Michał Wójcik details protection of Polish children abroad

Michał Wójcik, former Deputy Minister and Minister of Justice, has detailed the systemic efforts undertaken by the Polish state to protect Polish children involved in cross-border family disputes. During his tenure, a specialized department consisting of judges, prosecutors, and experts was established to respond to international legal conflicts, specifically addressing cases in countries such as Belgium and Norway.

Wójcik emphasized the importance of preserving a child's linguistic, cultural, and religious identity during legal proceedings. He noted that Poland advocated within the European Union to ensure these factors are considered when decisions are made regarding a child's placement in care, a principle reflected in EU Regulation 2019/1111. The initiative aimed to ensure that Polish citizens living abroad are not left unsupported when facing foreign administrations and complex legal systems.