Centrum Pomocy Prawnej im. Haliny Nieć » A Year of Impact: How the Halina Nieć Legal Aid Center Changed Lives in 2024

2024 was a groundbreaking year for the Halina Nieć Legal Aid Center (HNLAC). Never before has the organization operated on such a scale, reaching more people in need of legal assistance and expanding its outreach like never before. As a non-profit organization dedicated to defending human rights, HNLAC provided crucial legal aid to thousands of individuals seeking protection in Poland, many of whom fled war and persecution.

From record-breaking legal consultations to critical advocacy efforts, 2024 was a testament to the unwavering commitment of HNLAC’s legal team. As we reflect on these achievements, we also look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of 2025, with the goal of continuing to provide essential legal support to the most vulnerable.

2024 in Numbers: The Growing Demand for Legal Assistance

The demand for legal aid reached unprecedented levels in 2024, reflecting the rising number of asylum seekers in Poland. Over the course of the year:

13,131 individuals received legal assistance.
615 individuals residing in open refugee centers and migration detention facilities were provided with direct support.
84 missions were conducted to detention and open centers—an all-time high for the organization.
2,656 legal consultations were provided through a dedicated helpline for Ukrainian refugees.
11 Legal Aid Points operated across 7 major Polish cities, ensuring accessibility to legal services.

These numbers represent more than just statistics; they reflect the lives transformed by HNLAC’s work. Behind each consultation is an individual or family fighting for their right to safety, security, and a dignified life.

Programs That Made a Difference

HNLAC’s efforts in 2024 were primarily focused on two key programs:

1. Legal Aid for Foreigners Seeking Protection in Poland

This long-standing program, in operation for 23 years, provided free legal assistance to asylum seekers residing in open refugee centers and those detained in guarded centers. The program extended legal aid through in-person consultations, telephone support, and video calls. A key area of focus was supporting individuals arriving from the Belarusian border, many of whom were victims of violence and required urgent legal intervention.

2. Legal Aid for Refugees from Ukraine

In response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, HNLAC intensified its legal support for Ukrainian refugees. A team of Ukrainian and Russian-speaking lawyers provided assistance at 11 Legal Aid Points, ensuring accessible, language-sensitive support. Special attention was given to children and individuals with specific needs, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to human rights.

Reaching Those in Need: Missions to Refugee and Detention Centers

One of the defining features of HNLAC’s operations in 2024 was its extensive outreach missions. These missions ensured that individuals residing in often-overlooked refugee centers and migration detention facilities had access to legal aid.

51 missions were conducted in four detention centers, including Krosno Odrzańskie, Lesznowola, Przemyśl, and Kętrzyn.
33 missions reached asylum seekers in open centers, such as those in Dębak, Linin, Grupa/Grudziądz, and Białystok.

By deploying mobile legal teams, HNLAC was able to bridge the gap between vulnerable individuals and the legal assistance they desperately needed.

Advocating for the Most Vulnerable

HNLAC goes beyond providing legal aid—it also fights for systemic change. A crucial part of its work in 2024 was focused on advocating for the fair treatment of asylum seekers, particularly in the area of detention policies.

Many vulnerable individuals, including victims of violence, were detained without proper assessment of their personal circumstances. HNLAC intensified efforts to ensure that alternatives to detention were considered and that international human rights standards were upheld. Additionally, the organization continued to develop internal guidelines to identify and support individuals with special needs, such as minors, pregnant women, and victims of violence.

Strengthening Partnerships

Collaboration has always been at the heart of HNLAC’s mission. In 2024, the organization continued its strong partnership with UNHCR, which has been in place since 2003. It also worked closely with the International Rescue Committee, La Strada Foundation against Trafficking in Persons, and the European Network on Statelessness (ENS).

These partnerships allowed HNLAC to extend its impact, reach more beneficiaries, and advocate for stronger human rights protections at both national and international levels.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As HNLAC enters 2025, it faces both new challenges and opportunities. The organization plans to:

Expand access to legal aid for asylum seekers in remote detention centers.
Strengthen efforts to limit unnecessary detention, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Enhance advocacy efforts to ensure that Poland’s asylum policies align with international human rights standards.
Continue providing crucial legal aid to Ukrainian refugees, particularly those in difficult economic and psychological situations.
Launch a new strategic litigation program and a training initiative for law students, fostering the next generation of human rights defenders.

However, these goals come with a pressing challenge: securing financial sustainability. With global humanitarian funding shifting, HNLAC must find new ways to maintain its crucial services.

How You Can Support HNLAC

HNLAC’s work would not be possible without the support of its donors and advocates. There are several ways you can contribute:

Donate 1.5% of your tax to HNLAC (KRS: 0000113676) to help sustain free legal aid.
Join the Patronite community to provide regular support for ongoing activities.
Make a direct donation to support legal aid for refugees and asylum seekers.

Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a role in defending the rights of those who need it most.

As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that the Halina Nieć Legal Aid Center has been a lifeline for thousands of individuals seeking safety and justice. With a dedicated team of legal professionals and the support of compassionate individuals and organizations, HNLAC will continue its mission to uphold human rights and provide hope to those in need.

Let’s stand together in 2025 and ensure that no one seeking protection is left without legal aid.