According to various estimates, more than half a million people have left Belarus after 2020. Many who remain in the country face the daily risk of being detained and persecuted for a like or repost on social media. If you have faced repression and feel the need to leave the country, know that you are not alone. Contact human rights organizations and inform them of your situation. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled a list of its partner initiatives that can help Belarusians.
BYSOL facilitates urgent evacuation from Belarus to other countries, as well as assists in the legalization of stay (obtaining a residence permit) in Lithuania. BYSOL can provide necessary support at all stages of relocation.
You can also contact A Country to Live in Foundation. Its experts offer assistance in evacuation from Belarus, consultations with lawyers, and psychological support.
The Razam Foundation also provides assistance and support to Belarusians who are in exile in Lithuania. Its team assists Belarusians in the legalization of stay and obtaining legal documents, as well as provides advice on employment and other types of assistance. The foundation also works on preserving the Belarusian identity and cultural heritage. The foundation’s Telegram channel shares up-to-date information about events for Belarusians, including foreign language courses. Read more about the foundation’s activities at the link.
For the legalization of stay and other issues related to staying in Poland, you can contact the Belarusian Solidarity Center in Warsaw. It provides consultations and other support. The Legal Aid Department of the Center has helped many Belarusians facing legal difficulties.
At the Belarusian House in Warsaw, experts provide legal advice, psychological assistance, and language courses. Activists support repressed Belarusians and their families.
Belarusians in Poland can also contact the helpline of the volunteer initiative “Partyzanka”. The initiative’s channel shares relevant information on legal issues and has a chatbot for inquiries from Belarusians.
Belarusians who encounter problems in the Czech Republic can contact the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic by email: czechia.office@tsikhanouskaya.org. Its team advises Belarusians on migration issues and national legislation and provides instructions on what to do when encountering problems with legal documents. In addition, it shares contacts of Czech partners able to effectively resolve complex situations.
In Germany, Belarusians can seek assistance from the Razam e.V. Association. This initiative also assists Belarusians who have moved to Germany after suffering repression in Belarus. In addition to consultations, it helps Belarusians communicate with official German institutions.
Belarusians who encounter problems in a country with a People’s Embassy of Belarus can seek help from representatives of this initiative. Consultations with People’s Embassies are available via email at help@belarusabroad.org. The initiative, in partnership with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office and the United Transitional Cabinet, has launched a website with instructions on obtaining an alien’s travel document in different countries.
Regardless of their country of residence, Belarusians can get legal assistance from the Viasna Human Rights Center which helps people who have suffered from politically motivated persecution. The human rights defenders can be contacted via one of the Telegram chatbots from the list.
Remember that you are not alone. There are people and organizations ready to support you and help you find solutions to the problems you face. Together we are stronger!
