Belarus And Compassion International: A Global Partnership

Belarus has been in the international spotlight in recent years due to its controversial leadership and human rights violations. The country has been ruled by Alexander Lukashenko for over two decades, and his regime has been characterised by political repression, restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly, as well as discrimination against religious minorities. The international community has responded to these issues with sanctions and border control tightening. Additionally, Belarus' agreement to host Russian military forces and nuclear weapons on its territory has further isolated the country. The 2020 crackdown on dissent led to an estimated 350,000 people fleeing Belarus, and the authorities have lured refugees and migrants with false promises of easy passage into the EU, only to force them across borders violently. The treatment of these vulnerable people has sparked debates about compassion and the right to asylum, with neighbouring countries such as Poland and Lithuania struggling to balance border security with humanitarian concerns.

Migrant children stranded at the Poland-Belarus border

Since 2021, thousands of men, women, and children have been stranded at the Poland-Belarus border, enduring freezing temperatures, food and water shortages, violence, and human rights abuses. This crisis has been driven by accusations that Belarus is pushing migrants, mostly from the Middle East, to the border to destabilize the EU, while Poland is determined not to let them into the EU bloc.

The Situation at the Border

At the border, migrants have faced freezing temperatures, food and water shortages, and dangerous living conditions. They have been stranded in forests, wandering through swamps and rivers, and sleeping on the ground in makeshift camps. The situation has been described as a "hellish" humanitarian crisis, with people's lives at risk.

Pushbacks and Human Rights Abuses

Polish border guards have been accused of violently pushing migrants back to Belarus, contrary to international asylum rules. These pushbacks have resulted in deaths, including those of children. Polish authorities have also blocked humanitarian organizations' access to the border area and restricted media coverage.

On the Belarusian side, migrants have reported violence, inhumane treatment, rape, and coercion by border guards. Belarusian authorities have also been accused of preventing migrants from leaving the border area and returning to their home countries.

Political Responses

The European Commission has been criticized for failing to publicly address Poland's responsibility for the abuses and pushbacks. Meanwhile, Poland's stance is backed by the EU, which has asked Middle Eastern countries to stop flights to Belarus to prevent more migrants from arriving.

The crisis has further strained EU-Belarus relations, with Belarus's long-time authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, denying accusations of luring migrants to the border and criticizing the EU for not taking them in.

Impact on Vulnerable Groups

Vulnerable groups, including families with children, older people, and those with health issues, have been among those pushed back and forth between the borders, facing abuse and dangerous conditions. Activists providing humanitarian assistance to stranded migrants have been prosecuted and banned from accessing the border area.

The role of religion in Belarus

Belarus is a multi-faith state with no religious conflicts. The country's legislation ensures and guarantees everyone's rights to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, social justice, equality, and protection of rights and interests. The Constitution of Belarus provides for freedom of religion, although the government restricts this right in practice.

Christianity is the main religion in Belarus, with Eastern Orthodoxy being the largest denomination. In 2017, it was estimated that 73% of Belarusians belonged to the Orthodox Church, 12% were Catholic, and 3% were Muslim. The country has a strong Catholic minority in the western part, with many Catholics belonging to minority ethnic groups such as Poles.

The legacy of state atheism during the Soviet era has left a mark on the country, with a significant proportion of Belarusians, especially in the eastern part, being non-religious. Additionally, new and non-traditional religions have emerged since the fall of the Soviet Union.

The Belarusian religious landscape is dominated by the Belarusian Orthodox Church, with 1,737 communities, 15 eparchies, 36 monasteries and convents, and 15 brotherhoods. The Roman Catholic Church is also well-represented, with four dioceses, 500 communities, and nine monasteries and convents.

There are also various Protestant religious organizations, with a total of 1,038 communities, as well as Jewish and Muslim communities. In recent years, the country has seen the emergence of Buddhist communities as well.

The government, led by President Aleksandr Lukashenko, actively engages with religious organizations and encourages interfaith dialogue. However, there have been reports of restrictions on religious freedom, particularly for groups that are not considered "traditional." This includes compulsory state registration, censorship of literature, and surveillance of religious figures.

Overall, while Belarus guarantees freedom of religion, there are complexities and challenges in the religious landscape, with a mix of historical influences and ongoing efforts to balance the interests of various faiths.

Human rights violations in Belarus

Belarus has been criticised for its human rights violations and persecution of non-governmental organisations, independent journalists, national minorities, and opposition politicians. The country has been labelled as "Europe's last dictatorship" by Western countries, and former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice even referred to it as one of the world's six "outposts of tyranny".

Freedom of Expression

The right to freedom of expression is severely restricted in Belarus. Amendments to the criminal code make it easier for authorities to prosecute individuals for "crimes of an anti-state orientation" and introduce liability for "discrediting" the armed forces and government forces. Books and printed materials featuring "extremist content" are outlawed, and people are regularly arrested for subscribing to "extremist" Telegram channels. Individuals are also sentenced for "insulting" officials, "discrediting" state institutions, or "inciting animosity".

Freedom of Association

There is a crackdown on independent civil society organisations, NGOs, professional organisations, and ethnic and religious communities in Belarus. All 12 parties opposed to the government were refused re-registration and dissolved ahead of the 2024 elections. Arbitrary charges of "extremism" have been used to close civil society organisations, and individuals have been arrested for "financing extremist activities".

Freedom of Religion and Belief

As part of the crackdown on dissent, all religious organisations are required to undergo re-registration or face closure. Catholic priests and Protestant churches continue to face repression and persecution. Religious minorities, such as Jews and Protestants, face discrimination and restrictions on their religious practices.

Freedom of Peaceful Assembly

The right to freedom of peaceful assembly is severely restricted. Authorities continue to track down and prosecute participants of the 2020 protests, as well as those who supported them. The justice system is abused to suppress dissent, with political opponents, human rights defenders, and lawyers facing arbitrary detention and closed hearings.

Torture and Ill-Treatment

Torture and ill-treatment are widespread and endemic in Belarus, with perpetrators enjoying impunity. Individuals convicted under politically motivated charges face harsh treatment and inhumane conditions, including denial of healthcare, contact with family, and outdoor exercise. The whereabouts and condition of imprisoned activists, journalists, and politicians are often unknown for months.

Human Rights Defenders

Human rights defenders, such as members of the Viasna organisation, are prevented from carrying out their work and face arbitrary detention and false charges.

Refugees' and Migrants' Rights

Belarusian authorities lure refugees and migrants with false promises of easy passage into the EU, only to force them across EU borders violently. Refugees and migrants often face torture and ill-treatment by Belarusian authorities and pushbacks by neighbouring countries.

Death Sentences

Death sentences continue to be imposed in Belarus, and new provisions in the criminal code have extended the application of the death penalty to treason by officials, state officials, and military officers.

Right to a Healthy Environment

According to the WHO, air pollution in Belarus, mainly from vehicle emissions, is three times greater than the recommended safe limit and contributes to a significant percentage of deaths from stroke and heart disease. The country's climate policies are incompatible with its obligations under the Paris Agreement.

The impact of international sanctions on Belarus

Belarus has been subject to international sanctions for several years, with the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) being the most prominent actors imposing these measures. The sanctions have targeted individuals, entities, and specific sectors of the Belarusian economy, and have been implemented in response to various issues, including human rights abuses, political repression, and Belarus' involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

EU Sanctions

The EU has been imposing restrictive measures against Belarus since 2004, when sanctions were introduced in response to the disappearance of four individuals, including two opposition politicians, a businessman, and a journalist. Over the years, the EU has also targeted those involved in violating international electoral standards and human rights, as well as cracking down on civil society and the democratic opposition. In 2011, an arms embargo was put in place, and in 2022, the EU began adopting a range of measures in response to Belarus' involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Following the disputed 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, the EU imposed additional sanctions, including individual and economic sanctions, restrictions on trade, a SWIFT ban for several Belarusian banks, and a prohibition on transactions with the Central Bank of Belarus. These measures were implemented due to the Belarusian authorities' unacceptable violence against peaceful protesters, intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and detentions. As of 2024, the EU has designated a total of 233 individuals and 37 entities under the sanctions regime on Belarus, targeting key figures in the political leadership, the judicial branch, and economic actors.

US Sanctions

The US has also imposed sanctions on Belarus, with Executive Order 13405, signed in 2006, blocking the property of certain persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in the country. More recently, in August 2021, the US issued an executive order blocking the property of additional persons contributing to the situation in Belarus. This was followed by further sanctions in 2022, targeting Belarusian revenue generators for the Lukashenka regime, human rights abuses, and support for Russia's war effort in Ukraine. The US has continued to expand and tighten these sanctions, including targeting Belarusian state-owned enterprises, government officials, and Lukashenka's aircraft.

Impact on Belarus

The impact of these international sanctions on Belarus has been significant. The restrictive measures have isolated the country economically and politically, limiting its access to international markets and financial systems. The travel bans and asset freezes imposed by the EU and US have affected key figures in the Belarusian government and their ability to conduct business and travel internationally. Additionally, the sanctions have targeted specific sectors, such as arms and luxury goods, further limiting Belarus' economic activities.

The sanctions have also been intended to pressure the Belarusian political leadership to prevent further violence and repression, release political prisoners, and initiate a genuine national dialogue. While the full extent of their impact on these issues is difficult to measure, the sanctions have certainly contributed to the international condemnation of human rights abuses and political repression in the country.

The Belarusian opposition and their leaders

The Belarusian opposition has long sought to challenge the authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko, who has led the country since 1994. Lukashenko, an ally of Vladimir Putin, is considered by supporters of the opposition movement to be a dictator. The opposition, which includes various groups and individuals, advocates for a parliamentary democracy based on a Western model, with freedom of speech and political and religious pluralism.

One prominent leader of the Belarusian opposition is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who stood as a candidate in the 2020 presidential election against Lukashenko. After her husband, Syarhei Tsikhanouski, was arrested while running as a presidential candidate, Tsikhanouskaya entered the race herself. She ran on a platform of constitutional reform, seeking free and fair elections with term limits on the presidency. Despite official results declaring that she received only 10.23% of the vote, Tsikhanouskaya claimed victory and has self-styled herself as the legitimate head of state of Belarus. She has since established an oppositional government in exile, with the support of the European Union, which recognises her as the Belarusian head of state.

Another key figure in the Belarusian opposition is Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is believed by many to have won the disputed 2020 election before being forced into exile. Tikhanovskaya's form of leadership is described as being based on compassion, in stark contrast to the long-standing rule of Lukashenko.

The Belarusian opposition has utilised various tactics in their struggle for democratic change, including mass street protests, such as the "Minsk Spring" in 1996-97, and the utilisation of online platforms and social media to spread information and coordinate activities. The opposition has also received international support, with the European Union enforcing sanctions against Lukashenko's government.

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