Digest of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office on Education and Science, August 2023
Please, send the information about everything concerning education in Belarus to our safe anonymous chatbot @eduOST_bot. Please, tell us news from your educational institution or government agency about repressions and various forms of pressure from the management, and write to us about corruption and new regulations which you consider unreasonable or irrational. You are also […]
September 01, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science Tatiana Schyttsova congratulated students, parents, and teachers on start of school year
Tatiana Shchyttsova: “Let me congratulate all Belarusian children, families with students, and teachers on the start of the school year! Today, thousands of Belarusian children will go to school in exile. Education in another country is associated with many challenges both for them and their parents — psychological, socio-economic, or bureaucratic. However, there is one undeniable […]
September 01, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “When you look at our children, you know for sure they will grow up to be a better version of us”
On September 1, Knowledge Day, when the academic year starts in Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed teachers, parents, and schoolchildren: “Dear teachers! Being an honest teacher in Belarus today is a true feat. And every day you do it despite the systemic pressure. You teach children to think and express their opinions. You strive to see […]
September 01, 2023
Vehicle for Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, meetings with politicians and Belarusians: results of Anatoli Liabedzka’s visit to Ukraine
A delegation of the democratic forces visited Ukraine. It included Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Advisor for the Constitutional Reform and Interparliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, United Transitional Cabinet Representative for Foreign Affairs, Valery Kavaleuski, and Head of the Mission of Democratic Forces in Ukraine, Henadz Manko. During the visit, the delegation held a number of meetings. – With […]
August 30, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office conducted an online survey to see public opinion on the work of democratic forces
Last month, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office launched an anonymous online survey to see the opinions of Belarusians on the work of democratic forces: what they are dissatisfied with, which fields of work they support, and what they would like to improve. The Office is sincerely grateful to all Belarusians who participated in the survey and shared […]
August 29, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met Slovenian Foreign Minister to discuss rehabilitation for former political prisoners
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon. Slovenia has won the non-permanent UN Security Council seat against the Lukashenka regime. Slovenia will represent the Eastern European Group, including Belarus, in the UN starting in 2024. During the meeting, Ms. Fajon and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed joint activities in the UN […]
August 29, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with OSCE Chairman and North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani
Mr. Osmani and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed the implementation of the Moscow Mechanism invoked by the OSCE against Belarus. They agreed on the need for an assessment of its execution and steps for its practical implementation. During the meeting, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the situation of political prisoners, many of whom are being held incommunicado in […]
August 29, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar expressed her support for Belarus’ democratic forces and its people. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya congratulated Slovenia on winning the election for the UN Security Council seat against the Lukashenka regime and thanked the country for its support for Belarusian democratic forces in international organizations. The Belarusian leader spoke about the situation with […]
August 29, 2023
Potash exports, freezing regime’s assets, new passport: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Foreign Minister of Canada
Minister Mélanie Joly informed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya about Canada's latest decisions on expanding sanctions against the Lukashenka regime and supporting civil society. The Minister emphasized that Canada continues to receive Belarusian refugees. Ms. Joly stated that Canada continues to support Belarus’ democratic forces diplomatically. Jeanette Sautner, who previously was responsible for Belarus at the Canadian Embassy […]
August 29, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Wlachovský discussed assistance to volunteer fighters and situation with Wagner mercenaries
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Miroslav Wlachovský, expressed his support for Belarus’ democratic forces and the people who continue to fight for democratic changes. During the meeting, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya raised the issue of political prisoners and the need for their immediate release. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the situation is critical […]
August 29, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with newly approved Prime Minister of Bulgaria to discuss New Belarus Passport project and Russian threat to Belarus’ independence
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya informed Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov about the 60,000 applications from Belarusians for the new passport and expressed hope that Bulgaria would support this initiative. During the meeting, they also discussed the Russian threat to Belarus' independence. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya proposed that the issue of Belarus should be raised at meetings of the Bucharest Nine, […]
August 28, 2023
Franak Viacorka: “We are working to ensure that cross-border travel between our countries stands for as long as possible”
Franak Viacorka, Senior Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, commented on the possible closure of borders between Belarus, Poland, and the Baltic states: “This is how our neighbors respond to Lukashenka’s statements and absolutely irresponsible steps, the presence of Wagner mercenaries, and threats against neighboring countries. First and foremost, this is a signal to the regime that […]
August 28, 2023
Assistance to Belarusians, situation with political prisoners, and cooperation with the EU: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is visiting Austria and Slovenia
The Belarusian leader started the week by speaking at the European Forum Alpbach. In a panel discussion, she talked about the problems faced by political prisoners in Belarus and the situation in the country. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called on the international community to help Belarusians, develop mechanisms to hold the Lukashenka regime accountable, and consider including […]
August 28, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We have demonstrated that we are capable of defending our freedom both peacefully and with weapons in our hands”
On August 25, the day the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Republic was given constitutional status in 1991, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the Belarusian people: “Today we have to fight for our independence again. Because now it is under the greatest threat in all recent history. Our country hosts Russian soldiers and their military bases. Mercenaries […]
August 25, 2023
“Your fight for freedom inspires the whole world. And I am proud to see Belarusians helping you.” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on Ukraine’s Independence Day
On Ukraine's Independence Day, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the Ukrainian people: “Dear Ukrainians, President Zelenskyy! It has been a year and a half since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. All this time, you have been defending your independence with weapons in your hands and fire in your hearts. We bow our heads to your courage and […]
August 24, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on the Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas not to synchronize restrictions against Belarusians and Russians
On August 23, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held talks in the Lithuanian Seimas with Speaker Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen. The meeting focused on the situation with political prisoners in Belarus, the presence of Wagner mercenaries, potential border closures, and a law that could potentially synchronize migration restrictions against Belarusians and Russians. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya urged the speaker to abstain from […]
August 23, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today is Pavel Belavus’s birthday”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today is Pavel Belavus's birthday. He has always cared about everything Belarusian and framed the national idea of our country in everything he did. He has devoted his whole life to letting us all know that being a Belarusian is something to be proud of. But for his love for Belarus, he is […]
August 22, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appointed Marharyta Vorykhava as Advisor on Youth Policy and Students
At the New Belarus Conference 2023, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appointed Marharyta Vorykhava as her Advisor on Youth Policy and Students. In addition to this position, Marharyta will remain the President of the RADA Youth Council and a representative in the Council of Europe's Contact Group and the EU’s Consultative Group on Belarus. Ms. Vorykhava has released […]
August 21, 2023
“No force can ever take away our love for you.” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya – on the birthday of Siarhei Tsikhanouski
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Dear Siarhei, Every day Ahniya and Karnei wake up and go to sleep thinking of you. After all, we haven't heard from you for a long time. But I always tell them that dad is strong and can get through anything. And I truly believe so because I know you, Siarhei. They would […]
August 18, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked honest Belarusian teachers for standing up to their principles
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “No new schools were opened in Minsk this year. Of the 30 private schools nationwide, only five have not been shut down. And starting this school year, children in grades 5-6 will have lessons on patriotism and morals. The shortage of teachers in Belarus has been worsening for years. And this makes parents […]
August 17, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the people of Lithuania
In her address, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, above all, thanked Lithuania for the support and solidarity that the country and its people have demonstrated toward Belarusians since 2020. She noted that today Belarusians need support more than ever. “We must understand clearly: Lukashenka is not Belarus. It is not Belarusians who threaten Lithuania, but the regime and […]
August 15, 2023
Workers’ Movement gathers evidence of labor rights violations in Belarus
The Rabochy Rukh (Workers’ Movement) is preparing a report to the International Labor Organization. Belarusians are asked to share the real situation in Belarus regarding the observance of workers' rights. The movement’s activists are documenting all cases of labor rights violations by the regime from September 2022 to August 2023, including unfair dismissals, fines, disciplinary […]
August 14, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today marks 1169 days since Mikalai Statkevich has been imprisoned”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today marks 1169 days since Mikalai Statkevich has been imprisoned. For more than six months, the politician has been denied letters, medical assistance, consultations with a lawyer, or contact with loved ones. He celebrates his 67th birthday alone in a cell the size of an elevator cabin. I understand what Mikalai's wife feels. […]
August 12, 2023
Documents Adopted at the New Belarus Conference 2023: European Alternative, Solidarity with Ukraine, Democratic Strategy, and Non-recognition of the Regime’s 2024 Elections
The Declaration of Future Membership of Belarus in the European Union declares the country's geopolitical choice and calls on democratic forces to cooperate extensively with the European Union. The Declaration by the Democratic Forces of Belarus on Solidarity with the People of Ukraine manifests support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Putin's Russia […]
August 10, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Belarusians for joining Solidarity Day on August 9
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I am really grateful to everyone who joined Solidarity Day and took part in rallies — Belarusians from Lithuania, Poland, Georgia, America, Czechia, and other countries. And of course, I want to thank Belarusians in Belarus particularly, who held solidarity rallies despite the risks. Thank you to each and every one of you for remembering […]
August 10, 2023
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda to discuss potential restrictions against Belarusians
The meeting took place today, August 9, at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Lithuania for supporting Belarus’ democratic community and welcoming tens of thousands of Belarusians and hundreds of NGOs and businesses forced to leave the country due to repression. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called on the President to abstain from bringing the restrictions […]
August 09, 2023
Join the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus on August 9!
A great solidarity marathon took place just a week ago, which once again gave us, Belarusians, faith in our unity. It helped us see how many of us there are and inspired us to new achievements. It made us honor each other even more and trust that we can make a greater impact when we […]
August 08, 2023
“Move forward with love for those who stand by us and trust in those who will come after us.” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on third anniversary of 2020 presidential election
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on August 9, which has been declared the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus: “It has been 3 years. All this time, they tried to take away our dreams. Take away our loved ones. Our freedom. Our homeland. Take away our independence. But all the pain we have endured did not […]
August 08, 2023
“Only one thing can stop me: if I don’t feel support from Belarusians.” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s closing remarks at New Belarus Conference 2023
Dear colleagues, Dear friends! Three years ago, Belarusians made a historic choice in favor of freedom, democracy, and independence – and endeavored to defend it peacefully. Today, three years later, we are wondering whether we have been able to preserve our achievements and the momentum that Belarusians had when they rose to defend their victory […]
August 06, 2023