Link to the report:

This crisis was new to us, but not scary. We already knew ‘scary’ (KII 11, LGBTQI+ rights’ activist)

Despite the constant development of the humanitarian sector, LGBTQI+ displacement remains fraught with the risk of invisibility, tokenism and misdirection of assistance. Therefore designing a humanitarian response sensitive to the LGBTQI+ needs always requires well-informed coordination among governmental, non-governmental and international actors to navigate the risks that these diverse actors may pose to each other - and seize the opportunities that such cross-sectoral collaboration might provide or prevent. 

Poland presents a fascinating case of an EU Member country with a recent and well-proven decrease in protection of LGBTQI+ rights (2015-2021), faced with two humanitarian crises at its Eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine. Our report explores in what way this ongoing response inspired the local and international aid providers to address the challenges that LGBTQI+ refugees and migrants face in Poland through the lens of localization and intersectionality. Therefore it aims to inform the humanitarian community and state representatives how this experience could shape a cross-sectoral and intersectional response that is inclusive, respectful and sustainable to local LGBTQI+ and refugee communities (as well as the intersecting ones: LGBTQI+ refugees’ communities).

This research is based on the analysis of 19 in-depth interviews with experts and humanitarians providing assistance to LGBTQI+ and/or refugees in Poland after 2021. Additionally it is supported with the lived experience of providing such assistance at all stages of reception and integration (Queer Without Borders). The findings indicate the emergence and evolution of local networks that share their resources, good practices, learnings and failures. In the context of Polish CSOs, their preference is to prioritize their access and expertise in the local LGBTQI+ context rather than on national structures or international standards. It is mostly due to their solidified disbelief in public authorities’ approach to minorities - LGBTQI+ community in particular - or new humanitarian disenchantment in how international actors frame LGBTQI+ displacement within Europe’s borderscapes.

Key recommendations:

• Support local organizations in programming their activities in a holistic and intersectional way to adequately address the special needs of the cross-discriminated populations, such as LGBTQI+ refugees and migrants.

• Ensure transfer of skills in supporting LGBTQI+ refugees from international humanitarian response and local organizations to public administration and services.

• Create and nurture networks and partnerships for protection of LGBTQI+ refugees and migrants. Seek cooperation with other organizations that may have the resources, staff or expertise you need to respond to their needs.

email: kuchniakonfliktu@gmail.com

KRS 0000635116

NIP 1132917279

REGON 365350266

Fundacja Konflikt

Bank account: 27 1750 0012 0000 0000 4084 3698 / please write "darowizna na cele statutowe" in the transfer title

The project benefits from a grant under the Active Citizens Fund – Regional Programme from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, through the EEA and Norway Grants.

Foundation statute, Financial Statement,  Foundation Boar, Report on the Foundation's activities

Safeguarding Policy, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy and Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (SHEA) at Work Policy.