Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “After 2020, the regime began to deliberately destroy Belarus’ independent third sector through liquidations, persecution, pressure, and bans. Lukashenka wanted people to be left alone with their problems – without those who know how to organize assistance, unite communities, provide support, and defend others. NGOs mean support for children and the elderly, culture and education, environmental protection, human rights, and local communities.
Over the past month, I have met with many organizations and their representatives, and I am sincerely impressed by how you continue to stand strong and carry on your work. I would like to say a big thank you to each and every one of you.
You help those who have had to leave the country. You support political prisoners and their families. You preserve Belarusian culture and language. You implement educational, social, and humanitarian projects.
Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for your courage, professionalism, and humanity. Thank you for the care you give to people and for the Belarus you keep alive within yourselves and in others”.
