Black People In Belarus: Who And Where?

There are conflicting reports on the safety of Belarus for Black people. Some people have reported experiencing or witnessing racism and xenophobia in the country, while others claim to have never heard of any issues. One source mentions that the Belarusian government encourages people of color to immigrate to Belarus, which has resulted in the country being dubbed the whitest country in Europe. Additionally, the official language of Belarus is Russian, which can make communication and finding work difficult for foreigners. Overall, while there may be some Black people living in Belarus, the country's history of racism and the practical challenges of daily life suggest that it may not be the most welcoming environment for people of color.

Is Belarus safe for black people?

Belarus is a predominantly Slavic country, with very few Black people. However, Black people do live in Belarus, and some sources indicate that it is relatively safe for Black travellers.

Safety in Belarus for Black People

One source states that Belarus is probably the safest country in Europe for people with brown skin. They had six Indian tourists visit in November, and everything went smoothly. They also mention that they have never heard of any violent accidents towards tourists related to their nationality.

Another source mentions that there are students from Africa in Belarus, and they have never heard of any issues with people of darker skin colours. They advise travellers to keep in mind that any situation can happen, as in any other country in the world.

A Black person who has been to Minsk many times says that you will stand out but will not have any problems. They advise using common sense like in any other travel destination.

Racism in Belarus

While racism exists in Belarus, people are unlikely to voice it. You might get some "well-intentioned" racist comments. For example, a person from Spain mentions that they get called "a hot-headed dark Southern gal" and that older people sing them a Soviet song about a city in Southern Spain. They have only received aggressive comments twice, and only because they spoke Belarusian, not because of their ethnic group.

Another source mentions that Black people are uncommon outside of Minsk, and you will get stared at in smaller cities. They also mention that Belarus has a low crime rate.

Current Travel Advice for Belarus

Although some sources indicate that Belarus is safe for Black travellers, it is important to note that travel to Belarus is currently not advised due to its proximity and involvement in a warzone and its unpredictable future situation.

Racism in Belarus

• Legislative Framework: Belarus has ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It has also enacted over 20 legislative instruments that promote equality and prohibit any statements or actions leading to racism. The Constitution guarantees equality before the law, freedom of conscience, and the right to use one's mother tongue.
• Official Statements: The Belarusian government has denied that racism is a significant issue in the country. In contrast, some reports and non-governmental organizations have accused Belarus of not doing enough to combat racism and discrimination.
• Incidents of Racism: There have been isolated cases of anti-Semitism, vandalism at cemeteries, and offensive graffiti. Additionally, there have been instances of racial and ethnic hatred on the internet, in the media, and in sports. For example, in 2000, one person was convicted and given a suspended sentence for inciting racial, ethnic, or religious hostility.
• Attitudes Towards Racial Minorities: According to a 1997 sociological survey, only 4.5% of respondents reported experiencing discrimination, with 1.5% specifically mentioning ethnic grounds. However, the situation might be different for recent immigrants and racial minorities, who may face challenges in employment, education, and social integration.
• Immigration and Refugee Policies: Belarus has encouraged people of color to immigrate to the country, promoting it as a safe place free from racist gangs. However, this has led to criticism, with some accusing the government of using immigration to distract from other issues. At the same time, Belarus has also been accused of luring refugees and migrants with false promises of easy passage to the EU, only to force them across borders, where they face abuse and pushbacks.
• International Perspectives: Belarus's EU neighbors have tightened border controls due to concerns about the country's agreement to host the Russian private military company Wagner and deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons. This has contributed to the country's international isolation.
• Addressing Racism: Belarus has taken some steps to address racism, such as cooperating with international organizations and introducing human rights training courses at the State University. However, there are also reports of arbitrary detentions of human rights defenders and the suppression of independent civil society organizations, which might hinder progress in combating racism.

In conclusion, while Belarus has made efforts to address racism through legislation and international cooperation, there are still concerns about the country's approach to immigration, its treatment of refugees and migrants, and the persistence of racist incidents and discrimination against certain groups. The international community continues to monitor the situation and encourage further progress in promoting equality and combating racism in Belarus.

Black people's experiences in Belarus

Population and Demographics

Firstly, it is important to note that the black population in Belarus is quite small. One source mentions that there are very few black citizens in the country, and they are more commonly encountered in larger cities like Minsk. Some black individuals in Belarus are international students or expats, while others were born in the country to parents who moved from African countries friendly with the Soviet Union.

Racism and Discrimination

There are mixed reports when it comes to racism and discrimination against black people in Belarus. Some individuals have expressed concerns about racist groups being active in Eastern European countries, including Belarus. However, others have countered these claims, stating that Belarus is safe for people of colour and that any instances of racism are isolated incidents. For example, one person of Middle Eastern heritage shared that they had "absolutely no problems" during their four-day stay in Kiev, although they did receive some stares which they attributed to people not being used to seeing darker-skinned individuals.

On the other hand, there are reports of a black man being held in the Okrestina jail in Minsk for months and yelling in English every day. Additionally, a Lebanese doctor was reportedly attacked on a commuter train, although the attackers were prosecuted.

Government Policies

Interestingly, there have been accusations against the Belarusian government for encouraging people of colour to immigrate to the country. The government-sponsored Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) has allegedly advised people from third-world countries to settle in Belarus, claiming that there are no racist gangs in the country like there are in Russia and Ukraine. However, others have disputed this claim, arguing that the BRSM's goal is to promote patriotism and instill moral values in Belarusian youth, and that any accusations of coercion or empty promises are false.

In conclusion, while there may be some instances of racism and discrimination, black people can still visit and live in Belarus safely. It is important to remain vigilant and aware of one's surroundings, as in any other country. However, overall, Belarus seems to be a relatively safe and welcoming place for individuals of all backgrounds.

Black people's experiences in Minsk

Historical Context

Before World War II, more than a third of Minsk's population was Jewish. During the German occupation, the city's Jewish community was forced into a ghetto, where they lived in miserable conditions and were made to work on labour projects. Many were killed in mass murder operations, while others managed to escape and join partisan units in the surrounding forests.

Modern-Day Experiences

One source describes Minsk as very safe for people of colour. They note that, while there aren't many Black people in Belarus, there are some Black students, children from mixed marriages, and even football players in Minsk. The source goes on to say that, although some people may look down on "negroes" due to stereotypes, this prejudice is not often demonstrated openly. Many people simply don't care about skin colour, while others have a positive attitude towards Black people.

Another source, a black American gay man, describes his experience of travelling through Eastern Europe. He reports that he felt unsafe in Moscow and Krakow due to xenophobia, but did not mention any negative experiences in Minsk.

Official Encouragement of Immigration

One source claims that the Belarusian government encourages people of colour to immigrate to the country. They cite a poster from the Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM), a government-sponsored youth organisation, which reads: \"In Belarus, there are no organised gangs of racists. They are waiting for you in Ukraine and Russia."

Black people's experiences in Belarus outside of Minsk

Safety Concerns and Discrimination

One individual recounted their experience of being questioned aggressively by Polish airport security in Krakow, Poland, solely because of the colour of their skin. This incident left them feeling singled out and humiliated. While this occurred outside of Belarus, it highlights the potential challenges Black travellers may face when navigating Eastern Europe.

In Belarus itself, a local from Minsk acknowledged that while the country might not exhibit aggressive racism, there is a certain level of prejudice and discrimination towards Black individuals. This can manifest as negative stereotypes and a sense of looking down on Black people. However, it is important to note that these attitudes are not universally held, and many Belarusians may simply be indifferent or have a positive attitude towards Black individuals.

Interactions and Friendships

Despite the existence of discrimination, Black travellers have also reported positive experiences in Belarus. In Minsk, Black individuals have reported having no issues and feeling welcome as tourists. Outside of the capital, in cities like Bobruisk, Black sportsmen have been observed training and going about their daily lives.

Language and Communication

Language can be a potential barrier for Black individuals visiting or living in Belarus. English-speaking travellers may encounter communication challenges, as not everyone speaks English fluently. Learning some basic Russian phrases or having translation tools can be helpful in these situations.

Overall Impressions

Overall, Black people's experiences in Belarus outside of Minsk vary. While there may be instances of discrimination and xenophobia, there are also welcoming and friendly interactions. The level of acceptance and tolerance can differ depending on the region and the individual's personal circumstances. It is essential to remain vigilant and aware of one's surroundings, especially in areas with limited diversity.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the political situation in Belarus, including the recent protests, has led to a heightened security presence and potential unrest in certain areas. This context may impact the experiences of Black individuals visiting or living in the country.

Frequently asked questions