Belarusian democratic forces. The “Helsinki Dialogue” event, jointly.
Belarusian democratic forces The “Helsinki Dialogue” event, jointly The second meeting of the Consultative Group between the European Union and the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society took place on 12 December in Brussels. Both leaders called for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus. The main centres of influence of the Belarusian democratic movement. In the margins of The Belarusian democratic forces since 2020. The fourth meeting of the Consultative Group between the European Union and Belarusian democratic forces took place on December 11 in Brussels. Operating from overseas they must seek to balance their priorities across national and international audiences and agendas, while ensuring simultaneous impact domestically and abroad. The United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) created an operational situational headquarters and called on all Belarusian democratic forces and volunteers from various units in Ukraine [] Comments were made from the audience about the disunity and opposition of the Belarusian democratic forces today, which hinders their joint work for the benefit of democratic transformations in Belarus. The meeting was chaired by the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Christopher Smith, and the National Leader of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Praises the systematic and consistent work of Belarusian democratic forces in Belarus and in exile, in particular the leader of the democratic opposition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Coordination Council and National Anti-Crisis Management; reiterates the urgent need to maintain and expand contacts and cooperation with these forces; welcomes Most importantly, Ukraine acted here as a forum where Belarusian democratic forces and representatives of Belarusian civil society were able to meet, talk to each other, propose new projects and develop a strategy of action. The attacks are aimed at intimidating and eliminating potential political opponents, especially ahead of the parliamentary elections in February next year. High Representative Kaja Kallas met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, emphasising Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces who defeated Aliaksandr Lukashenka, Belarus’s longstanding autocratic leader, in a presidential election on August 9, The third meeting of the EU Consultative Group with the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society took place in Brussels on 25 June, in the presence of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other figures of the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. S. This European aspiration sends a strong message to the West that democratic Belarus does not see itself with Russia but wants to be part of the European family of nations. Additionally, he claims the Belarusian democratic forces which call for sanctions are KGB (Belarusian security public body) agents, without providing any evidence to corroborate such claims. ПЛАТФОРМА 2025 PLATFORM 2025 Platform members Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya The United Transitional Cabinet The Coordination Council Fraction of the Coordination Council „The team of Latushko & movement „For freedom“ Fraction of the Representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society; 10. The Committee has invited the Secretary General to set up a “Contact group” within the Council of The 4th meeting of the Consultative Group between the European Union and Belarusian democratic forces and civil society took place on 11 December, in Brussels. Who exactly is included in the “democratic forces”? cooperation with the democratic forces of Belarus. Meanwhile, the public perceives the neglect of the Belarusian issue during the exchange of political prisoners between Russia and the West as a failure of the efforts by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office. Leading MAE. As Mr. During the European Political Community Summit, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is the leader of Belarusian democratic forces who beat the autocratic president Aliaksandr Lukashenka in a presidential election on August 9th, 2020, according to independent observers. Several foreign politicians congratulated Belarusians on Freedom Day. According to Malanka Media, “The Way to Freedom” conference held in Kyiv on November 29 is primarily aimed at discussing a strategy for liberation of Belarus. The ruling class shows no intention of easing widespread repression against dissenters. Since the summer, Belarusian Democratic Forces have been reshaping themselves to better respond to the challenges within the country and the wider region. • Mission Objective 1. The campaign to hold the Lukashenka regime accountable through the International Court in The Hague strengthens the negotiating positions of the democratic forces in the fight to free political “Belarusian democratic forces and people are united as never before because we have a common aim: to release our beloved ones, our friends, and political prisoners, Enhancing the political outreach of Belarusian democratic political forces and civil society while raising greater awareness of the situation in Belarus amongst members of national parliaments. 2: Through U. 5. This is the President-Elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. In addition to that, there is a strong cooperation between the Belarusian Democratic Forces and various parliaments across the globe. the Coordination Council, changed their structure, and a new collective body 📍 Facilitating a democratic transition in Belarus, including through assistance to Belarusian democratic forces and activists of civil society, human rights defenders, independent media, and trade unions within the framework of the EU4Belarus program and through the expansion of educational initiatives and opportunities; The Rada of the Belarusian National Republic [1] (Belarusian: Рада Беларускае Народнае Рэспублікі, romanized: Rada Biełaruskaje Narodnaje Respubliki, Рада БНР, Rada BNR) was the governing body of the Belarusian Democratic Republic. The agreement, signed during Tsihanouskaya's visit to Malta, marks the first official consolidation of cooperation between Belarusian democratic forces and a foreign Platform 2025 is a tool to coordinate Belarusian democratic forces. She stepped into the race after her husband was arrested for his presidential aspirations. The Assembly hails the establishment by the Committee of Ministers of a Contact Group on co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. During the OSCE PA session, Tsikhanouskaya urged the isolation of Lukashenka’s regime, calling for non-recognition of the results of the 2024 elections. Since the fraudulent Belarusian presidential elections in August 2020 and the Lukashenka regime’s subsequent mass crackdown on civil society, the United States has supported the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people, civil society, and independent media, both in exile and within Belarus, through our continued engagement with the the Belarusian United Democratic Forces (UDF). A separate niche in the context of the functioning of the Belarusian democratic movement is occupied by the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment (hereinafter KKR) – the largest unit formed from among Belarusian citizens in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. With the protests crushed, people in prison and repressions increasing in severity, the democratic forces faced a choice: be jailed Since mid-2022, Belarusian United Democratic Forces (UDF) have been reshaping themselves to better respond to the challenges within the country and the wider region. The United Democratic Forces of Belarus (Belarusian: Аб'яднаныя дэмакратычныя сілы Беларусі, romanized: Ab'jadnanyja demakratyčnyja siły Biełarusi; Russian: Объединённые демократические силы, romanized: Ob"edinyonnye demokraticheskie sily) is a coalition of political parties that See more Platform 2025 is a tool to coordinate Belarusian democratic forces. Security forces are intensifying efforts to dismantle solidarity and the infrastructure supporting repressed opponents of the government. She emphasized the importance of distinguishing between The Protocol for Cooperation defines the Coordination Council as a collective representative body of the democratic part of Belarusian society, which coordinates the interaction of the democratic forces at the level of developing and/or agreeing on strategic decisions. I wish you a productive discussion. They need targeted assistance - financial, technical, political - to We must counter disinformation, support the families of the repressed, and strengthen initiatives that foster national identity. Coming to power is a separate strategy. Tsikhanouskaya said Belarusian democratic forces are seeking to formalize relationships with Western On Tuesday, the authorities in Minsk unleashed a new wave of persecution against the members of the democratic forces in Belarus. These challenges became even more Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has announced a 15-point action plan to support civil society and democracy representatives working towards a future free and democratic Belarus. set up or support programmes aimed at assisting Belarusian victims of violence, repression and The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has set out wide-ranging proposals to build a democratic future for Belarus – including a new set of measures to support Belarusian democratic forces led by With the help of the democratic forces and Belarusian investigators (BelPOL, Belarusian Investigative Center), a number of loopholes were closed, preventing further circumvention of sanctions. 65% of "Canada's consultation with Belarusian democratic forces reaffirmed a shared vision of a free and democratic Belarus - free from oppression, corruption, and interference - and expressed their commitment to continuing to stand in defense of shared democratic values and freedoms, deepening their partnership through enhanced collaboration, and EU High Representative Josep Borrell today launched in Brussels a new Consultative Group between the European Union and Belarusian democratic forces and civil society, in the presence of Sviatlana November 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada “On November 26, 2024, the Government of Canada and representatives of the Belarusian Democratic Forces, including Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her office, members of the United Transitional Cabinet, and individuals from Belarus’ civil society, convened in Ottawa for strategic consultations. Helping the Belarusian democratic movement, you also help Ukraine and lay foundations of future safe and peaceful Europe. Support Belarusian Democratic Forces: Continue formal engagement and cooperation with the structures of Belarusian democratic forces (OST, UTC, CC) led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The Belarusian leader thanked Czechia for its help in opening the Belarusian Democratic Forces Office in Prague, as well as for granting scholarships to repressed Belarusian students. Over the course of winter and spring from 2020 to 2021, many chose exile. provide technical support and expertise for the development of democratic tools and resources for the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society; 10. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange information on the current situation in Belarus, especially in view of the sharply deteriorating human rights situation on the ground and the Belarusian democratic forces in exile and are a follow-up to bilateral meetings and the Congress workshop “Leaders for change: promoting democracy and human rights at local level” organised on 14-15 November 2023: - Political support The democratic forces plan to use the pre-election politicization of society to revive political communication with the people and expand their audience. The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has agreed to hold regular exchanges with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other representatives of Belarusian democratic opposition forces, following a fruitful exchange of views with Ms Tsikhanouskaya on 6 July. Belarusian democratic political forces and civil society. However, it is unlikely that a protest mobilization of Belarusians can be expected under the ongoing repressions. Russia’s attempts to erase Belarus’s identity, culture and language have to be countered. In November 2023, OST launched an Alliance of parliamentary groups ‘For a Democratic Belarus’ 3. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announces a mobilization strategy for her supporters, though the democratic Svitlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian Democratic Movement, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, linked a landmark cooperation agreement on May 3. We also welcome the EU Parliament’s decision to sign a letter of cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces. On the occasion, President Metsola said: “This is a strong signal of Parliament’s determination to strengthen our ties, to manifest our support 4. The Belarusian People's Republic [2] [3] [4] (BNR; Belarusian: Беларуская Народная Рэспубліка, romanized: Biełaruskaja Narodnaja Respublika, БНР), also known as the Belarusian Democratic Republic, was a state proclaimed by the Council of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in its Second Constituent Charter on 9 March 1918 during World War I. Their goal was to gather additional support and resources for their agenda. The Belarusian People's Republic (BNR; Belarusian: Беларуская Народная Рэспубліка, romanized: Bielaruskaja Narodnaja Respublika, БНР), or Belarusian Democratic Republic, was a state proclaimed by the Council of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in its Second Constituent Charter on 9 March 1918 during World War I. In the margins of the meeting, EU High Representative Josep Borrell held a bilateral meeting with This presents the Belarusian Democratic Forces with an opportunity to redefine the meaning of Belarusian security. The meeting presented the opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s support to the brave Belarusian democratic forces in their quest for a democratic, independent, and sovereign Belarus. g. This sui The Congress, as an active member of the Contact Group on Cooperation with Belarusian Democratic Forces and Civil Society, implements activities aimed at promoting democratic values in line with the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government. In her address, At the same time, members of the Belarusian democratic forces adopted a document called “Platform 2025”. As democratic forces, we are preparing for this moment, to use the window of opportunity when it opens. The ruling class has achieved Table 1. 5. This meeting reaffirmed the EU’s support for Belarusian democratic forces in their efforts for a democratic and sovereign Belarus. It is a tool collaboratively developed by the democratic forces of Belarus to set priorities for cooperation and establish the framework for joint activities. Some previous institutions, e. Lukashenka really feels confident in his position in 2023, On 3 May, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, signed a Letter of Intent to boost cooperation between the Parliament and the democratic forces of Belarus. Latushka’s office said that the democratic opposition plans to pass a document called ‘Platform 2025’ and a protocol establishing rules of cooperation between the main Belarusian political forces in exile, as well as adopting Leading representatives of democratic forces from Belarus as well as members of civil society and journalists joined with parliamentarians from across Europe in Helsinki on 11-12 January 2024 for discussions on building a democratic future The Belarus democratic forces regard the Council of Europe as the institution accompanying countries in their democratic transformation, which is why it sets such store by co-operating with its various bodies, in particular the Congress. 12. The opening speeches and the first panel discussion – on “Belarus in the contemporary geopolitical context” – will be streamed live in original languages, beginning at 13h local time (EET) on Thursday 11 January. Belarus’ democratic forces recognise the sad reality: the connection between them and the majority of Belarusians inside the country is broken the Belarusian democratic forces have become more relevant to the Western world and less fragmented than sceptics might have expected after the end of the street protests in the country. The second meeting of the Consultative Group between the European Union and the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society took place on 12 December in Brussels. Lukashenko’s reign drags on – he has been in power nearly three decades – Ms. The New Belarus Transition Strategy focuses on how the democratic forces intend to deal with the governance system after the transition and prepare for key reforms. This is support for the established and functioning system of political institutions of Belarusian democratic forces. The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus as an executive body. The Assembly commends the outstanding progress achieved by the Belarusian democratic forces in exile, under the leadership of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, in co-ordinating and channelling their efforts to uphold the rights of all Belarusians and bring about a democratic change in Belarus. What functions do the representations perform? In August 2023, the Belarusian democratic forces adopted an important document — the Declaration of Future Membership of Belarus in the EU. Increase the ability of Belarusian civil society and the democratic forces in exile to be effective advocates for citizens’ rights and to enable their meaningful participation in political processes. In Belarus, they have previously trained military personnel from the Nigerian Army. With the protests crushed, people in prison and repressions increasing in severity, the democratic forces faced a choice: be jailed or go into exile. Crucially, Belarusian democratic forces have been drawing attention to growing Russian control over their country, a process many observers have likened to a “creeping annexation” by the Kremlin. It was discussed how much A. The event is organised as part of the European Union (EU) and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance” and the Council of Europe’s “Activity on co-operation with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society in the The Helsinki event forms part of PACE’s ongoing regular dialogue with Belarusian democratic forces. . Lukashenko’s services raided apartments of key figures of the Belarusian Tsikhanouskaya, as leader of the Belarusian Democratic Forces, regularly meets with Western politicians in an effort to keep Belarus on the agenda and seek official recognition for her proposed The leader of the Belarusian democratic forces passes through them dozens of times a day, her badge in her hand and her face emotionless, to go to her countless appointments. The European Parliament and the Belarusian Democratic Forces (the Parties), determined to enhance relations between the European Parliament and the democratic forces and civil society of Belarus, pursuant to the European Parliament resolution of 13 September 2023 on relations with Belarus [1],. Moreover, a separate panel of the conference was devoted to the role of Ukraine in the future democratization of Belarus. The Council proclaimed the Belarusian A two-day seminar on "European Standards on Equality and Anti‑discrimination" has started in Vilnius, Lithuania. In the wake of more than two years of Russian aggression An important element of relations with the Belarusian democratic forces is the parliamentary inter-factional group ©For a Free Belarus! ª, which comes up with legislative initiatives to help Belarusian volunteers, holds support campaigns, and takes part in expert discussions together with the Belarusian civil and expert communities. The event is organised as part of the European Union (EU) and Council of Europe joint programme "Partnership for Good Governance" and the Council of Europe's "Activity on co-operation with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society in the She drew attention to key proposals in Mr Kiljunen's report which, if adopted by the Assembly, would mean a representative delegation of Belarusian democratic forces could play an active role in At the World Economic Forum, Belarusian democratic forces seized the opportunity to once again draw global attention to the situation in and around Belarus. 4. Practical information. A real democratic alternative to the pro-Russian Lukashenko regime. The organizers of “The Way to Freedom” conference express confidence that “Ukraine’s military successes will "The Belarusian armed forces receive around 100 brand-new and upgraded systems a year", Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, acting both officially and secretly. Since 1919, the Rada BNR has been in exile where it has preserved its existence among the Belarusian diaspora [2] as an Creating an agenda that compels the regime to respond to the activities of Belarusian democratic forces. Raise Awareness of Human Rights Violations: Amplify the voices of political prisoners and victims of repression. condemning the unprecedented repression and the systemic and The “military mutiny” of PMC “Wagner” led by Yevgeny Prigozhin gave rise to hopes for quick changes and the collapse of the regime in Belarus among the democratic forces in exile. The NAM media team, led by Pavel Latushka, manages 20 channels on various social networks, generating relevant content for diverse audiences, ranging from YouTube to TikTok. The key political figures of the Belarusian democratic forces take part in the conference. A specific focus is placed on the key role of local authorities to promote and uphold human rights, and engage BELARUS–USA STRATEGIC DIALOGUE The second round of the Strategic Dialogue between the United States government and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in Vilnius. In her comments, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the Members of the European Parliament for providing practical and tailored support to the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. Who The mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels, the mission of Democratic Belarus in Kyiv, the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, and the representative for Estonia and Latvia play an important role in supporting the Belarusian people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Despite the cooperation with the Belarusian Democratic Forces European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya sign a Letter of Intent, in Valletta. The rapporteur recalled that in June 2023, the Assembly strongly encouraged “the parliaments of those member States which have not yet done so, to establish a parliamentary friendship group to create a network to share The democratic forces are solidifying their successes in communication with the governments of EU countries and in defending the interests of political emigrants. First established in 2020 by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Coordination Council is an independent body of the On 30 October 2024, the Congress held the first in a series of online workshops for Belarusian democratic forces, focused on the development of a local self-government system in a future Democratic forces initiated the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus on March 25 th to coincide with the 105 th anniversary of the proclamation of the Belarusian People’s Republic. Use international forums to call for 2. Representatives of Back Council of Europe launches action plan to support Belarusian democratic forces and civil society Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has announced a 15-point action plan to support civil society and democracy representatives working towards a future free and democratic Belarus. The meeting was chaired by European External Action Service (EEAS) Managing Director Michael Siebert and the leader of Belarus’s democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, with the pending their return to a democratic Belarus. Developed jointly in the framework of the Council of Europe Contact Group on Belarus the list covers 15 specific activities including human rights training, workshops on the The democratic forces are achieving local diplomatic victories despite the waning attention towards Belarus. Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe This could occur once the impact of the war in Ukraine on Belarusian society subsides. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of Belarusian democratic forces, actively participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos. Full text of the Platform is available via links below. Democratic forces continue to be effective in promoting communal concerns on the international stage. The signing ceremony took place at the European Parliament Office in Valletta. Main partners. The event is organised as part of the European Union (EU) and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance” and the Council of Europe’s “Activity on co-operation with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society in the On 28 November 2024, the Congress concluded a series of thematic online workshops for Belarusian democratic forces, focused on the development of a local self-government system in a future democratic Belarus and its alignment with the European Charter of Local Self-Government and other European standards of local democracy. What is Platform 2025? Delegitimization of Lukashenka’s regime, The Committee of Ministers has been at the forefront of work to support Belarusian democratic forces and human rights defenders. Since the watershed events of August 2020, Russia has expanded its economic and political influence in Belarus, while also dramatically increasing its military Propagandists aim to deepen the split within the democratic movement ahead of the 2025 presidential campaign. Second, continue to support Belarusian civil society and democratic forces: Human rights defenders, independent media, and democratic forces are the backbone of the country’s resistance. “This is a strong The Helsinki event is part of PACE’s ongoing regular dialogue with Belarusian democratic forces. You have 84. During a ceremony at the European Parliament Office in In her comments, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the Members of the European Parliament for providing practical and tailored support to the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. In September 2022, it invited Secretary General to set up Leading representatives of democratic forces from Belarus as well as members of civil society and journalists joined with parliamentarians from across Europe in Helsinki on 11-12 January 2024 for discussions on building a The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has set out wide-ranging proposals to build a democratic future for Belarus – including a new set of measures to support Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who also addressed the The Belarusian democratic forces since 2020. • Mission A two-day seminar on “European Standards on Equality and Anti‑discrimination” has started in Vilnius, Lithuania. support Belarusian independent media is empowered as a voice to report objectively. A two-day seminar on “European Standards on Equality and Anti‑discrimination” has started in Vilnius, Lithuania. Victory in Ukraine — Change in Belarus. Some 20 representatives of the Belarusian Since 2006, the EU High Representative has led diplomatic efforts between the E3/EU+3 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) and Iran, which led to the conclusion of the Joint Leading representatives of democratic forces from Belarus as well as members of civil society and journalists joined with parliamentarians from across Europe in Helsinki on 11-12 January 2024 for discussions on building a democratic future for Belarus. yqhfe lesvdu dgvjf ndq lsvhzm omlxosb airdm wvygb iprbfq negbhwg