International human rights law provides every victim with an inherent right to compensation. This compensation must be provided by the state to restore the dignity of the victim, reintegrate the victim into society, and help prevent further violations. Read more below about who will be eligible to receive different kinds of compensation.
The draft Concept is available in Russian and Belarusian. Belarusians can share their feedback and proposals through the Telegram bot @AskOffice_Bot, email transitionaljustice@tsikhanouskaya.org, and the Google form.
Public apology
The purpose is to acknowledge the dignity of repressed individuals and affirm the violation of their rights. A public apology must include acknowledgment of harm, sincere acceptance of responsibility, a public statement of remorse towards the victim, and an assurance that repression will not recur in the future.
Civil rehabilitation
1. Husbands and wives, parents, and children of individuals who have died due to political repression in Belarus receive a one-time compensation of 1000 times the minimum wage.
2. The time spent by repressed individuals in penal facilities is counted as work experience (1 year of detention equals 3 years of work experience).
3. Belarusian citizenship lost due to repression is restored upon request.
4. Decrees and rulings revoking awards, academic degrees, and other rights from repressed individuals are declared invalid.
5. Individuals dismissed from work or studies on political grounds have their work or education experience reinstated. Repressed students are eligible for compensation for educational expenses.
Restitution of property rights
Individuals who suffered political repression in Belarus are entitled to reclaim lost property or its commercial equivalent. Declarations of sale and gift of confiscated property may be invalidated.
Social benefits and programs
Repressed individuals, who have retired or have disabilities, are entitled to:
1. Utility payment discounts (the amount is determined by national laws).
2. Coverage of the cost of Belarusian-produced medicines and 50% of the cost of foreign-produced medicines obtained by prescription.
3. Free provision of prosthetic and orthopedic products.
4. Free sanatorium and resort treatment within Belarus every 2 years.
5. Free transit services within Belarus.
Repressed individuals, who reached their retirement age or became disabled at the time of detention, are entitled to:
1. 50% off utility payments.
2. Compensation for intercity transit expenses for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
3. Compensation for the cost of prescription medicines and provision of prosthetic and orthopedic products.
4. Free sanatorium and resort treatment and rehabilitation in Belarus once a year.
5. Free urban and suburban transit services.
