The PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons has appointed special rapporteur Paul Galles to prepare a report on “Addressing the specific challenges faced by the Belarusians in exile”. This report is a chance to investigate the real situation of Belarusians in exile, as well as address recommendations to Council of Europe member states (including those that are not EU member states).
The PACE estimates the number of people who have left Belarus after August 2020 to be between 200 and 500 thousand. Kristina Rikhter, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Issues, spoke at the committee meeting, noting a number of difficulties faced by Belarusians who had to flee political persecution. She noted the problems related to the legalization of stay, integration into society, as well as lack of access to medical or psychological assistance.
Kristina Rikhter also raised brought about the issue of recent changes in the Belarusian legislation and law enforcement practice: deprivation of citizenship, criminal prosecution for manifesting national identity, and mass recognition of NGOs and mass media as extremist formations (more than 120 organizations, media, and initiatives are on the list now).
The committee meeting discussed facilitating visa and residence permit applications for Belarusians facing persecution, as well as supporting Belarusian initiatives aimed at preserving national identity in their countries of residence.
Within a few months, the rapporteur will hold consultations with the Belarusian diasporas, NGOs helping Belarusians abroad, as well as authorities of some countries hosting Belarusian nationals. The report findings with practical advice for the countries will be discussed at the PACE in October 2023.
