Support the people of Belarus in their pursuit of freedom | Invest in peace, stability and democracy of Europe

“It just so happens that people who value freedom the most are often deprived of it.”– Belarusian Noble Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski.

On 26 January 2025, Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus conducted what the democratic opposition has aptly referred to as a “special electoral operation”. This is a continuation of the fraudulent 2020 presidential election that triggered a wave of brutal repression. Ever since, the Belarusian people have endured mass torture, inhumane treatment, and the silencing of political prisoners, many of whom are held incommunicado and subjected to life-threatening conditions. This situation looks set to continue as the country’s electoral commission declared Lukashenka secured nearly 87% of the presidential vote on 26 January, allowing him to extend his 30 year rule by at least another six years.

Just a week prior to the sham elections, the NHC was honoured to host the National Leader of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to discuss international support for Belarusian civil society and ensuring the Lukashenka regime is held accountable for its crimes. The discussion reflected on the torture endured by political prisoners, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and exiled Belarusian civil society groups.

NHC’s Executive Director, Joeri Buhrer Tavanier, opened the meeting by expressing his admiration and respect for Belarusian human rights defenders. He reflected on our first meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, held in November 2020 following the pro-democracy protests in Belarus. Since then, we have continued to witness an increase in repression, torture and political prisoners Belarus, while those responsible for the crimes of the Lukashenka regime have yet to face any repercussions. Buhrer Tavanier highlighted the importance of addressing these crimes:

“Justice and accountability in Belarus would set a precedent for human rights protection and the rule of law in the entire region.”

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya followed with a speech asking the Dutch government and organisations to establish relationships with Belarusian civil society. Despite the dire situation in Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya attested to the strength of the Belarusian people and their desire for democracy.

“Joint advocacy campaigns, both in- and outside of Belarus, are necessary to increase the awareness of the issue.”

Through international cooperation Belarusian civil society already booked significant successes. They were able to create autonomous institutions, empower activists on the ground and in exile, and improve relations with allied countries.

Tsikhanouskaya also reflected on her personal situation. Like many other Belarusians, Tsikhanouskaya’s husband was unlawfully incarcerated, and they have not had any contact for over a year. Only through a propaganda video where he was shown severely beaten does she know he remains alive. Even though Lukashenka has pardoned several political prisoners in the past year, she explained this is an empty gesture. While the regime aimed to humanise Lukashenka, many more political prisoners were incarcerated. Support for political prisoners is increasingly necessary, especially in the aftermath of the “Special Electoral Operation”, and Tsikhanouskaya called on (European) governments to denounce the elections as delegitimate.

The situation in Belarus cannot be seen in isolation. Russia’s war against Ukraine is very much linked to what happens in Belarus. Currently, Belarus plays a crucial part for Russia through the forcible transfers of Ukrainian children and the stationing of Russian soldiers. According to Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus must not be excluded from discussions about the conflict in Ukraine. Participants agreed that holding the regime in Belarus accountable is necessary to bring peace and stability to Europe as it would disqualify one of Putin’s most important allies.

Finally, participants reflected on the referral of the Lukashenka regime to the International Criminal Court, submitted by the government of the Republic of Lithuania. In its referral, the government claimed the Lukashenka regime had committed alleged crimes against humanity on Lithuanian territory. The crimes cited by the Lithuanian government included deportation, persecution and other inhumane acts. Tsikhanouskaya strongly urged other countries to join Lithuania’s referral. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the Lukashenka regime is held accountable for its alleged crimes.

Without accountability, it would become impossible for Belarus to build a sustainable democracy.

Join us in calling on the international community and the government of the Netherlands in particular to:

• Condemn the repression of the people and denounce Lukashenka’s fraudulent victory in the Belarusian elections.
• Join Lithuania’s referral of Lukashenka’s regime to the International Criminal Court.
• Increase efforts to realise the untapped potential of universal jurisdiction to prosecute those responsible for crimes committed against Belarusian people.