Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, expresses her position on the amendments to Belarus’ education legislation proposed by the regime:
“The proposed amendments limit the academic and professional freedoms of young people, introducing control over their personal freedom. This is a violation of basic human rights. The exceptions made for those who join security forces, the KGB, and other paramilitary organizations force young people to choose dubious career paths as a way to avoid mandatory job assignments.
At the same time, the closure of the Institute of Entrepreneurial Activity highlights a negative trend toward reducing educational diversity and the lack of alternatives to state universities. This situation is driven by systemic and long-term pressure on the private education sector.
All these changes provoke the outflow of young professionals, leading to further loss of intellectual and human potential, reduced economic competitiveness, and a decrease in the overall standard of living.
Belarus needs completely different reforms in the education system – those that meet the needs of young people. We propose to develop and support private educational institutions, create conditions for academic freedom and professional development, and strengthen support for startups and entrepreneurial initiatives. This approach will help retain talented young people in the country, allow them to realize their ambitions, and contribute to the development of Belarus”.
