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International protection for Belarusians in the Belarusian language


International protection for Belarusians in the Belarusian language
Photo: MOST

Belarusians might soon have access to a Belarusian-language version of the mobile application when applying for international protection in Poland

In April, the Office for Foreigners of Poland announced the launch of the Refugeebook mobile application, designed for foreign citizens seeking international protection in Poland. The app provides answers to various questions related to the application process, social assistance, document forms, peculiarities of submitting documents together with children, and actions to take after a decision is made. Initially available in Polish, English, Russian, and Ukrainian, the application lacked a Belarusian-language version.

Recognizing the significant number of Belarusian refugees in Poland, Pavel Latushka, the deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, reached out to Tomasz Cytrynowicz, the head of the Office for Foreign Affairs of Poland, on April 24. In his request, Mr. Latushka stated the following: “Given the large number of Belarusian refugees in Poland, I would like to request you to please add the Belarusian language to this list. The initiative to introduce the Belarusian language would enable Belarusian refugees to have easier access to information and support their national language, which is under tremendous pressure from the regime in Belarus.”

In his reply, received by Pavel Latushka on May 9, the head of the Office for Foreigners of Poland noted the following: “I have issued the order to commence work on modifying the application and introducing a version in the Belarusian language”.

"We express our gratitude to the Office for Foreigners of Poland for this important decision in support of the Belarusian language. We will continue to strive to protect the rights of Belarusians who are compelled to seek asylum abroad. Additionally, we consider it vital to support our coalition, “Latushka’s Team and ‘For Freedom Movement“, in the Coordination Council elections, as it serves as another platform for fighting for the rights of Belarusians," stated Pavel Latushka in response to Polish officials’ decision.

 

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