The conflict in Georgia has made Poles show their support for the Georgian people in different ways. Besides concrete actions on the official level, also the public is expressing its solidarity with the Georgian nation and Polish non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are providing humanitarian aid and appealing to international organizations to take actions. (20-AUG-08)

This article was written by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights / Karolina Oponowicz

Demonstrations against the conflict started on Saturday 9 August with events in front of the Russian embassy in Warsaw and consulates in major cities such as Gdansk, Poznan, and Cracow. Starting from this, the initiative “Solidarity with Georgia” was founded and more protests were organized. Demonstrations outside the Russian embassy on Sunday and Monday attracted up to 300 protesters wanting to show their opinion; from the Georgian community in Warsaw as well as Poles. In addition, Poles also went to the Georgian embassy in Warsaw to show their sympathy. These gestures of solidarity were appreciated by Georgians in Poland and Tuesday’s ceasefire naturally welcome.

The Polish support for the Georgian nation has nonetheless continued. On Thursday 14 August, a solidarity concert with Georgia was held in Warsaw. The event was organised by the Warsaw Uprising Museum and Polish TV, with both Polish and Georgian musicians performing. There were also charity organizations present to collect money in favour for victims of the conflict.  

Polish NGOs have become active in supporting Georgia also through other means. On 13 August, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights sent an appeal to the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe to take action against the escalated violence in Caucasus and to undertake peace talks to find solutions that can ensure stability in the region. At the same time Polish Humanitarian Organization collects money to support the victims of the war.

See for more information also this site on the Georgian-Russian conflict on HRHF´s website:
http://www.hfhrpol.waw.pl/news168-en.html