We have submitted an amicus curiae brief in connection with the trial of individuals detained during a solidarity protest on February 12, 2022, in front of the Border Guard headquarters in Krosno Odrzańskie. The protesters voiced their opposition to the inhumane treatment of individuals held in guarded centers for foreigners, particularly in the facility in Wędrzyn. Reports from migrants in the center highlighted human rights violations and poor living conditions. At that time, refugees organized hunger strikes as a form of protest, and there were also suicide attempts.
Why is this important?
Guarded centers for foreigners in Poland have long raised serious concerns due to inhumane living conditions, overcrowding, and a lack of adequate medical and psychological care. The protesters drew attention to these issues in solidarity with those detained in these centers.
Amicus Curiae Brief
An amicus curiae brief is a document that an organization not directly involved in a court case can submit to provide broader social and legal context regarding the matter. In our brief, we emphasize:
- The need to respect the dignity and rights of individuals held in these centers.
- The necessity of implementing detention alternatives that comply with international standards.
- The systemic problems arising from the treatment of foreigners in guarded centers.
Who is affected by detention?
The Ombudsman has repeatedly emphasized that detention should be a last resort and should not apply to:
- Families with children.
- Unaccompanied minors.
- Individuals who have experienced torture or other forms of violence.
In centers such as Wędrzyn, living conditions posed threats to the mental and physical health of detainees, particularly those belonging to these vulnerable groups.
Call for Systemic Reforms
Although the Wędrzyn center ceased operations in September 2022, we continue to call on authorities to:
- Limit the use of detention to absolute last-resort cases.
- Improve conditions in centers to meet international standards.
- Develop alternative, more humane solutions.
Detention must not mean human rights violations—every person deserves dignity and rights, regardless of their origin or migration status.
Join the Defense of Human Rights!
We oppose the violation of refugees’ dignity and rights. Act with us! Visit: https://nomada.info.pl/wlacz-sie/wplac-darowizne and make a donation.
Solidarity is our strength!
