“On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, symbolizing hope for people all around the world. Yet today, even in the heart of Europe, these fundamental rights are under threat. The principles designed to be unshakable are being challenged, and those fighting for freedom are becoming victims themselves.
Instead of safeguarding our rights, the state has turned into a tool of oppression. Thousands of Belarusians have been imprisoned for daring to defend their freedom and dignity. They are held in appalling conditions, denied liberty and proper care, and cut off from their loved ones. I feel this pain too – it’s been more than 640 days since I last heard from my husband.
The people who have dedicated their lives to defending human rights are also facing threats, pressure, and injustice. Human rights defenders, who fight for humanity and justice, are themselves under attack by the regime. They are persecuted, isolated, jailed, and forced out of the country simply for doing their work.
But there’s something each of us can do to change this situation. Write a letter or postcard to a political prisoner today, offer your support to a neighbor who’s left alone, or lend a helping hand to Belarusians who have recently been forced to leave their homeland and are struggling to adapt to a new country. These may seem like small gestures, but they can bring warmth and hope. Together, we will overcome this crisis and bring freedom, dignity, and respect for human rights back to Belarus”.
