Poland

Government attacks on judicial independence and rule of law remains a serious concern. Women’s sexual and reproductive rights and activists continued to be under attack, with a 2023 criminal conviction of an abortion rights activist for helping a woman access abortion pills. Officials use anti-LGBT rhetoric and authorities have established so-called “LGBT Ideology Free” zones. Independent media outlets and journalists faced threats and obstacles in their reporting. While Poland admitted millions of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, unlawful pushbacks of migrants and asylum seekers from other parts of the world continued at the border with Belarus.

LGBT Rights

May 16, 2025
Dispatches
Poland Ends ‘LGBT Free’ Zones

Kyle Knight

Associate Director, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program
Arms

April 1, 2025
Dispatches
Backsliding on Landmines Endangers Civilian Lives

Mary Wareham

Deputy Director, Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division
LGBT Rights

March 13, 2025
Dispatches
Landmark Ruling on Trans Rights in Poland

Cristian González Cabrera

Senior Researcher, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program

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December 10, 2024 Report

Poland: Brutal Pushbacks at Belarus Border

Border Guards Use Force, Deny Access to Asylum Procedures
September 14, 2023 Report

Poland: Abortion Witch Hunt Targets Women, Doctors

Criminalization, Pursuit of Alleged Offenders Violates Rights
December 15, 2022 Report

Poland: Rule of Law Erosion Harms Women, LGBT People

EU Action Needed to End Undermining of Institutions that Protect Rights
June 7, 2022 Report

Violence and Pushbacks at Poland-Belarus Border

Halt Summary Returns, Ensure Accountability For Abuse