Russia-Ukraine War: Poland Denies Discriminating Against Fleeing Nigerians, Africans

The Polish Government has denied discriminating against Nigerians and other Africans, who are heading towards the Poland border due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Poland Denies Discriminating Against Africans

KanyiDaily recalls that there have been reports that non-white people, particularly blacks, are being turned away at the Poland border by Ukrainian soldiers and Polish border guards.

In one video widely circulating on social media, a Nigerian mother with her young baby was filmed being physically forced to give up her seat to another white person.

However, in a series of posts on its Twitter page, the Polish authorities described the reports as “fake news”, saying the country was not discriminating against non-white people.

Poland said it is accepting refugees “in accordance with outlined procedures”, and that about 200,000 refugees have found shelter in the country notwithstanding their nationality.

The statement reads, “Reports suggesting that the Polish authority are segregating refugees from Ukraine on the basis of race or religion are both false and outrageous. Poland is accepting refugees in accordance with outlined procedures.

“Poland admits citizens of different countries in accordance with the existing procedures. We urge for prudence and to refrain from disseminating disinformation.

“Almost 200,000 refugees have already found shelter in Poland regardless of their nationality. There is no discrimination!

“FACT: Refugees fleeing war-stricken Ukraine are entering Poland regardless of their nationality. THERE IS NO DISCRIMINATION!”

This comes after the Federal Government had asked Ukraine and Poland authorities to treat Nigerians and other Africans stranded in Ukraine with dignity irrespective of the colour of their passports or their skin.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed Nigerians fleeing Ukraine to move to Hungarian or Romanian borders for accommodation and feeding, adding that it has secured free visa arrangements for Nigerians entering Romania and Hungary.

KanyiDaily had reported how Russian President, Vladimir Putin ordered a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, killing hundreds of people and wounding thousands.