The number of individuals escaping within Europe is at an all-time high since World War II, with Poland taking the lion's share. The primary obligation for supporting those fleeing Ukraine has rested primarily on regular citizens, non-governmental organizations, and municipalities, posing huge obstacles.

Nils Muižnieks, Europe Regional Director at Amnesty International, has expressed worry that Poland's lack of proper coordination may be a risk for refugees, depriving them of essential care, making them prone to sexual assault and human trafficking and increasing their chance of being preyed on by criminals. "The Polish government must now step up to meet these challenges and keep people safe.”

Amnesty International conducted a 10-day visit to Poland in which it found that in all places including reception points, government authorities left volunteers in charge instead of their own personnel. According to the organization, this is not a sustainable long-term solution for proper registration, accommodation, social support, or other assistance.

Particularly with non-Ukrainian nationals, the government should educate all those fleeing Ukraine about their legal status in Poland or the possibility of moving regularly to other EU countries.

Muižnieks said, “Many non-Ukrainian people, including those in need of international protection, are unsure of their status in Poland. Everyone fleeing the conflict must be treated with humanity and offered opportunities to carry on with their lives, regardless of their passport."

Susceptible to crime

A major worry in temporary reception facilities is their common reliance on private individuals to offer transport and accommodation to newcomers.

The risk of having newcomers improperly registered means an increased chance of being abused and exploited by criminals. Amnesty details how asylum-seekers were desperate to get help from any source-trustworthy or not.

According to reports, Wroclaw police detained a 49-year-old Polish man for allegedly sexually abusing a Ukrainian lady he volunteered to shelter at his apartment.

"There are many, very dangerous propositions": Concerns have increased recently over media reports that some female refugees from #Ukraine were being exploited by human trafficking networks in #Europe and "Israel."#Russia pic.twitter.com/Sh1XJnaOzH

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 20, 2022

Human rights organizations in Poland have also stated that they are getting allegations of further incidences of sexual assault, which are being kept private. They are citing fears of unaccompanied minors and other individuals falling prey to human trafficking.

Irena Dawid-Olczyk, President of NGO La Strada, said some children are being sent to live with family, and in the case of the adults escorting them being detained, they are continuing their journey alone and unsupervised.

Karolina Wierzbińska from Homo Faber told the police that a woman was offering money for people's passports in Lublin's train station. Men at the station were also seen aggressively offering Ukrainian women transportation and accommodation.

Muižnieks concluded by saying that authorities in Poland are responsible for ensuring that those who have fled Ukraine and are non-Ukrainian are treated with the same level of respect to protect their human rights and dignity. "Racism, hate speech, and attacks must not be tolerated and perpetrators must be held accountable."

Read more: UNHCR urges safety of African refugees crossing Ukraine