We are all bearing witness to the unfolding tragedy of the conflict in Ukraine and are praying for peace and an end to all Russian Aggression. We are extremely saddened to learn of one underreported element of this conflict involving numerous African students, who are currently at the Polish Border, who aren't being allowed to flee the country of their residence, the Ukraine, and seek refuge in this neighbouring country. 

We have seen disturbing footage online and on news programs such as Channel 4 News & the BBC showing Polish police and army blocking and preventing these students from being able to claim asylum under threat of force. We have also heard their testimony and eye witness accounts describing the racism they are facing in this incredibly distressing situation. 

We cannot imagine the distress they must be in, being on a different continent from their families and homes, caught up in a conflict that has absolutely nothing to do with them and unable to escape the Ukraine to access their embassies and begin the process of seeking safety. Nor can we imagine the distress of their relatives who have been unable to seek information.

We call upon the Polish Government to urgently address the situation these students are facing and ensure they are treated with the same respect, due consideration and human dignity as the hundreds of thousands of other refugees of all nationalities and ethnicities fleeing the current conflict.