Poland marks World Refugee Day

The largest group applying for international protection in Poland are inhabitants of the Russian Federation declaring Chechen nationality, Ukrainians and those fleeing from Tajikistan. The number of Syrians or citizens of other conflict-ridden countries is still relatively small.

The Polish Office For Foreigners released the data for 2015 to mark the International Refugee day held on 20 June.

In line with the 1951 Geneva Convention article, a refugee status is granted to those who flee their home country in fear of repressions due to race, religion, nationality or political convictions.

Agnieszka Kunicka , the head of the Refugee.pl Foundation underlines that there has to be a clear distinction between refugee and economic migrant, as the two concepts are very often confused: “The economic migrant can return to his home country any time, it is his choice,” she says. “He leaves his home country in search for better living conditions or in search for better development opportunities. A refugee cannot return to his home country, because he stands in great physical danger , even facing the threat of death.”