Human rights situation on Poland-Belarus border 'alarming': senior official

The ban on access to areas adjacent to the border, covered by Poland's state of emergency, has "harmful consequences," the commissioner said, adding that it prevented international organizations and civil society from providing vital humanitarian assistance and carrying out crucial monitoring and human rights work.

Denying access to the media undermines freedom of expression and information and limits much-needed transparency and accountability, fueling disinformation and reinforcing the sentiment of insecurity, she said.

"Journalists should be allowed to report from all areas along the border, freely and safely," said the commissioner.

She said that Poland's current legislation, which allows for immediate returns to the border of persons who entered the territory outside of official border crossings, undermines the right to seek asylum and "must be amended."