Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya invites friends of Belarus to show solidarity with the Belarusian people on March 25, when Belarusians celebrate Freedom Day. Why is it important? This day marks the 1918 proclamation of Belarus’s independence from Russia. Throughout the decades of Lukashenka’s dictatorship, March 25 has become a symbol of resistance against oppression and tyranny.
“While the world is shaken by many political events during these turbulent times, the fight for freedom in Belarus has not stopped for a single day. A peaceful and free Belarus is an important part of stability in the whole of Europe. Peace is not just the absence of bombings. It means freedom. Justice. Security. It means no blackmail with nuclear weapons, no threats from dictators, no occupied territories.
These times show that we cannot take freedom, democracy, and peace for granted. Human rights are not simply given. So let us stand together to defend these values, and help Belarusians achieve them”.
Currently, there are over 1,140 political prisoners in Belarus. 169 of them are women. More than 200 people are behind bars for supporting Ukraine or participating in anti-war activities. 28 media workers remain imprisoned. Human rights defenders Valiantsin Stefanovich, Maryia Rabkova, Nasta Loika, and Vital Chytsik are still serving harsh and unjust sentences.
And despite the recent release of dozens of people, twice as many have been taken hostage by the regime. Hundreds have been jailed for supporting Ukraine. But despite the regime’s repression, Belarusians continue to stand with Ukraine. While the regime is complicit in Russia’s aggression, Belarusians fight for Ukraine’s freedom.
“The futures of Belarus and Ukraine are inseparable. A free Ukraine brings Belarus closer to freedom, and a democratic Belarus strengthens the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe. Supporting the fight for freedom in Belarus is an investment in Europe’s peace and stability”.
To show that you #StandwithBelarus, you can:
Voice Solidarity: Share statements, tweets, and posts supporting Belarusians fighting for freedom and facing repression. Share news using #StandWithBelarus. Download official visuals here.
Show Visual Support: Display the national Belarusian white-red-white flag. Use banners, posters, or hashtags in public spaces.
Organize Events: Host discussions, seminars, exhibitions, cultural events, film screenings on Belarus.
Join Protests: Take part in or organize solidarity rallies with Belarusians abroad. The list of international rallies will be published here.
On Political Prisoners:
- Support the International Humanitarian Fund for victims of repression.
- Parliamentarians can become symbolic godparents via Politzek and Libereco.
- Learn more about political prisoners and repression in Belarus via Viasna. Write a letter to a political prisoner (also online): Viasna, Politzek.me, Dissidentby.
- Support released political prisoners via Volnyja.
On Accountability: Support the recent decision of the ICC to launch a probe into crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenka’s regime.
Aid Belarusian Volunteers in Ukraine: Support the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, and other Belarusians fighting in Ukraine.
Help Journalists: Provide legal and financial support through Reporters Without Borders, International Media Support (Safety Fund), and Belarusian Association of Journalists.
Donate to Key Initiatives: Support humanitarian aid, medicine, and protective gear via BYSOL, Free Belarus Center, Center for Belarusian Solidarity, A Country to Live In. Cooperate with Belarusian Human Rights House, Honest People, Belarusian Council for Culture, Razam DE, Razam Lithuania, Dapamoga, and Belarusian National Youth Council RADA.
