Solidarity With Belarus: Effective Ways To Support The Protests

Belarusians have been protesting against the government of Alexander Lukashenko, who has been dubbed Europe's last dictator. The protests, which have been ongoing since 2020, were sparked by a disputed presidential election in which Lukashenko was declared the winner with 80% of the vote. The opposition candidate, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, fled to Lithuania after challenging the election results and now faces criminal charges. The protests have been met with a harsh government crackdown, including internet blackouts, the blocking of messaging apps, and the detention and abuse of protesters. Human rights organizations have reported that thousands of people have been detained and abused by security forces, with some facing criminal charges and prison sentences.

Provide financial support to human rights organisations

Since 1994, Belarus has been ruled by Alexander Lukashenko, who has established near-total control over the country's law enforcement, judiciary, and political system, turning Belarus into one of the most repressive states globally. The government has been criticised for its human rights violations and persecution of non-governmental organisations, independent journalists, national minorities, and opposition politicians.

• Donate to the Belarus Solidarity Fund: This fund provides financial assistance to individuals and organisations supporting democracy in Belarus. It helps activists facing steep fines or arbitrary imprisonment, journalists who have had to relocate due to the risk of arrest, and workers participating in strikes at government factories. You can donate via traditional cash payments or Bitcoin.
• Support the Belarusian Journalism Initiative: This initiative, led by the Human Rights Foundation, helps independent journalists and media outlets continue their work after being forced to flee Lukashenko's regime. They provide financial aid to journalists and media outlets, ensuring that they can continue their important work in exile.
• Contribute to organisations providing legal aid: Several organisations, such as the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, provide legal assistance to political prisoners and those facing human rights abuses. By supporting these organisations financially, you can help ensure that legal representation and due process are available to those who need it.
• Fundraise for human rights non-profits: There are several non-profit organisations, such as the Belarus Solidarity Foundation, that raise funds to provide financial aid to victims of repression in Belarus. These organisations often rely on donations to continue their work, so consider organising fundraising events or campaigns to support their efforts.
• Support relocation initiatives: Many human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists have been forced to flee Belarus due to persecution. Some European countries, like Latvia and Lithuania, have implemented relocation policies to provide visas, travel documents, and residence permits to these individuals. You can contribute financially to these initiatives or support organisations that assist with relocation efforts.

Remember, even a small contribution can make a significant impact in the fight for human rights and democracy in Belarus.

Spread awareness about the situation in Belarus

Spreading awareness about the situation in Belarus is crucial to garner international support and put pressure on the Belarusian government to respect human rights and hold fair elections. Here are some ways to spread awareness:

• Utilize social media platforms to share information about the ongoing protests, human rights violations, and political oppression in Belarus. Share articles, videos, and personal testimonies from those affected by the regime. This can help shed light on the struggles of the Belarusian people and build a global movement for change.
• Engage with independent media outlets and journalists who are risking their lives to report on the ground realities in Belarus. Share their work, follow their social media accounts, and support their efforts to bring attention to the situation. This includes outlets like TUT.BY, Nasha Niva, and the Belarusian-owned Telegram channel, Nexta.
• Reach out to your local and national news organizations and urge them to cover the events in Belarus. Write letters to the editor, contact news desks, and utilize social media to bring attention to the lack of coverage. The world needs to know what is happening, and local media can play a vital role in spreading awareness.
• Contact your local and national political representatives to raise awareness about the situation in Belarus. Express your concerns, encourage them to speak out, and ask them to support diplomatic efforts to address the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Belarusian government.
• Participate in and support cultural initiatives that aim to raise awareness about Belarus. For example, Belarusian metal bands have released a video to spread information about the violence and injustice occurring in their country. Sharing and amplifying such initiatives can help reach a wider audience and engage people in the movement.
• Educate yourself and others about the history of the Belarusian protests, the key figures involved, and the specific demands of the protesters. Understanding the broader context can help spread awareness and ensure that the movement gains momentum and support.

Spreading awareness is a powerful tool to combat oppression and bring about positive change. By utilizing these methods, you can help shine a light on the situation in Belarus and contribute to the global effort for a free and fair Belarus.

Support independent media outlets and journalists

Independent media outlets and journalists have played a crucial role in covering the protests in Belarus and bringing attention to the world. Here are some ways you can support them:

Stay Informed

Stay informed about the situation in Belarus by following independent media outlets and journalists. Some outlets to follow include Tut.By, Naviny, Belsat, and the Belarusian Association of Journalists. By staying informed, you can better understand the context of the protests and make more informed decisions about how to help.

Amplify Their Voices

Use your own social media platforms or other communication channels to amplify the voices and messages of independent Belarusian media outlets and journalists. Share their articles, reports, and updates with your network to help spread awareness and engage more people in the cause.

Provide Financial Support

Many independent media outlets and journalists in Belarus are facing financial difficulties due to government restrictions and the risky nature of their work. Consider donating to these outlets or specific journalists to help sustain their operations. Look for outlets with a track record of credible and unbiased reporting on the protests.

Advocate for Their Protection

Journalists in Belarus have faced significant risks, including detention, beatings, and harassment. Advocate for the protection of journalists by joining or supporting organisations that defend press freedom, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists or Reporters Without Borders. Contact your local representatives and urge them to speak out against the harassment and detention of journalists in Belarus.

Support Fact-Checking Initiatives

With the proliferation of misinformation, supporting fact-checking initiatives can be crucial. Look for organisations that are dedicated to verifying information and debunking false narratives. By supporting fact-checking, you can help ensure that accurate information reaches the public and that independent media outlets can operate with verified facts.

Advocate for international sanctions and pressure foreign leaders to act

International sanctions are a key tool in pressuring the Belarusian government to respect human rights and democratic processes. Sanctions can target individuals, entities, or specific industries, and they can be imposed by individual countries or by international organisations such as the United Nations or the European Union. Here are some ways you can advocate for international sanctions and pressure foreign leaders to act:

Educate yourself and others about the situation in Belarus: Understand the context of the protests and the specific human rights violations being committed by the Belarusian government. Share information with your friends, family, and community to raise awareness and build support for sanctions.

Contact your government representatives: Write letters, send emails, or make phone calls to your local, regional, and national government representatives. Express your concern about the situation in Belarus and urge them to support and implement sanctions. Provide specific examples of human rights abuses and explain why sanctions are necessary.

Lobby international organisations: Reach out to international organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, or regional human rights bodies to advocate for their support. Advocate for them to issue statements condemning the human rights abuses in Belarus and to consider imposing sanctions. Highlight the impact of the abuses on the Belarusian people and the potential effectiveness of sanctions in improving the situation.

Support Belarusian human rights organisations: Amplify the voices and efforts of Belarusian human rights organisations and activists who are working to document abuses and advocate for sanctions. Share their content on social media, donate to their causes, and participate in their campaigns.

Engage with the media: Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper or opinion pieces for online publications to raise awareness about the situation in Belarus and the need for sanctions. Respond to media outlets that cover Belarus, praising their work and encouraging further attention to the issue. Use social media to engage with journalists and influencers who can help bring attention to the cause.

Participate in protests and rallies: Join or organise protests and rallies in your community to show solidarity with the Belarusian people and call for international action. Such events can raise awareness, engage your community, and put pressure on local and national leaders to listen and act.

Remember, when advocating for sanctions, it is important to also push for accountability measures and to ensure that the sanctions do not cause undue harm to the Belarusian people.

Offer assistance to those affected by the violence, such as medical care or legal aid

Offering medical care and legal aid to those affected by the violence in Belarus is crucial to providing relief and ensuring justice. Here are some ways to help:

Medical Care

• Support organisations like Libereco, a human rights group that collects donations to fund medical treatment for injured protesters.
• Facilitate access to specialised medical care, especially for those with severe or long-term injuries. This can include helping individuals travel abroad to receive treatment, as some Belarusians have done in Germany.
• Assist in the rehabilitation and recovery process, such as providing physical and occupational therapy for those with physical injuries and psychological support for those dealing with trauma.
• Advocate for the protection of medical professionals and facilities in Belarus, ensuring their safety and ability to provide care without interference from authorities.

Legal Aid

• Provide legal representation and advice to those detained, ensuring fair trials and protecting their rights.
• Support human rights organisations like Viasna, which has documented cases of torture and ill-treatment, by sharing their findings and advocating for the release of those unjustly detained.
• Push for independent investigations into allegations of police brutality and human rights violations, holding those responsible accountable and working to prevent future abuses.
• Offer legal assistance to families of those impacted, helping them navigate the justice system and seek redress for any injustices they have faced.
• Advocate for legal reforms and the rule of law in Belarus, working towards a more just and democratic society.

Frequently asked questions