Sister Małgorzata Chmielewska, who runs shelters for the homeless, has written an open letter to Polish President Andrzej Duda, First Lady Marta Duda, and parliamentarians, highlighting the plight of Ukrainian refugees and proposing a meeting.
Open Letter to the Government Officials
On August 26, Sister Małgorzata Chmielewska, leader of shelters for the homeless, published an open letter on Facebook to President Andrzej Duda, First Lady Marta Duda, and members of parliament. The letter addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing the needs of Ukrainian citizens seeking refuge in Poland, particularly vulnerable groups such as mothers with children, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities.
Sister Chmielewska on the Situation of Ukrainians
“We support the victims of this war, especially the most vulnerable: mothers with children, including disabled mothers and children, the elderly, and the sick, even those with terminal illnesses,” she wrote. “Hundreds of refugees have passed through our shelters, and their Polish-born compatriots cover the costs of their presence through taxes and labor. However, the state relies on volunteers and external support to manage their daily needs,” she added. She noted that Ukrainian refugees primarily benefit from healthcare, education, and the 800+ social assistance program in Poland.
Reaction to the President’s Veto
Sister Chmielewska criticized the president’s veto of a law providing aid to Ukrainians, stating it would “deprive hundreds of thousands of people of work, as obtaining legal residency is a farce.” She warned that “the most vulnerable, those unable to work, and children would be pushed onto the streets or forced to return to Ukraine. The tragedy is that they have nowhere to return to.” She also shared stories of Ukrainian refugees who received help through her organization, including the elderly and disabled, who may struggle to access essential support in Poland.
Proposal for a Meeting with Ukrainians
Chmielewska invited officials to meet Ukrainian refugees and confront them with the message: “Get out, kid. Get out, old man. You have no place here. You’re not useful, and being born in hardship is not our problem.” She proposed holding the meeting in Warsaw or at her shelter’s headquarters, declaring that “no political, economic, or moral considerations justify what has happened. Exploiting the vulnerable is a disgrace to my homeland.”
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/poslowie#anchorLink, https://www.edziecko.pl/edziecko/0, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/uchodzcy#anchorLink
