Amnesty International reconstructs suspected illegal pushback of group of 32 Afghan people in August using photogrammetry and spatial modelling techniques. Amnesty International has used spatial reconstruction techniques to show how a group of 32 people from Afghanistan was left stranded at the border between Poland and Belarus without food, clean water, shelter and medicine for weeks, despite attempting to claim asylum in Poland.
Amnesty’s analysis shows irrefutably how the group’s position shifted from Poland to Belarus in late August, as a result of what Amnesty suspects was an illegal pushback by Poland. Polish and Belarusian border guards have been keeping the group trapped in a small area on the border for over a month, as both countries avoid responsibility for the four women, 27 men and one 15-year-old girl.
On 20 August, Poland introduced a ministerial decree which limited movements at selected border crossing points and allowed for the return of those intercepted in the area. Subsequently, Poland declared a 30-day “state of emergency” at the border, restricting journalists’ and NGOs’ access to the area. Despite the dire situation of the asylum-seekers, the European Union has been closing its eyes to their plight and is failing to end the stalemate and assist those in need.
Our analysis
To evaluate the situation on the border between Poland and Belarus, Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Lab collected and analyzed satellite imagery over the border and over 50 videos and photographs of incidents on the border since 12 August 2021. This digital content was then analyzed and verified. Photogrammetry and photo-matching to reconstruct models in 3D of the exact location has allowed Amnesty International to verify the position of the border, confirm the movements and locations of the group of Afghans since 12 August and detail how they are now living in a makeshift camp in inhumane conditions. This reconstruction also shows why Amnesty International suspects that an illegal pushback of the group of Afghans from Poland to Belarus happened on 19 August.
Under EU and international refugee law, Poland is obliged to ensure an individual assessment of all asylum claims and refrain from unlawful returns, including pushbacks and collective expulsions which do not take into account the specific circumstances of those being returned nor allow them to challenge the return decision. Amnesty International calls on Poland’s government to ensure access to its territory to those seeking protection, end pushbacks, and urgently provide adequate shelter, food, water, sanitary facilities and medical care to the group of Afghans stranded at the Poland-Belarus border. Poland should also repeal the ‘state of emergency’ and grant unhindered access to journalists, activists, NGOs and lawyers, so that they can continue their vital human rights activities.
Poland’s obligations under international law
Under EU and international refugee law, Poland is obliged to ensure an individual assessment of all asylum claims and refrain from unlawful returns, including pushbacks and collective expulsions. Amnesty International calls on Poland’s government to ensure access to territory to those seeking protection, end pushbacks, and urgently provide adequate shelter, food, water and medical care to the group of Afghans stranded at the Poland Belarus border. Poland should also repeal the ‘state of emergency’ and grant unhindered access to journalists, activists, NGOs and lawyers, so that they can continue their vital human rights activities.
NB this article consists of fragments of the full article. Read the full report here