August 25 marks the Day of the Restoration of Belarus’ Independence. On this day in 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Belarus granted the Declaration of State Sovereignty, originally adopted on July 27, 1990, the force of constitutional law.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Belarusians dreamed of independence for centuries. Our ancestors rose up against oppression, defended their land from invaders, and preserved our language and culture. Each generation paid its price so that Belarus could exist.
On August 25, 1991, this dream came true. The Declaration of State Sovereignty was given the force of constitutional law, and for the first time since the Belarusian Democratic Republic, Belarus once again became an independent state.
Independence is what unites all of us. It is not only about borders and sovereignty. It is about peace and security, about the right to choose our own future. It gives confidence in tomorrow for our children. It is our flag, our coat of arms, our language. Independence means being part of a free Europe, not a province of a foreign empire.
Today, Belarus’ independence is once again under threat. The regime has dragged our country into a criminal war and is surrendering our sovereignty to Russia. Everything generations of Belarusians fought for, everything won in 1991, is now at risk.
I want to address all Belarusians, especially those still inside the system. Do not let the regime destroy the most valuable thing we have – our independence.
Belarusians have shown the world more than once that even in the hardest circumstances, we do not give up, we do not surrender. We stood together, we defended what was ours – and we will do so again. Because without independence, there is no freedom and no future.
Belarus will live as long as the will for independence lives in the hearts of Belarusians.
Happy Independence Restoration Day!
Long Live Belarus!”
