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Lithuania Files Lawsuit Against Belarus at UN Over Migrant Crisis

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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Lithuania Files Lawsuit Against Belarus at UN Over Migrant Crisis
A bus group visits the border triangle from Poland to Russia and Lithuania. (Source: Getty Images)

Lithuania filed a lawsuit against Belarus at the International Court of Justice, accusing Minsk of facilitating an increased flow of migrants toward the Lithuanian border.

Lithuania claims Belarus’s actions violate international agreements aimed at combating illegal migrant trafficking, and bilateral negotiations have failed to resolve the issue, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry stated on May 19.

Lithuanian authorities gathered evidence showing that Belarusian officials assisted migrants by increasing flights from Middle Eastern countries, issuing visas, and providing accommodation. Upon arrival in Belarus, security forces allegedly escorted migrants to the Lithuanian border and pressured them to cross under dangerous conditions.

Despite multiple requests, Belarusian border guards have refused to cooperate with Lithuania to halt these flows. Lithuania views this refusal as political pressure in retaliation for its support of the Belarusian opposition and sanctions against the Lukashenko regime.

Lithuania demands compensation for damages, including the costs of constructing a border wall, and guarantees that such incidents will not recur.

Justice Minister Rimantas Močkus stated that Lithuania’s legal action demonstrates its leadership in defending the interests of both the country and the European Union, aiming to uphold an international order based on law.

Lithuanian border officials have prevented 23,600 attempts of illegal entry from Belarus since the start of the migration crisis, reported Lithuanian broadcaster LRT citing State Border Guard Service. Many individuals have tried crossing multiple times. This year, border guards also turned away 712 migrants attempting unauthorized re-entry into Lithuania.

Previously, a Russian reconnaissance aircraft was detected monitoring NATO's “Iron Wolf” military exercises in Lithuania last week, underscoring persistent security threats from Moscow, according to Carsten Breuer, Inspector General of the German Bundeswehr.

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