Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dziаnis Kuchynski, held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, Berit Lindemann. The NHC operates the International Humanitarian Fund established to support those affected by repression in Belarus.
The parties discussed the IHF’s results over the past two years, support for former political prisoners and repressed Belarusians, and the strategy for further work aimed at expanding the number of participating countries.
The International Humanitarian Fund was established in Norway in 2024 on Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s initiative. It is one of the key mechanisms providing assistance to Belarusians affected by political repression. The IHF channels aid to Belarusian initiatives such as Volnyja, the A Country to Live In Foundation, INeedHelpBY, Dissidentby, and others. Over its period of operation, at least 13 donor countries have collectively contributed over 3 million euros.
Ms. Lindemann and Mr. Kuchynski discussed assistance for political prisoners and those released from detention. In 2025, the IHF provided support during all waves of mass releases and forced expulsions from Belarus. Following the release and deportation of 123 people in December 2025, it mobilized over 200,000 euros within the first month for housing, food, clothing, transportation, and medical expenses in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine.
Dzianis Kuchynski thanked the IHF and donor countries for their consistent support for Belarusians and emphasized that assistance to political prisoners and repressed individuals remains a key priority.
Dzianis Kuchynski: “Expanding the number of donor countries of the International Humanitarian Fund is one of the key ways to help Belarusians affected by repression. Today, the International Humanitarian Fund is supported by 13 countries. However, the goal of Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya’s Office and its International Department is to expand this circle and attract more partners — at least 15 countries by the end of the year. The more countries join, the more people will be able to receive the necessary assistance and support”.
