Helping Belarus: What Can I Do?

Belarus has been under the dictatorial rule of Alexander Lukashenko for over 30 years. Lukashenko's regime is known for its repression and human rights abuses, including the torture and detention of protesters, and the persecution of political opponents. In 2022, Lukashenko allowed Russian troops to invade Ukraine using Belarus as a gateway, making the country a co-aggressor in the conflict. Hundreds of Belarusians have been arrested and detained for their support of Ukraine and their opposition to the war. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called for global solidarity and assistance in the fight against Lukashenko's dictatorship, stating that the wall in Belarus will collapse with the support of democracies around the world.

Other ways to help Belarus

• Support the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
• Support the Kastuś Kalinoŭski regiment
• Support the Belarusian activists and freedom fighters

Support the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is a Belarusian political activist and the leader of the opposition to Alexander Lukashenko's authoritarian rule. She has established an oppositional government in exile in Lithuania and Poland.

• Spread Awareness: Tsikhanouskaya has emphasised the importance of global solidarity and assistance in her fight against Lukashenko's regime. You can help by spreading awareness about the situation in Belarus and the opposition's efforts to build a democratic movement. Share information on social media, engage in discussions, and participate in events or rallies supporting Belarus.
• Volunteer: Tsikhanouskaya's office invites activists, volunteers, and anyone willing to help to join forces and work towards their common goals. You can consider volunteering for her office or related initiatives, such as the Hub program for activists, civic initiatives, and media representatives.
• Support Political Prisoners: Tsikhanouskaya has advocated for the release of political prisoners in Belarus, including her husband, Syarhei Tsikhanouski. You can show your support by raising awareness about their situation, participating in campaigns for their release, and calling for accountability for human rights violations committed by the Lukashenko regime.
• Promote Fair Elections: Tsikhanouskaya has emphasised the importance of free and fair elections in Belarus. You can support her efforts by advocating for international observation and monitoring of future elections, as well as calling for an end to electoral fraud and repression of opposition candidates.
• Engage with Political Representatives: Tsikhanouskaya has worked to build strong relations with political leaders from Western countries to gain diplomatic support for Belarus. You can contact your local political representatives, express your concerns about the situation in Belarus, and encourage them to support Tsikhanouskaya's initiatives and calls for sanctions against Lukashenko's government.
• Support Belarusian Refugees: With a significant number of Belarusians fleeing repression and seeking refuge in other countries, you can help by supporting Belarusian refugee communities. This may include volunteering with organisations assisting refugees, donating to relevant charities, or advocating for their rights and well-being.

Support the Kastuś Kalinoŭski regiment

The Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment, formerly the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Battalion, is a group of Belarusian volunteers formed to defend Ukraine against the 2022 Russian invasion. The regiment is named after Kastus Kalinowski, a 19th-century Belarusian and Polish national hero who led an uprising against the Russian Empire in 1863.

• Spread Awareness: The regiment has been recognised as an extremist group by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus. You can help by spreading awareness about the regiment, their mission, and their achievements. Share information about the regiment's history, their fight against the Russian invasion, and their goal of liberating Belarus from the Lukashenko regime.
• Advocate for International Recognition: In November 2022, the European Parliament adopted a resolution expressing its support for the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment. You can advocate for similar recognition and support from other international organisations and governments. Write to your local representatives, urging them to recognise and support the regiment officially.
• Offer Material Support: The Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment is an independent unit that relies on its resources. You can offer material support by donating funds or equipment to help equip the volunteers. This could include military gear, medical supplies, or other essential items.
• Support Belarusian Opposition: The Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment is closely associated with the Belarusian opposition, and many of its members are dissidents who protested against the Lukashenko regime. Show solidarity with the Belarusian opposition by supporting their efforts to establish a free and democratic Belarus. This can include signing petitions, participating in awareness campaigns, or joining global movements calling for democratic reforms in Belarus.
• Assist with Rehabilitation and Resettlement: The regiment includes individuals who have faced persecution and exile due to their opposition to the Lukashenko regime. You can support the regiment by assisting with the rehabilitation and resettlement of these individuals. This may involve providing legal aid, psychological support, or helping them rebuild their lives after their military service.
• Collaborate with Similar Initiatives: There are other groups and initiatives that share similar goals, such as the Pahonia detachment, the first foreign volunteer group in Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War. Collaborating with and supporting these initiatives can strengthen the overall effort. Reach out to these groups to explore ways to work together, share resources, and amplify each other's impact.

Remember to stay informed about the latest developments and follow the guidance of reputable organisations and institutions when providing support.

Advocate for the release of Belarus' political prisoners

Advocate for the release of Belarus political prisoners

There are a number of ways to advocate for the release of Belarus's political prisoners. Firstly, it is important to recognise that the Belarusian regime has a history of detaining political prisoners in inhumane conditions, with some prisoners being held incommunicado, deprived of protection under the law, correspondence, and visits from family, attorneys, and doctors. This issue has gained international attention, with the UN Human Rights Committee demanding that the Belarusian authorities take "urgent protective measures" for prisoners held incommunicado, and the European Parliament calling for the release of all political prisoners.

One way to advocate for the release of these prisoners is to raise awareness about their plight through campaigns and protests. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has been vocal about the issue, urging the immediate release of over 200 political prisoners and calling on Western countries to negotiate their release with the Belarusian authorities. She has participated in protests outside the Belarus Embassy, demanding freedom for political prisoners, including her jailed husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski.

Another way to advocate for the release of political prisoners is to put pressure on the Belarusian government through international organisations and diplomatic channels. The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, for example, has played an active role in this regard. In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Senator Ben Cardin urged his intervention on behalf of specific political prisoners in Belarus, highlighting the cases of those held incommunicado and those with urgent humanitarian needs due to their critical health conditions.

Additionally, individuals can support human rights organisations and campaigns working to secure the release of political prisoners. Amnesty International, for instance, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the fate of Maria Kolesnikova, a prominent Belarusian opposition activist, and is urging people to take up her plight with Western officials and politicians.

By raising awareness, applying international pressure, and supporting dedicated organisations, individuals can play a crucial role in advocating for the release of Belarus's political prisoners and helping to hold the Belarusian government accountable for its actions.

Help Belarusian refugees

The ongoing situation in Belarus has led to an increase in the number of refugees fleeing the country. In 2023, 7,315 people from Belarus fled and applied for asylum in other countries, according to UNHCR data. This corresponds to approximately 0.080% of all residents. The most common destination countries have been Poland, the United States, and Israel, with the most successful applications being in Latvia and Ireland.

Support Refugee Assistance Organisations

• Donate to organisations providing direct assistance to Belarusian refugees, such as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). These organisations offer essential support, including food, shelter, legal aid, and medical care.
• Volunteer your time and skills. Many organisations rely on volunteers to assist with various tasks, such as distributing supplies, teaching languages, or providing emotional support.

Advocate for Refugee Rights

• Raise awareness about the struggles faced by Belarusian refugees and advocate for their rights. Share reliable information and personal stories to help others understand the challenges they are facing.
• Contact your local and national political representatives to express your support for refugee protection and assistance policies. Urge them to uphold international human rights laws and provide safe and legal pathways for refugees.

Offer Practical Support

• If you live in a country neighbouring Belarus, such as Poland or Lithuania, you can support local initiatives assisting Belarusian refugees. This may include donating clothing, food, or hygiene products, or volunteering with organisations providing direct aid.
• Offer your home as temporary housing for refugees through organisations that facilitate hosting programmes. This can provide much-needed stability and comfort to refugee families.

Provide Accurate Information

• Belarusian refugees may need information about their rights, available services, and the asylum application process in their host country. Help spread accurate and up-to-date information through reliable sources, such as the UNHCR website.
• Be cautious about the information you share, as incorrect or misleading advice can put refugees in dangerous situations. Always verify the information through trusted sources before passing it on.

Remember, even small acts of kindness and solidarity can make a significant difference in the lives of refugees. By offering support and standing up for their rights, you are contributing to their journey towards a safer and more hopeful future.

Boycott Belavia Airlines

Belavia is the national carrier of Belarus and has been the target of sanctions and boycotts following the country's political repression and human rights abuses. In 2021, the airline was banned from EU airspace and faced landing restrictions in several countries, including the UK, France, and Germany. These sanctions were imposed after a Ryanair passenger plane was forced to land in Minsk, leading to the arrest of the journalist Roman Protassevich and his girlfriend.

Boycotting Belavia Airlines is one way to support the people of Belarus in their struggle for freedom and democracy. By avoiding flights with Belavia and encouraging others to do the same, you can help apply economic pressure on the regime and demonstrate your solidarity with the Belarusian opposition. Here are some reasons why boycotting Belavia Airlines is important:

• Standing with the Belarusian People: The country has faced political repression and human rights abuses under the regime of Alexander Lukashenko. By boycotting Belavia, you show solidarity with the Belarusian people and their fight for freedom and democracy.
• Economic Pressure: The airline industry is crucial to Belarus's economy. By boycotting Belavia, you contribute to economic pressure on the regime. This sends a strong message that the world will not tolerate human rights abuses and political repression.
• Affecting Change: Your decision to boycott can have a tangible impact. When passengers choose alternative airlines, it affects Belavia's profits and sends a clear signal to the Belarusian regime that their actions have consequences.
• Safety and Security: Flying with Belavia may raise safety concerns. The airline is state-owned, and there have been incidents where flights have been diverted for political reasons, endangering passengers and crew.
• Alternative Travel Options: There are alternative airlines and routes available for travel to and from Belarus. By choosing these options, you can continue to support Belarusian people who depend on air travel for business and personal connections without contributing to the regime's revenue.

By boycotting Belavia Airlines and encouraging others to do the same, you can play a part in supporting the Belarusian people's pursuit of freedom and democracy. This non-violent form of protest is a powerful way to stand with those oppressed by the regime and send a message that human rights and freedom of expression are non-negotiable.

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