Poland Denies Planning to Leave European Human Rights Convention After Pm’s Criticism

Prime Minister Criticizes European Convention on Human Rights

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sparked controversy by expressing his concerns regarding the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Tusk’s comments came amidst ongoing debates about migration and human rights within Europe.

Polish PM’s Criticism

Tusk highlighted that countries want to deport convicted criminals, rapists, or terrorists but face challenges due to the ECHR. He argued that traditional verdicts from courts often prioritize human rights over security concerns, making it difficult to enforce deportation laws effectively.

“When we are talking about the biggest threats, maybe not for Poland, but first of all, for the West, and for the EU as a whole, it is migration,” said Tusk. He also noted that “there are more and more difficult ethnic and cultural relations inside our societies.” Tusk emphasized the need for reforming the ECHR, stating that countries cannot wait for these changes to happen.

Government Response

A government spokesman later clarified that there are no plans to withdraw Poland from the ECHR. The spokesman explained that Tusk’s words did not refer to Poland but were a response to questions posed by British journalists about ongoing discussions in the UK regarding the ECHR.

“The prime minister’s words did not refer to Poland, but were a response to a question posed by British journalists concerning the ongoing discussion in the UK,” said Adam Szłapka, the government spokesman. Additionally, he told Wirtualna Polska that “there are no plans to withdraw from the ECHR.”

Human Rights Groups’ Reaction

Tusk’s remarks faced backlash from human rights groups and legal experts in Poland. The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (HFHR) criticized Tusk’s statements, calling them “astonishing and concerning.” HFHR warned that such arguments could be associated with extremist and populist movements.

Monika Gąsiorowska, a Warsaw human rights lawyer, also expressed concern. She advised the prime minister to familiarize himself with the values and goals of the founders of the Council of Europe and what the convention was intended to protect against. “This is a matter of historical knowledge,” she noted.

Background on ECHR and Poland’s Migration Strategy

The European Convention on Human Rights, established in 1950, aims to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Europe. It has been ratified by most member states, including Poland. However, Tusk’s comments reflect growing concerns among some EU leaders about the effectiveness of the ECHR in addressing modern challenges such as migration.

Earlier this year, Tusk joined other European leaders in calling for a “conversation” on the interpretation of the ECHR to allow more flexibility for countries to expel foreign criminals and prevent “hostile states instrumentalising migrants.” This move highlights the ongoing debate within Europe about balancing human rights with national security concerns.

Implications for Poland’s Stance

The Polish government’s stance on the ECHR is significant as it reflects broader discussions in the European Union. While Tusk’s comments suggest a critical view of the current system, they also highlight the complexities involved in reforming such a widely recognized human rights framework.

As the debate continues, Poland and other member states will need to navigate these challenges carefully to ensure both national security interests are protected while maintaining the integrity of Europe’s human rights standards. This delicate balance will be crucial for shaping future policies and ensuring continued cooperation within the European Union.