Poland Extends Border Buffer Zone with Belarus to Curb Illegal Migration

Poland's interior ministry announced a 90-day extension of the buffer zone along its border with Belarus, citing significant reductions in illegal migration. The policy was reintroduced in June after a surge in border crossings and violence. Human rights groups have critiqued the measure, while domestic political opposition charges hypocrisy.

Poland's interior ministry announced on Tuesday that it will extend the buffer zone on its border with Belarus for another 90 days. The measure, initially reintroduced in June, aims to curb illegal migration and has reportedly been effective in decreasing border crossings by 64%.

The buffer zone spans 60 kilometers of the border and was reinstated following a series of violent incidents, including the death of a soldier. Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European coalition government has faced backlash from human rights organizations, who argue the policy hampers aid efforts for migrants.

The opposition party Law and Justice (PiS) has accused Tusk's government of hypocrisy, given their prior criticism of the buffer zone when in opposition. Tusk has called for greater European support to secure Poland's eastern frontier, criticizing Germany's recent decision to tighten land border controls.

(With inputs from agencies.)