).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is substantial and corroborated by multiple credible sources. The Wikipedia entry on the Belarus–EU border crisis outlines how Belarusian authorities, under President Alexander Lukashenko, orchestrated the movement of migrants to the EU borders as a retaliatory measure against EU sanctions and political pressure. This strategy included promoting Belarus as a transit point for migrants seeking to enter the EU, particularly targeting vulnerable populations from conflict zones.

Moreover, the DW article provides firsthand accounts from humanitarian workers who have been actively involved in assisting migrants at the border, indicating a clear link between Belarus's actions and the influx of migrants, including Kurds. The report highlights the dire humanitarian conditions faced by these migrants, further emphasizing the role of Belarus in facilitating their journey.

While the sources cited are generally reliable, it is important to note that the situation is complex and politically charged. The narratives surrounding the crisis can be influenced by national interests and biases, particularly given the contentious relationship between Belarus and the EU. However, the consistency of reports from various independent observers and humanitarian organizations lends credibility to the assertion that Belarus has indeed sent Kurdish migrants into Poland.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Belarus has sent Kurdish migrants into Poland is substantiated by credible evidence from multiple sources. The Belarusian government has actively facilitated the movement of these migrants as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on the EU, which has been widely recognized as a form of hybrid warfare. The humanitarian crisis resulting from this situation has been documented extensively, confirming the involvement of Belarusian authorities in orchestrating these migrations.