Is the guide for Ukrainians a “Manual for Reporting on Poles”? No. It’s manipulation and disinformation! How do I know? I’m a co-author!
Even before the publication of a forthcoming legal guide for Ukrainian citizens living in Poland, allegations of alleged creation of “instructions for informing on Poles” surfaced in the public sphere. Such claims are completely unfounded and have no basis in either the content of the guide itself or applicable law.
It is worth stating clearly: the guide does not contain and has never contained any content encouraging denunciation, neither against Poles nor against any other group.
What is a guide actually?
This document is a legal guide. Its purpose is to present the basic principles of functioning in the Polish legal system in an accessible format to people who have lived under the Ukrainian legal system.
The guide describes not only the rights but also the obligations of Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland. It clearly reminds us that everyone living and working in Poland is subject to Polish law and is obligated to comply with it – on exactly the same terms as Polish citizens.
A Pole raised and operating within the Polish system has natural access to codes, laws, official and institutional practices, and also has a certain amount of life experience. For foreigners, the barrier is not only language but also a lack of knowledge about procedures, which are often different from Ukrainian ones. This guide aims to fill this gap – educationally, not ideologically!
The right to report a crime is not a “snitch”
One of the most frequently manipulated topics is the issue of reporting crimes. However, the ability to report a crime to law enforcement agencies is not a special privilege granted to Ukrainians, but a right granted to every person residing in the territory of the Republic of Poland.
This stems directly from applicable regulations. Providing information on how to proceed in situations of violence, assault, or threat has nothing to do with informing. It’s a part of basic legal knowledge that serves the safety of both victims and society as a whole.
The guide answers very specific, practical questions:
• what to do if you are attacked,
• how to react when a child experiences violence at school,
• what are the rights and obligations during the intervention of the Police or Border Guard.
These are issues that both Poles and Ukrainians living in Poland face in practice..
Disinformation even before publication
What’s particularly disturbing is that the wave of accusations and manipulative messages emerged before the document was released. This means that the public discussion isn’t about the actual content of the guide, but rather about speculation, simplifications, and emotional narratives.
This is a classic disinformation mechanism: first, a false image is created and only then an attempt is made to perpetuate it in the minds of the recipients – regardless of the facts.
Knowledge instead of fear
Raising the legal awareness of foreigners doesn’t weaken the state, but strengthens it. A person who knows their responsibilities, understands procedures, and knows how to respond to crisis situations is less likely to come into conflict with the law..
This guide does not in any way divide or antagonize, let alone create privileged groups. On the contrary, it reminds us that in Poland there is one law for all, and knowledge of it is in the interest of both Polish citizens and foreigners.
Contrary to insinuations, this is not a “snitch manual”, but an educational tool intended to help in normal, lawful functioning in Polish society.
