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Poland's Speaker Holownia Seeks UN Refugee Role Amid Criticism

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Szymon Holownia, Poland's parliamentary speaker, applied for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) position and will step down.
Polish leaders back his candidacy. It faces criticism over asylum-rights suspension. Poland plans to close 16 Afghan refugee camps.
UNHCR is facilitating voluntary returns and providing cash assistance; it warns denotification must be voluntary and safe.

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Story summary

Szymon Holownia, Poland's parliamentary speaker, applied for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) position and will step down.
Polish leaders back his candidacy. It faces criticism over asylum-rights suspension. Poland plans to close 16 Afghan refugee camps.
UNHCR is facilitating voluntary returns and providing cash assistance; it warns denotification must be voluntary and safe.