A solidarity event took place in Vilnius in support of Vasil Verameichyk, who was extradited this month to the Lukashenka regime by Vietnamese authorities despite having protested in Belarus in 2020 and defended Ukraine after the full-scale invasion in 2022. The event featured a speech by Daniil Garkavy of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office.
In his address, Mr. Garkavy called on Belarusians who face challenges with legal status to seek help, offering assistance from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office:
“Every story must be heard so that no one faces their problems alone. If you are struggling with migration issues and don’t know where to turn, contact us at the Office. We’ll guide you on how to address your issue and direct you to the appropriate organization for help.
Given the current situation in Belarus, any decision to deny residency must be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the real threats to a person’s life and well-being. In this regard, despite Lithuania’s significant and ongoing support for Belarusians, we urge the authorities here to consider the following recommendations:
- Thoroughly review cases involving Belarusians. Establish a human rights expertise mechanism to ensure that negative decisions comply with international standards, including the Geneva Convention, and undergo additional risk assessments.
- Acknowledge the unique context of repression in Belarus. Introduce a special risk category in the humanitarian protection system, covering participants in hostilities on Ukraine’s side, volunteer fighters, and veterans.
- Collaborate with human rights organizations. Engage international and local human rights institutions to monitor asylum decisions and assess the situation in Belarus”.
