VISIT TO MÜNSTER
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Germany, where she took part in the Westphalian Peace Conference in Münster. She delivered a speech, urging the international community to keep Belarus on the agenda and continue supporting the democratic movement. She emphasized cooperation with the new German government as a key partner in defending the interests of a free Belarus.
VISIT TO WARSAW
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, visited Warsaw for a working trip. They held a series of meetings with Polish political figures in the Sejm and Senate, including MPs Aleksandra Uznańska-Wiśniewska, Ryszard Petru, and Robert Tyszkiewicz. The parties discussed a potential Polish resolution on the non-recognition of the sham election that took place in Belarus in January, a possible cooperation agreement between Belarus’ democratic forces and the Polish Parliament, and improved legal regulations affecting the Belarusian diaspora. The visit also featured a presentation of draft laws for New Belarus.
The Polish Sejm adopted a resolution in support of Belarus, which will help strengthen ties between Poland and Belarus and support democratic change.
MEETING WITH BELARUSIAN NGOs
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with representatives of Belarusian NGOs in Lithuania. The meeting focused on cooperation between NGOs and the democratic forces, as well as joint events and campaigns. The parties also discussed the issues affecting Belarusians in Lithuania.
POSITIVE CHANGES FOR BELARUSIANS IN SLOVENIA
Aliaksandra Mamayeva of the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Slovenia announced important updates for the Belarusian diaspora. Belarusians can now obtain residence permits without needing a criminal record certificate, and apostilles are no longer required if one cannot acquire them in Belarus. In addition, there have been instances of alien passports being issued to exiled activists and long-term visas to their family members. These positive changes have been made possible thanks to the joint efforts of Belarusian civil society and the People’s Embassy.
DRAFT LAW ON BELARUSIAN VOLUNTEER FIGHTERS
Work is underway in Ukraine on a bill aimed at addressing key issues faced by Belarusian volunteer fighters. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, shared the outcomes of a roundtable discussion organized in partnership with the Ukrainian Prism Foreign Policy Council.
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, spoke at the 53rd Annual Conference of the International Society for Human Rights (IGFM). Mr. Marozau highlighted the ongoing repression in Belarus, including more than 1,200 political prisoners, some of whom are held incommunicado, dozens of cases of forced psychiatric treatment on political grounds, and the expanding lists of so-called “extremists” and “terrorists”, which already include more than 5,000 people.
MONTHLY RECAP
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office released the monthly recap for March 2025, summarizing key events, new research, and notable achievements of Belarusian democratic community activists and NGOs.
COMMENT ON THE UPCOMING TRIAL AGAINST REPRESENTATIVES OF SOLIDARITY FOUNDATIONS
On April 18, the Homiel Regional Court will begin a trial “in absentia” against Andrei Stryzhak, Yaraslau Likhacheuski, Aleh Kuzmiankou, Aliaksandr Lapko, Aliaksandra Zhuk, and Aliaksandr Padhorny, who are associated with solidarity foundations. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, commented on the report: “The regime fears solidarity and self-organization among Belarusians like fire. After all the excesses of this disgraceful system – one that can hardly be called law enforcement – we have all shown how we can resist arbitrariness and support those caught in the machinery of repression”.
REACTION TO THE “UNITY DAY” OF BELARUS AND RUSSIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released a statement on April 2, when the regime in Belarus celebrated the so-called Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus: “Every step this regime takes toward Putin pushes Belarus closer to dissolving into Russia. But we, Belarusians, did not choose this. We do not need alliances that cost lives and erase our national identity”.
CONFERENCE OF THE BELARUSIAN DIASPORA
Warsaw will host the 4th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora on May 23–25. The event will allow representatives of NGOs and initiatives outside Belarus and the diaspora to meet in person, discuss pressing issues, and work together to shape the future. Potential participants are invited to fill out the survey to ensure the program reflects their needs and priorities. Find the outcomes of the previous conference here.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s interviews and coverage of Belarus were released by Radio Racyja (Belarus), Radio Svaboda (1, 2) (Belarus), iROZHLAS (Czech Republic), ELTA (Lithuania), BNS (Lithuania), TV3 (Lithuania), and 15min. (Lithuania).
