The Representation of Democratic Belarus in Estonia hosted a roundtable titled “A Future Without Discrimination: Discussing Legislative Reforms to Protect LGBTQ+ Rights in Belarus”.
Participants included Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Representative for Estonia and Latvia, Vitaly Malchanau; the First Deputy Representative on Social Policy of the United Transitional Cabinet, Yuliya Mitskevich; representatives of Belarusian and Estonian NGOs working on gender equality; staff from the Estonian Ombudsman’s Office; and representatives of public institutions.
The discussion focused on the following key issues:
- Challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Belarus;
- Estonia’s experience in anti-discrimination policies;
- Concepts for future legislative reforms to protect rights and freedoms in democratic Belarus.
The meeting resulted in a joint commitment to create a roadmap for promoting gender equality in the future Belarus and to continue supporting initiatives based on the principles of equality, inclusiveness, and respect for human dignity.
Vitaly Malchanau: “We raised the difficult realities the LGBTQ+ community in Belarus faces on a daily basis. Estonian representatives shared their own journey in promoting gender equality, highlighting both successful steps and the mistakes made before relevant legislation was adopted. Our colleagues also outlined the further measures being taken by Estonian society to improve legal protections and ensure equal treatment. Future Belarus must be inclusive and safe for all. This dialogue helps us prepare real tools for change”.
The event was organized by the Representation with support from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the United Transitional Cabinet’s Representation for Social Policy, and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).
