VICTORY DAY ADDRESS
On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians with important reflections on war, peace, and our responsibility to history: “I see how in Belarus this date is being turned into yet another show with loud slogans and military equipment. But peace is not born from parades. Peace lives in our memory, in compassion, in care for our loved ones and for each other”.
VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES
During the first week of May, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited the United States. She spoke at the Sedona Forum (Arizona), Hudson Institute, and International Republican Institute (Washington, D.C.), met 43rd US President George W. Bush in Dallas, and joined a Munich Security Conference leaders’ meeting attended by Vice President J.D. Vance.
She also held a series of meetings with members of Congress and the State Department, including Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Smith, who oversees the Belarus portfolio, and members of the Belarusian diaspora.
This was the first visit and the first set of meetings with representatives of the new US administration.
View photos of the visit on Flickr.
VISIT TO LATVIA
On May 9, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Riga, where she met with the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Daiga Mieriņa, the parliamentary group “For a Democratic Belarus”, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya inaugurated the exhibition Art Behind Bars, organized by the Supolka Association of Belarusians in Latvia and the Viasna Human Rights Center. She attended the public discussion “The Role of Belarus in the Political and Security Architecture of Europe: Perspectives from the Baltic Region”, hosted by the Latvian MFA. She also addressed the plenary session of the Baltic Assembly.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it will join the International Humanitarian Fund and contribute an additional €30,000 to support the repressed – direct aid for rehabilitation, medical care, and other needs of former political prisoners, their families, and other victims of repression.
During the visit, participants also discussed campaigns in support of political prisoners and a possible memorandum of cooperation between the Latvian Saeima (Parliament) and the democratic forces of Belarus.
RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS
42 political prisoners in Belarus were reported to have been released on May 7, including individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and underage children. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stressed that this was made possible thanks to the solidarity and support of civil society and international partners. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, shared more details about the negotiation process and the releases in an interview, highlighting the importance of international pressure and the role of human rights defenders.
DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH POLITICAL PRISONERS
On May 21, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls on Belarusians and the international community to join the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners. The date commemorates the death of Vitold Ashurak, who died in prison four years ago after being unjustly convicted.
4TH CONFERENCE OF THE BELARUSIAN DIASPORA
The 4th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora will take place in Warsaw on May 23–25. It will bring together representatives of NGOs, initiatives, and diaspora groups outside Belarus to meet in person, discuss pressing issues, and shape the future together. View the program and register for the event.
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
May 5 marked International Day for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released an address: “There are over 560,000 people with disabilities living in Belarus, yet their problems often remain invisible. Barriers exist not only on the streets – they are embedded in our laws, education, healthcare, and labor market”.
OUTLOOK ON REGIONAL DYNAMICS
As Russia wages its war against Ukraine and instability persists in the region, the future of Belarus remains dependent not only on internal factors but also on a number of external ones. Experts from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office outlined several possible scenarios for how the situation might develop in Belarus and the wider region to help identify potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for the country in the current complex geopolitical reality.
UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON BELARUS
The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution extending the mandates of the Special Rapporteur and the Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus. This extension is both an act of international solidarity and an important step toward restoring justice, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, commented on the extension of the mechanisms.
ELECTION OF A NEW POPE
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on the beginning of his pontificate. In her message, she emphasized the Catholic Church’s role in defending human dignity and supporting the people who fight for peace, justice, and freedom.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE OFFICE
To address the increased security risks, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office is switching to a new communication channel – Telegram account @askoffice_15. All messages will be automatically deleted after 24 hours.
BELARUSIANS’ VIEWS ON DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
The Center for New Ideas conducted a study of the pro-democratic segment of Belarusian society, focusing on attitudes toward democratic politicians, political bodies, and civic initiatives. View the results.
MEDIA
This week, the following media released Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s interviews and coverage of Belarus: Salidarnasc (Belarus), CNN (International), MSNBC Morning Joe (United States, International), TVN24 (Poland), ABC (Australia), The Dallas Morning News (United States), Gazeta Rzeczpospolita (Poland), TVP World (Poland), NEXTA, and La Presse (Italy).
