The key event of August was the New Belarus Conference in Warsaw. At the same time, work continued with international partners on legal and security issues faced by Belarusians, as well as support for cultural and civic initiatives.
Below are the key developments of the month.
- The New Belarus Conference took place in Warsaw. Participants discussed the strategy of the democratic forces, cooperation with Ukraine, future reforms, the media, security, and support for Belarusians in exile. Read more about the conference’s outcomes.
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the opening of the conference and took part in a discussion on the challenges, priorities, and further work of the democratic forces.
- The Belarusian diaspora in Warsaw marked the Day of Dignity with a rally, joined by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, representatives of the democratic forces, the diaspora, and international partners.
- Ms. Tsikhanouskaya met with ambassadors and diplomats working on Belarus. They discussed support for Belarusians and continued coordination.
- The Belarusian leader attended meetings with Belarusians and events of Belarusian initiatives, including those held during the New Belarus Conference. In particular, she joined the Women’s Breakfast in Warsaw and the opening of the Mikita Melkaziorau Cup.
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the farewell ceremony for politician and public figure Aliaksandr Milinkievič, one of the important figures in the history of Belarus’s democratic movement.
- Dzianis Kuchynski held a number of meetings throughout the month, including with Adam Hałaciński and Grzegorz Poznański (Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Indre Gasparė (Director of Lithuania’s Migration Department), and Vladislav Kondratovič (Chancellor of Lithuania’s Ministry of Environment).
- The “Wanted by Dictator: Red Notice State” report was presented, analyzing how the regime uses international mechanisms, including Interpol, to persecute Belarusians in exile.
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Belarus’s independence. She emphasized the value of independence and the responsibility to preserve it.
The months ahead will bring new meetings, decisions, and steps forward in the areas identified in August. Stay tuned for updates!
