The Poland-Belarus border crisis is what happens when humans are treated as weapons | Anna Iasmi Vallianatou

A string of shortsighted, transactional agreements with the EU's neighbours has led to refugees facing hostility

The small fires they are building will do little to warm the refugee and migrant families attempting to cross the border between Belarus and Poland in a desperate effort to reach European soil. Freezing temperatures and the lack of humanitarian support have already resulted in at least nine deaths, while dozens of people have reported injuries, theft and abuse at the hands of the authorities.

Another humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding on the European Union's doorstep.