EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE
On March 11–12, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg alongside former political prisoner Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for continued support for Ukraine, European unity, and increased aid for independent media and civil society – emphasizing that such support is also an investment in Europe’s security. She highlighted that the regime in Belarus poses a threat to all of Europe, continues to profit from the war, and supplies arms to Russia.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also addressed the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, urging for a declaration in defense of Belarusian independence.
During her visit to Strasbourg, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, held discussions with leaders of various parliamentary groups, and spoke before the EPP, ECR, S&D, and Renew Europe groups, as well as the EU Delegation for Relations with Belarus.
FREEDOM DAY – MARCH 25
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on Belarusians to celebrate Freedom Day together on March 25 and urged international partners to show solidarity with Belarusians fighting for freedom. On this day, events will take place worldwide to unite Belarusians and demonstrate that the struggle for democratic change continues. The events will include a march in Warsaw on March 23, a rally in Vilnius on March 25, and more. A detailed list of events will be available soon.
MEETING WITH KSENIYA LUTSKINA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, at her Office in Vilnius, met with prominent Belarusian journalist and former political prisoner Kseniya Lutskina. Ms. Lutskina was arrested in 2020 and sentenced to eight years in prison for protesting against the Lukashenka regime’s violence and policies. She was released under a pardon on August 20, 2024. On March 4, it was reported that she had been evacuated from Belarus and is now safe.
UN REPORT ON BELARUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office submitted evidence for the new report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in Belarus. The report will be presented at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in October 2025, focusing on labor rights and employment conditions. The UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus has called on human rights defenders, trade unions, media, as well as those who have experienced violations or possess relevant information, to share their insights by May 31, 2025, via email to hrc-sr-belarus@un.org.
CONSTITUTION DAY
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on Constitution Day: “This day will truly become a celebration when laws protect citizens instead of being used for repression. When our country has an independent judiciary, fair elections, and equal rights for all. When Belarus becomes a free and democratic nation. And with every effort we make together, we bring that day closer. Lawlessness cannot last forever – justice and respect for human rights will prevail”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office is working on a draft of a new Belarusian Constitution that will safeguard the rights of every Belarusian, guaranteeing democracy and preventing the return of dictatorship.
RECENT APPOINTMENTS IN BELARUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Economic Reforms, Aleś Alachnovič, commented on Lukashenka’s recent government reshuffle: “Lukashenka frequently replaces officials to prevent them from gaining power and independence. The new head of the National Bank, Halouchanka, has no banking experience and is closely tied to security bodies. Similar appointments have led to economic crises in Belarus before”. Mr. Alachnovič also noted that this is the first prime minister to be on the sanctions lists of dozens of countries at the time of appointment.
PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS WITH BELARUSIANS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held personal conversations with Belarusians to discuss the issues they face both in Belarus and abroad. Personal conversations are an open and safe format where anyone can speak directly with Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, sharing concerns and ideas and asking questions.
AID FOR INDEPENDENT MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office submitted a request to the European Commission and EU governments to increase support for independent Belarusian journalists, who are facing major funding cuts following the suspension of USAID operations. Independent media play a critical role in providing Belarusians with uncensored information, countering propaganda, and resisting Russian influence in Belarus.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed this week by The National (Scotland), Mediaset (Italy), Sky TV (Italy), Radyio Svaboda (1, 2) (Belarus), Pozirk (Belarus), RFI (France), Palitranews (in English, in Georgian) (Georgia), BTA (in English, in Bulgarian (Bulgaria), The New Union Post, SITA (news agency, Slovakia), Malanka (Belarus), Belsat (Belarus), and BBC.
