Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for diplomats from Latin American and European countries with the support of the Ambassador of Spain in Poland, Victoria Ortega Gutiérrez. The meeting was attended by the ambassadors of Brazil, Chile, Panama, Portugal, and Spain.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called on the diplomats to support Belarus on the international stage, including by supporting the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus and the mandate of the UN Group of Independent Experts on Human Rights in Belarus. She also urged them to help Belarusians facing difficulties with documents and legal status in exile.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the experience of Latin American countries in restoring justice and democratic institutions after dictatorships and proposed four practical steps to support Belarusians:
“First, we would be glad to organize joint events, discussions, conferences, university programs, and projects with your embassies.
Second, keep Belarus on the international agenda, especially at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council. Your voices and your votes matter.
Third, speak about our political prisoners and human rights. Mention Belarus in your speeches and communications. Consider joining the International Humanitarian Fund that supports those affected by repression; even a small contribution would send a strong signal of solidarity.
And finally, please help Belarusians in your countries who are facing problems with passports, documents, and legal status. In some Latin American countries, Belarusians have already faced detention and the risk of deportation. It is important that Belarusians who cannot safely return to Belarus are not deported there and can obtain refugee status or other necessary international protection”.
