A Belarusian citizen, identified as A., has been granted international protection (asylum) in the Czech Republic after more than two years of waiting, a rejection by the Ministry of the Interior, and a successful court appeal. Throughout the process, he received support from the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, Czech lawyers, the BYSOL Foundation, and the Belarusian community in the Czech Republic.
- first contacted the Prague Office in August 2024. At that point, he had already been waiting nearly two years for a decision on his application for international protection. The Office reviewed his case, provided a personal consultation, and helped him find part-time work and new accommodation.
In December 2024, A. received a negative decision on his application and turned to the Office again. The team helped him find a lawyer from the partner law firm BUCHTA, POKORNÝ & PARTNEŘI, which regularly handles cases involving Belarusians. It coordinated the next steps of the legal process.
To cover legal expenses, a fundraising campaign was launched through the BYSOL Foundation. The Prague Office verified the campaign and helped share it within the Belarusian community in the Czech Republic. Following the court appeal, A. was granted international protection and received a residence document valid for ten years.
“I would like to thank Kryścina Šyjanok, the entire Office, and everyone who supported me along the way. The support covered everything from finding housing and work to simply being there for me during difficult times. I am especially grateful for the help in finding a lawyer who filed an appeal after my application for international protection was rejected. Thanks to this support, I won the case and am now officially under the protection of the Czech Republic. I would also like to thank the BYSOL Foundation for providing financial assistance at the moment I needed it most”, A. says.
The Director of the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, Kryścina Šyjanok, emphasizes that a refusal of international protection does not always mean the end of the process:
“We are pleased that, after a long wait and a successful court appeal, A. has been granted international protection. For our team, this is also an important result of our joint efforts with lawyers, the BYSOL Foundation, and the Belarusian diaspora in the Czech Republic.
The process of obtaining international protection can be lengthy and challenging. That is why it is important to seek assistance as early as possible — ideally while preparing the application. Even if a person has already received a refusal, in many cases the decision can be challenged in court.
Our Office does not have a staff lawyer, but we work closely with specialized organizations and Czech attorneys who have experience handling Belarus-related cases. We help people find the right legal experts, establish communication, and coordinate support from different organizations and the Belarusian community”.
The Prague Office continues to strengthen cooperation with Czech human rights organizations, lawyers, and NGOs that assist migrants. It also maintains dialogue with Czech government institutions to make procedures for Belarusians clearer and ensure they take into account the new forms of threats and repression posed by the regime in Belarus.
When should one contact the Prague Office?
Write to czechia.office@tsikhanouskaya.org if:
- you are planning to apply for international protection after you have had to leave Belarus, or you are already living in the Czech Republic and have learned that you are facing political persecution in Belarus. If possible, you should seek assistance while preparing your application;
- your application for international protection has been rejected, but returning to Belarus would put you at risk;
- you are facing an emergency or urgent issues related to documents, legal status, or personal safety;
- you need advice or contacts for organizations that provide support with integration, psychological assistance, or learning the Czech language;
- you need help promoting a fundraising campaign or initiative within the Belarusian community in the Czech Republic. Before sharing such information, the Office verifies it.
Kryścina Šyjanok: “We work to ensure that Belarusians are not left alone with their problems during difficult times. This case once again demonstrates what can be achieved when professional assistance and solidarity come together”.
