Support Belarus: Donate And Make A Difference

Belarus has been at the centre of Europe, situated between Poland and Russia, and has been a bridge between civilizations and an intersection of European trading paths. In recent years, the country has been fighting for democracy and its right to choose its leaders and future. To support this cause, there are several organisations that are accepting donations, such as iHelpBelarus, Belarus Together, Anarchist Black Cross Belarus, Voices From Belarus, and Belarus Free Theatre.

Donating via Belarusian Solidarity Fund, PayPal, or Cryptocurrency

There are several ways to donate to Belarus, each with its own unique benefits and impact. Here is an overview of donating via the Belarusian Solidarity Fund, PayPal, or cryptocurrency:

Belarusian Solidarity Fund (BSF)

The Belarusian Solidarity Fund, often abbreviated as BYSOL, is a non-profit initiative that provides extensive assistance to individuals and organisations supporting democracy in Belarus. The fund was established in 2020 during a wave of nationwide protests against the repressive regime of Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994. BYSOL helps activists, journalists, media outlets, civil society leaders, and victims of government repression. They also assist with compensation for fines, medical expenses, and legal support for those affected by political repression.

To date, BYSOL has raised over $2 million in donations, including contributions from its founders and individual and business supporters. The fund prioritises the use of Bitcoin to ensure the security and anonymity of transactions, as other methods are under the total control of the Belarusian government.

PayPal

PayPal is a well-known and widely used online payment system that offers a convenient way to donate to various causes and organisations. In the context of donating to Belarus, PayPal can be used as an alternative to traditional cash payments. Some organisations, such as #BY_help, a campaign that supports victims of repressions and their families, accept donations through PayPal. This option provides a familiar and accessible way to contribute to the cause, especially for those who are unable to use other donation methods.

Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)

Cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin, has played a significant role in enabling dissidents in Belarus to circumvent financial monitoring and political repression. A non-profit initiative by Belarusian tech entrepreneurs utilises Bitcoin to support individuals facing repression. Bitcoin is favoured in this context because it is decentralised and cannot be controlled or monitored by the Belarusian authorities, ensuring the safety of those receiving funds.

The process typically involves recipients applying for assistance and, once verified, receiving instructions on installing and utilising a mobile crypto wallet. They are then able to receive Bitcoin donations and swap them for fiat currency, allowing them to pay for essential needs such as rent, food, and other living expenses. This method has proven effective in bypassing the challenges posed by the government's strict control over traditional financial channels.

In summary, donating via the Belarusian Solidarity Fund, PayPal, or cryptocurrency each offers a unique avenue to support the people of Belarus in their fight for freedom and democracy. Each method has its advantages, and all contribute to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by repression and political turmoil.

Supporting victims of violence and repression

IHelpBelarus

IHelpBelarus is a Canadian non-profit organisation run by volunteers from the international Belarusian diaspora. They raise funds for initiatives, funds, and organisations that have been carefully screened by their financial audit team. Their mission is to "eradicate the consequences of repressions instigated by the dictatorial and corrupt regime of Alexander Lukashenko and to support the civic society, freedom, and democracy in Belarus." They do not work directly with victims but fund and promote those who do.

Anarchist Black Cross Belarus

Anarchist Black Cross Belarus is an organisation that encourages donations to support its prisoners. They do not receive any compensation for their work and are independent of any foundations or grants. They are transparent about where donations go, with almost all of their money coming from donations from ordinary people and activists from Belarus and other countries. A small part of the funds is raised from selling books, T-shirts, and brochures.

Voices From Belarus

Voices From Belarus is run by volunteers who translate news into English, proofread and edit texts, prepare visuals, and edit videos. They are subscribed to by the British Embassy in Minsk, the Office of the President of Latvia, Deutsche Welle, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, and Svetlana Tihanovskaya, among others. Donations will help them reach a wider audience and involve more people in activities such as helping victims and encouraging them to participate in rallies held by Belarusians worldwide.

Belarus Free Theatre

Belarus Free Theatre is an organisation whose actors have resisted dictatorship and severe repression, including torture and imprisonment, and have been forced to flee their homes. Donations are crucial to supporting the accommodation and existence of these actors and preserving democracy.

Belarus Together

Belarus Together is a non-profit organisation that accepts donations in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. They state that unrestricted funds allow them to allocate their resources most efficiently and where they are needed most.

Funding the Belarus Free Theatre

The Belarus Free Theatre (BFT) is an underground theatre group that was founded in Minsk in 2005 as a means of resisting the censorship of the authoritarian regime of president Alexander Lukashenko. The theatre group has no official registration, no premises, and no other facilities. Rehearsals and performances are often held in small private apartments, which have to be changed constantly due to security concerns and the risk of persecution.

The BFT is the only theatre in Europe banned by its government on political grounds. Its performances are always free of charge and are usually held in secret. The group's first production was 4.48 Psychosis by British playwright Sarah Kane, which deals with "depression and suicide – two themes that are taboo in state-controlled Belarusian art."

The BFT has been subject to repeated harassment by the authorities. Staff members have been sacked from their jobs at state-run theatres, and in 2007, a performance of Edward Bond's Eleven Vests was stormed by special forces from the Belarusian police, resulting in the arrest of actors, directors, and audience members. Despite these challenges, the BFT continues to create and perform cutting-edge, effervescent productions that challenge the censorship and repression of the Lukashenko regime.

You can support the BFT by donating to help secure accommodation and resources for their actors, ensuring that they can continue to create vital theatre that highlights the fragility of democracy and the importance of artistic expression. You can donate by following the link on their website and subscribing to their newsletter. Additionally, you can follow the BFT on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon.

By donating to the Belarus Free Theatre, you are helping to preserve democracy and artistic freedom in a country that is facing severe repression. Your support is crucial to the future of this brave and resilient theatre group.

Donating to the Anarchist Black Cross Belarus

The Anarchist Black Cross Belarus (ABC-Belarus) is a political organization that supports anarchists and anti-authoritarian activists repressed by the Belarusian dictatorship. The group has been active since 2009 and has supported more than 40 people, including over 25 anarchists and anti-fascists imprisoned for resisting the Lukashenko regime.

How to Donate

ABC-Belarus accepts donations through various methods, including bank transactions and cryptocurrencies. Here are the ways you can donate:

• Bank Transactions within the EU: You can transfer funds to the Mutual Aid Fund using the following details:
• IBAN: LT253500010016708900
• SWIFT/BIC: EVIULT2VXXX
• Bank: Paysera LT, UAB
• Bitcoin: You can donate using Bitcoin to the following wallet address: bc1qjcjywtlvujpxfefarna8k6drta63vlpanrd50d
• Contact ABC-Belarus: You can reach out to ABC-Belarus via email ([email protected]) or social media to inquire about other donation methods or to inform them if you intend to send a large sum of money (over 1500 euros).

How Donations are Used

ABC-Belarus uses the donations to support repressed, arrested, and imprisoned anarchists and social activists. This includes paying for lawyers and legal fees, as well as providing support to the families of those affected. It is important to note that ABC-Belarus activists do not receive any compensation for their work, and the funds go directly towards supporting the activists and their families.

By donating to ABC-Belarus, you can help support the struggle for freedom and resistance to repression in Belarus.

Supporting the Belarus Together Fund

The Belarus Together Fund is a non-profit organisation that supports the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people. The country stands at a democratic crossroads, and the fund works to protect and save lives. One of the easiest ways to help is to donate money or time to the organisation.

The fund accepts donations in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. All donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of the money goes to the charity. The fund's tax ID number is 85-2622513.

Donations can be made by scanning the QR code or copying the address into your wallet. This information can be found on the Belarus Together website.

By donating to the Belarus Together Fund, you are helping to support the Belarusian people's fight for democracy and their right to choose their leaders and their future. The fund allocates resources where they are needed most, and your support can make a tangible difference in someone's life.

Frequently asked questions