On May 1, the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora started in Warsaw. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks, emphasizing that over these years, Belarusians have both preserved their unity and learned to respond to new challenges together.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya:
“Dear Belarusians,
friends, like-minded people,
international guests and allies,
Welcome to the Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora.
This conference has become more than a good tradition. It is a necessity. It is a collective brainstorming effort, where we come together to address the most pressing challenges faced by Belarusians abroad.
I am glad to welcome long-time friends and to see many new faces. Representatives of communities we have long awaited have come to present their projects — from the United States, Georgia, Germany, and other countries.
Our movement, like a living organism, is developing and growing stronger. As external circumstances change, so do we.
No matter how much they try to suppress us with repression, intimidate us, or destroy our unity — we continue to persistently pursue our Belarusian cause.
And do you know why I am confident that we will succeed? Because we, Belarusians, are passionate romantics. Who else would be ready, on May 1 at 10 a.m., on a holiday, to sacrifice rest and free time and travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometers at their own expense just to discuss issues of migration, documents, Belarusian culture and education, and all those seemingly unsolvable problems our compatriots face abroad?
But we Belarusians do have one significant flaw. We tend to underestimate ourselves.
Our modesty makes us fail to notice our successes and achievements, and we do not fully realize our collective strength.
Many diasporas and movements in exile that find themselves in situations similar to ours envy us. It used to be that we looked at others. Now, many look at us and learn from us.
We have the People’s Embassies and missions. We issue passports. Delegations work in parliamentary assemblies. Assistance programs and solidarity funds continue to operate. Together, we have built a system — it might not be perfect, but it works and delivers results.
If you look at the final document from the previous conference, you will see how many projects were launched — and they were born right here at this conference.
Over the past year, we have managed to resolve issues with documents and legal stay in a number of countries: some countries started issuing alien passports, and others have recognized expired passports.
The past year has also brought political successes. Few could have imagined that the International Criminal Court would initiate a case against Lukashenka or that there would be such a shift in relations with Ukraine.
When we last gathered, we discussed — purely hypothetically — how to get political prisoners out of prisons. And now, Ales Bialiatski, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Maryia Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Ihar Losik, and Katsiaryna Andreyeva are free.
Together, we have also organized a system to support those released and ensured a dignified welcome for those who were brought abroad.
The past few days have been especially joyful for all of us — Andrzej Poczobut has been released. After Siarhei’s release, it was his portrait that I most often carried on my folder.
Today, on my folder is the portrait of Stsiapan Latypau… Let us remember that around 900 people remain behind bars, and we will continue working with our American and European allies until each and every one is free — and until all of us can return home.
Unfortunately, as we overcome some challenges, new ones arise. Belarus continues to be viewed through the lens of war and security. We face new issues with legal documents, bank accounts, and access to education.
At the same time, the regime continues its war against Belarusians. Even abroad, no one can feel completely safe. The map of safe countries on pashpart.org has become an essential tool for many Belarusians when traveling.
Over the past year, we have had to save dozens of people from extradition, persecution through Interpol, and other forms of transnational repression.
Let us make the issue of transnational repression a priority this year. This requires systematic work and active advocacy not only from politicians but also from the diaspora.
Without strong international pressure, the regime will not change its policy and will continue to create new threats to our community. That is why we must be patient, roll up our sleeves, and work, work, work.
And we know how to work. We know how to self-organize, build structures, and cooperate despite differences in views.
I very much hope that the new convocation of the Coordination Council will bring fresh energy to our movement. I support everyone who will take part — whether by running as a candidate or simply by voting for their preferred group.
Some ask, “Why do we need the Coordination Council? How will it help solve our problems?” But the Coordination Council is not a silver bullet — it is another tool we have created together. And its effectiveness will depend on whom we elect and how we participate in its work.
But what am I saying — today we will hear directly from the candidates. We will also discuss the current challenges of the diaspora and think about how to scale successful cases and projects.
We would also like to give special attention to political prisoners and youth. This month, we will hold dedicated events on these issues.
On May 11–12, in partnership with the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, we will hold a conference in Stockholm on Belarusian youth. And on May 21–22, we invite everyone to Vilnius for the Congress on Political Prisoners, where we will hear from those recently freed.
Dear friends,
At the first Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora, more than four years ago, one of the participants — perhaps one of you — gave me a small angel in white-red-white colors and said: “Sviatlana, this is a talisman that will help all of us return home”.
I still keep it. Then, as now, I remain confident that we will all return home. We will finish what we started together. And no one and nothing will be able to stop us on this path.
Thank you, dear friends.
Glory to Ukraine! Long Live Belarus”.
