Tatiana Shchyttsova: “After eliminating Polish-language school education in Hrodna, the Lukashenka regime started destroying Lithuanian-language schools. There are only two such schools in Belarus – in Pelesa and Rimdziuny. On August 12, the Pelesa secondary school was reported to be closed based on the Ministry of Emergency Situations inspection results, with non-compliance with the safety regulations named as the formal reason. At the same time, the Lithuanian side emphasizes that no such issues were detected during the previous inspections.
The infringement of the rights of Lithuanians and Poles to study in their native language is a violation of bilateral and international agreements protecting the rights of national minorities. This policy, pursued by Lukashenka's authorities, contributes to potential interethnic conflicts in Belarusian society. Moreover, it demonstrates once again that under Lukashenka, the Belarusian state as a subject of international law cannot and does not intend to adhere to international agreements.
The Lukashenka regime might be expecting a similar response from Lithuania and Poland, and an increase in hostility towards the Belarusans living in these countries. However, such expectations are in vain, because in democratic countries, the rights of national minorities, including Belarusians, are protected by law and secured by the appropriate state policy.
Today, more than ever, it is important that Belarusians residing in Lithuania and Poland have the legal right to preserve their national identity and fair opportunities to develop all kinds of cultural and educational initiatives in the Belarusian language”.
