The Unites States has released its annual human rights report, in which Poland is described as generally respecting human rights though problems still exist in the penal system, corruption, and some restrictions continue in implementing full rights for minorities.

The US State Department report sums up the main findings on the section on Poland: “The [Polish] government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, prison conditions remained poor and overcrowded; lengthy pre-trial detention, misconduct and excessive use of force by law enforcement officials remained problems. The judicial system was inefficient and continued to function poorly. Occasional anti-Semitic violence and harassment also were problems. Corruption remained a problem throughout the government and society. There was discrimination against women in the labor market, sexual exploitation of children, trafficking in women and children, and societal discrimination and violence against ethnic minorities and homosexuals. Violations of workers' rights and antiunion discrimination also were problems,” writes the report.

The report claims overcrowding in Polish jails has resulted in drawn-out sentencing processes that are unjust and have failed to create trust amongst the public in the system.

The report also calls for more concerted action against corruption.

The State Department finds that, “independent media were active and expressed a wide variety of views without restriction,” although the report also criticises the controversial and ultra-conservative Radio Maryja for the “occasional” propagation of anti-Semitism.

On relations with the Jewish community in general, the US report states that: “The country has made considerable progress in relations with its Jewish communities; however, members of populist and nationalist parties and organizations continued to make some extremist, intolerant, and anti-Semitic statements.”

Domestic violence continues to be a problem in Poland, though the increase in reports of late show more willingness by law enforcement agencies to tackle the problem.

“[There were also] incidents of racially motivated violence and verbal and physical abuse directed at Roma and persons of African, Asian, or Arab descent. The Ukrainian and Belarusian minorities also continued to experience petty harassment and discrimination,” says the US report. (pg)

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