World Refugee Day: A Call to Action for Belarusian Refugees
This World Refugee Day, we call on you to stand in solidarity with the more than 600,000 Belarusians who have been forced to flee their country due to increased repression following the fraudulent 2020 presidential elections. These figures underscore the severity of the crackdown on dissent, with countless Belarusians seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, while many others, uncounted yet equally desperate, have fled eastwards, primarily to Russia.
This mass exodus is not merely a statistic but a harrowing testament to the brutality of a regime that has unleashed widespread human rights violations upon its own citizens.
Since January 1, 2020, Belarus has witnessed a staggering 37,189 cases of politically motivated administrative persecution. These are only those cases that have been documented.
The scale of this forced migration is comparable to the populations of major European cities like Nice, France (approximately 686,000 people), and even the entire country of Luxembourg (population around 661,280), highlighting the magnitude of this humanitarian catastrophe.
Political Repression and Human Rights Violations
The political climate in Belarus has deteriorated into a state of pervasive fear and systematic repression. Following the 2020 elections, peaceful protestors, activists, and journalists have faced arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, and torture. Arrests of people protesting in 2020 continue to this day. Thousands languish in prisons, subjected to inhumane conditions and denied their basic rights, posing significant threats to the health and well-being of those detained.
Persecution of the Opposition
The Belarusian authorities actively persecute opposition leaders and their supporters. This persecution extends to the families and close associates of activists, who are also targeted by the regime.
Censorship and Media Repression
There is no freedom of speech. Regime censorship suppresses any open expression of dissent and criticism.
Legal and Security Failures
Legal protection is lacking in Belarus, and illegal detentions, torture and unfair trials are commonplace. The judicial system, under the regime's control, dispenses verdicts without regard for due process or evidence, perpetuating an atmosphere of impunity and fear.
Economic and Social Fallout
The regime's restrictive laws and decrees suppress dissent and curtail civil liberties, stifling freedoms of assembly, association, and expression.
Discrimination Faced by Belarusian Refugees Abroad
Belarusian refugees face systemic challenges abroad, including prolonged waiting periods for asylum applications, difficulties in finding employment and housing, limited access to social services, and increasing discrimination based on their nationality and political affiliations. The international community must continue to improve reception and integration conditions for these individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary protection and support to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.
In Ukraine, for instance, Belarusians face stringent restrictions on opening bank accounts, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing political tensions. Similarly, in Poland, Belarusian refugees struggle with bureaucratic hurdles and prejudiced treatment from employers and landlords. In Lithuania, the situation is even more dire, with numerous cases of residence permits being denied or annulled based on perceived threats to national security. Since the introduction of these measures, 562 Belarusians have been denied temporary residence permits, 343 requests for extensions have been rejected, and 450 temporary residence permits have been annulled. Additionally, Belarusian citizens have faced 279 visa denials, further compounding their plight.
Discrimination against Belarusians persists in various forms across Europe, fuelled by associations with the Lukashenko regime.
Discrimination Types by Country
Type of Discrimination |
Country |
Description |
|---|---|---|
Prolonged Asylum Processes |
Germany. Lithuania |
Belarusians face long waiting periods for asylum applications, hindering integration and access to social services. |
Biased Treatment |
Poland, Lithuania, various countires |
In Poland, Belarusians often encounter prejudice from employers and landlords, complicating their search for work and housing. |
Limited Access |
Lithuania, Latvia |
Belarusian refugees face difficulties obtaining refugee status and accessing the labour market and social services. |
Increased Discrimination |
Various сountries |
Belarusian refugees face heightened discrimination due to associations with the Lukashenko regime. |
Bank Account Restrictions |
Ukraine, Poland |
Belarusians face difficulties opening bank accounts due to political situation and financial scrutiny. |
Visa and Residence Permit Issues |
Lithuania |
Lithuania denied temporary residence permits and annulled existing ones for Belarusian citizens deemed a "threat" to national security. |
The plight of Belarusian refugees demands immediate and concerted action.
We, Belarus Women’s Foundation, demand that the International Criminal Court issue an arrest warrant for A. Lukashenko.
We call on the international community to take concerted action to address these human rights abuses.
We call on political leaders, human rights organizations, and migration bodies to:
- Declare an ultimatum to the regime and A. Lukashenko for the release of all political prisoners,
- Intensify their efforts to support Belarusian refugees,
- Provide safe havens for those fleeing persecution,
- Prevent and suppress discrimination against Belarusians based on nationality.
The time to act is NOW!
Sources:
World Refugee Day | United Nations
Over half a million people have fled Belarus since 2020
Luxembourg Population (2024) - Worldometer
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