The Gdańsk City Council has adopted a resolution against hate and discrimination based on nationality and origin. The deputies called for strengthening security, equal treatment, and mutual respect, as well as paying special attention to children and youth
The decision was made on August 27, 2026 during the XXIX meeting of the Gdańsk City Council. The appeal concerns countering hate, violence, discrimination, and the exclusion of people from public life due to their nationality, origin, or language.
The Gdańsk City Council Opposes Hate
In a statement, Rada Miasta Gdańska expressed its rejection of any manifestations of hatred, violence, and discrimination. The city councilors also expressed solidarity with those who, due to war, persecution, or threats to their safety, have found a place to live, work, and study in Gdańsk.
The document pays special attention to Ukrainian citizens, as well as representatives of other nationalities affected by war, aggression, occupation, or threats from the Russian Federation.
According to the city council, all residents of Gdańsk should have the right to safety, respect, and equal treatment regardless of nationality and origin
In Gdańsk, there are discussions about the increase in hate crimes
One of the co-authors of the appeal was the city councilor of Gdańsk Marcin Makowski from the club Wszystko dla Gdańska.
He stated that the scale of hatred in the public space has become a serious problem. According to Makowski, after the publication of information about the preparation of a statement on social media, there were more than 600 comments, many of which were offensive and directed against him, public figures, and people providing assistance to Ukrainians.
Makovski also provided data indicating that compared to the same period last year, the number of reports of hate crimes against Ukrainian citizens has increased by 30%. In 2025, the total number of prejudice-motivated crimes rose by 41%.
In addition, more than 520 thousand publications and comments about Ukraine on Facebook were analyzed. According to the data provided, only about one comment in a thousand was positive.
Special attention — to children and schools
A separate point of appeal concerns children and youth in Gdańsk.
Rada miasta opowiedziała się za wzmocnieniem działań na rzecz bezpieczeństwa i równego traktowania wszystkich uczniów w szkołach i innych przestrzeniach publicznych.
Deputies believe that education can play an important role in the fight against stereotypes, disinformation, and hate speech
Schools are encouraged to support classes and projects dedicated to
- mutual respect;
- responsibility for words;
- counteracting discrimination;
- recognition of disinformation;
- consequences of hate speech;
- the experiences of people affected by war and forced migration
At the same time, the justification for the appeal emphasizes that the goal of such activities should not be to impose certain political views on young people. It is about developing critical thinking, the ability to recognize manipulation, and analyzing information.
Rada Gdańska wzywa do odpowiedzialnej dyskusji na temat migracji
An important part of the address concerns the public discussion about migration, integration, and security in Poland and Gdańsk.
The city council urged to discuss these issues based on facts, respecting human dignity and not placing collective responsibility on individuals because of their nationality or origin
Deputies also emphasized the responsibility of government bodies, public services, politicians, and the media to combat violence, discrimination, and disinformation
The document separately contains a call for a responsible approach to public statements and a decisive reaction to threats, violence, and actions motivated by hatred.
Why Gdańsk adopted such an approach
The justification for the decision states that modern Gdańsk is a city where people of different backgrounds live, speaking various languages and having diverse migration experiences
After the start of the full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Gdańsk became one of the cities where many people fleeing Ukraine due to the war found refuge
Today, many Ukrainians live in Gdańsk permanently or for an extended period: they work, study, start businesses, raise children, and participate in the life of the city. The statement emphasizes that they are part of the local community.
At the same time, the document is not limited to the issue of attitudes towards Ukrainians. The city council emphasizes that the right to safety and respect should be granted to all residents of Gdańsk regardless of nationality, language, or origin.
Apel zostanie przekazany do władz oraz przedstawicieli edukacji
The decision of the Gdańsk City Council will be forwarded to the President of Gdańsk, the parliamentarians of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, and the Pomeranian Education Superintendent.
Thus, the city council calls for greater attention to be paid to combating discrimination, disinformation, and hate speech not only at the level of Gdańsk but also at the level of state authorities and the education system
According to the authors of the appeal, safety, respect, and accountability for words should become the foundation of public life in Gdańsk as an open and solidarity-based city
