ASSOCIATION FOR INTERNATIONAL AID AND SUPPORT FOR BELARUS

Our main Goal

Support for the development of democracy and civil society in Belarus.

Together We Win!

Let's do this together

We believe that solidarity and mutual assistance create the basis of a new Belarus, in which there will be a place for everyone who shares the values of mutual support and respect for human dignity. Our solidarity is stronger than any virus and repressions!

Supporting the development of democracy and civil society in Belarus. Support for human rights in the Republic of Belarus.

Organization of assistance to non-governmental organizations and civil initiatives created by Belarusians.

Providing humanitarian assistance, legal and advisory support to persons (and members of their families) affected by political repression and political persecution in the Republic of Belarus.

Cooperation with international educational institutions in order to support Belarusian teachers and students in the conditions of current repressions.

Stay Alert - Save Lives!

All European countries must make every effort to prevent the spread of covid-19. Our team helps the Republic of Belarus go this way.

Assistance to people who have suffered political repression and persecution in Belarus when they move to a new place of residence, employment, education and retraining.

Vision, Mission and Work Methods

• Support for the development of democracy and civil society in Belarus.

• Provision of humanitarian work (materials, treatment and rehabilitation, asylum, etc.), financial and advisory support to persons (and their families) who have suffered political repression and political persecution in the Republic of Belarus.

• Support for human rights in the Republic of Belarus.

• Organization of assistance to non-governmental associations and civil initiatives in the Republic of Belarus.

The association conducts its activities by

• Organization and assistance in holding events (both in Belarus and abroad) to raise funds for the above objectives.

• Assistance to persons suffering from political repression and persecution in the Republic of Belarus may be granted in any country

Our services

We help the most unprotected segments of the population - people without earnings and housing, inmates in prisons, large families and residents of remote corners of the republic in protection from the virus, timely detection of diseases and consequences.

What we do

Due to insufficient funding, many hospitals, correctional institutions and other budgetary organizations are unable to purchase protective equipment and PCR tests in sufficient quantities to prevent further spread of the virus - we are helping them to cope with these difficulties.

LATEST NEWS

WHAT HAVE THE TOXIC ALLIANCES WITH RUSSIA BROUGHT TO BELARUS?

In fact, from the first treaties signed with Russia, ignoring the opinion of the people of Belarus, the country fell under occupation, and it began long before the war. In exchange for Kremlin loyalty, Lukashenko surrendered the territory of Belarus to Putin's troops and special services. One of the first conditions of the Kremlin, back in the late nineties, was the deployment of air defense systems, missile systems, and aircraft on the territory of Belarus. Later, with each joint exercise, the contingent was augmented with new units. As we can see now, the main purpose of all the exercises was not to practice any formal combat tasks but to practice the transfer of troops to the territory of Belarus and the organization of basing and supply locations. Pay attention to the Gomel, Brest, and Grodno regions.

The occupation had been going on for quite a long period of time, and by the elections of 2020 there were enough Russian troops to suppress protests and seize power in the event of the fall of Lukashenko's regime. Putin did not need his own candidate in the elections. The scenario in the case of Lukashenko's helplessness was different; the introduction of military administration and then the forcible annexation of Belarus. That is why Lukashenko so violently suppressed the protests and posed with a machine gun. This circus was designed for a single audience only, as the dictator understood that in the case of failure he would not be needed.

Neither Belarusians nor Europeans noticed the occupation, and only when tanks started rolling and planes and missiles flew towards Ukraine did Belarusians realize that their country did not belong to them. They can do nothing without outside help. The Belarusian army has betrayed its people. The Belarusian leadership suppresses any dissent. The Russian army is not controlled by anyone except the Kremlin, and they do not even consider it necessary to coordinate their actions with Lukashenko because this character has already used material. And after the final signing of all the treaties or after some fictitious referendum on accession or "integration", no one will need him.

The war in Ukraine has removed the Belarusian issue from the front pages of newspapers. The whole world is concerned about this problem, but there are no solutions. Thanks to the actions of Lithuania, some European politicians and military officers began to think about further developments.

And the picture is terrifying. If we draw parallels with World War II and accept the fact that all the occupied territories were used for further attacks on neighboring countries, the puzzle comes together.

Until Europe realizes and documents the occupation of Belarus, neither officials nor politicians will be able to feel adequately the threat hanging over Europe, as their predecessors could not in the late thirties. It is high time we left our comfort zones, our cozy European offices, and included the events that are taking place in Belarus into the overall picture of the war in Europe.

One provocation left before it escalates into a global conflict, and it will be carried out from the territory of occupied Belarus. The long-suffering Belarusian people are again between the hammer and the anvil. And the answer to the question of what the alliance with Russia has brought to Belarus is simple: occupation, complete loss of sovereignty, the oppression of civil society and a puppet government.

The war in Ukraine is going on precisely because of the rejection of alliance relations with the occupiers. The European Union includes countries in its ranks through complicated procedures. All decisions in the EU are long and difficult. It is time to be proactive and annex one country by force, against the wishes of a tyrant and a terrorist, with the approval of the people.

Europe, wake up!

#StrongerTogether #europeanunion #freebelarus

The Belarusians began to leave the country massively under the pressure of the regime and repression

It has been more than a year since the Belarusians began to leave the country massively under the pressure of the regime and repression. Mainly these are countries bordering with Belarus, with the exception of Russia, which turned out to be friendly not to Belarusians, as it is universally declared, but to the dictator. As a consequence, many of the Belarusians, who went to Russia, in order to escape from repressions, were detained on the territory of what turned out to be a very unfriendly state, and were delivered to the Lukashenko regime for punishment.
However, now there is another question, about those "lucky people" who still managed to get to safe countries.
As it turns out, not everything is that simple. The most loyal country to the Belarusians is Poland. Here everything is relatively simple, you get humanitarian visa, work permit, live and work, nobody drives you away. At the same time, you can continue legalization, there are organizations that help with consultations and paperwork.
In Lithuania and Latvia, everything is much more complicated. You can come, you can apply for asylum, but that's all, then there is a refugee camp or you have to look for a place to live. You cannot work, there is no legal assistance.
Germany is even more complicated, you can come, but you can only apply for asylum if you are in the country directly, not through another European state, otherwise they will send you there (Dublin Agreement).Only a certain number of Belarusians can be granted refugee status, 50 per year (2,500 Syrians), the rest have to wait. Chances to go through this process and get asylum are minimal.
lt is also possible to come to Sweden, but here it is even more difficult, despite the allowance and possible work permit, at the stage of asylum seeker, chances to get the refugee status are minimal (only isolated cases are known).
And the reason is that at the governmental level there is no decision or recognition of Belarus as a country dangerous for citizens, there is no document confirming repression and violence against citizens of Belarus by Lukashenko's dictatorship. For this reason, Belarus was a safe country for the immigration service 10-20 years ago, and despite the news coverage and reports of human rights organizations, nothing has changed. Some girl-employee of the service listens to you attentively, and then the person who knows about Belarus only that it is a country in Europe, makes a decision about the refusal. What is the reasoning behind the decision? Because Belarus is not on the list of unsafe countries like Syria, Iraq, etc. Stories of torture in prisons, sentences for white socks with a red stripe and comments in telegram channels are perceived as stories on the verge of fiction.
Naturally, many European politicians speak of the dictatorship in Belarus. Yes, from time to time the European press publishes articles about the lawlessness of the dictator, yes, there are many human rights organizations which conduct various events concerning the Belarusian agenda and demand releasing political prisoners, stopping violence and holding new elections. BUT! The status of Belarus has not changed on paper! And European officials are guided by this, refusing assistance and shelter to the Belarusian citizens. European business is guided by the same, in spite of the sanctions, helping the dictator to keep afloat.
So what is wrong? Why is it one thing in rhetoric, but another in deed? When will the European bureaucratic machine issue an official document, recognizing Belarus as a country with a dictatorship, repression of citizens, a country of lawlessness and violence? It is difficult for people living in warmth and comfort to understand that hundreds of thousands of Belarusians, who fled from violence and repression, are not idlers, who are ready to work and support their families on their own, without demanding any material support from states where they were forced, depend on officials who are not able to make necessary decisions and laws in time.
More than a year has passed. For people who were forced to leave their homeland it is a long time, every day is a trial for them! And officials in warm and bright offices are in no hurry, their time flies away quickly and easily. Maybe next year or the year after, they will solve this problem, or maybe not, they are comfortable as they are.
And what about the Belarusians?
And what about the Belarusians, they are not used to it, they have been suffering for centuries, they can somehow...

Before the events of August 9, 2020, Belarus was virtually unknown in the world. Sometimes she was remembered as the country with the last dictator of Europe. But the events of August proved that we can finally declare ourselves and show that we have a voice! Our people have finally woken up and decided to fight for justice: every day in the cities of Belarus peaceful protests are held; workers of the country's leading enterprises have gone on strike; famous cultural figures support the people; employees of power structures who do not agree with the regime are being dismissed en masse; journalists who are tired of telling lies from screens quit. Every day is eventful! We will definitely keep you updated with the latest news.

Attempts by lobbyists to exclude companies and personalities have been unsuccessful. Not everything is solved by money or big money anymore. The junta has become too toxic for all those who work for it. Even Austria, which made an attempt to launder the junta, had to give up quickly.

Now, to assess the future prospects, it is necessary to look at what the junta has turned the country into in one year.

1. A major state smuggling hub. Flows of illegal tobacco products to Europe and sub-sanctioned goods to Russia.

2. A threat to its neighbors in terms of illegal migration. A country that systematically brings illegal migrants to the border with its neighbors. Moreover, through the efforts of the "Tsentrkurort", owned by the Department of Defense, the State Border Committee and the Special Service of Active Measures.

3: A biological time bomb. Covid dissidence and false statistics. The lowest vaccination rate in the region with vaccines of dubious quality. Record shortage of medical personnel .

4. Threats to flood neighboring countries with drugs, coming from the mouth of a crazy pensioner who thinks he is the messiah.

5. An act of air piracy or international terrorism against civil aviation aircraft. As a result - a black hole in the sky over Belarus and a steep dive for all Belarusian air carriers, as well as sanctions for "Belaeronavigatsiya" (Belarussian Air Navigation).

6. There is a real threat of destroying the export control system - the system of accounting for trade in arms and dual-use goods. Belarus could become quite a black market.

7. Legal default. Situation "not up to the laws in the country", seizure of property, demanding a ransom for businessmen. Accelerated re-registration of property from state to private (by Lukashenko's cronies) through collateral schemes. Seizure of a significant share of revenues from enterprises in favor of the regime-controlled firms.

8. Cleansing of civil society, which, in fact, turned into a war by their own people. Declaration of all dissenters as extremists and terrorists. A ban on alternative opinion and the closure of all independent media

9. A record number of repressed and political prisoners in Europe (over 500 already).

10. Preparation for the robbery of the population through the withdrawal of foreign currency deposits. And the distorted figures of the National Bank in addition to all this. If making up Covid rates, why not do it with gold and foreign currency reserves?

This is all modern Belarus. As it is, unvarnished. What do you think: is there much chance that all this will go unreacted?

We must honestly admit that the country described above has no prospects and no way to develop. The beautiful but decrepit facade of the welfare state has collapsed. The matrix is falling apart. People are living in a concentration camp, where criminal thugs are not shy about conducting the most despicable experiments.

And only through collective effort is there a chance, an opportunity, and an obligation to change this. Any action is better than inaction and waiting. This will be written about in books, but today we need to show our will.

The Belarusians began to leave the country massively under the pressure of the regime and repression Read More

CIVIL SOCIETY IS UNDER ATTACK IN BELARUS

Independent Belarusian civil society has been the main target of the Lukashenko regime this summer. More than 100 organizations in total have been affected. Many have already been banned, others are in the process of being banned, which will most likely lead to the same results. Many NGOs have been banned, ranging from human rights and environmental organizations to culture-oriented associations. Organizations focused on education and youth activities have also been banned. What these organizations have in common is that they are not governmental. Preparations for this began back in spring. Already in April, for example, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Vladimir Makey threatened that the country's civil society would cease to exist if the EU and other Western countries followed through with plans to expand sanctions against the regime.
At the end of July - thus, while a mass purge of civil society organizations was in full swing - A. Lukashenko also spoke on this topic. He argued, among other things, that almost 200 organizations (in Lukashenko's words, "destructive structures") were defined as "under the guise of charity" that prepared the so-called "color revolution" in Belarus.
Among the most prominent organizations attacked are the Union of Belarusian Authors, the Independent Journalists' Association of the country, the PEN Center of Belarus, the youth organization RADA, and the human rights organizations Lawtrend, Helsinki Committee, and Human Constant.
It is obvious that the Lukashenko regime is now trying to completely get rid of independent and uncontrollable organizations.
In this context, it is worth noting that the main human rights organization Vyasna was also banned in 2003. But this has not prevented Vyasna from continuing to operate, although its members have, of course, been persecuted all these years
Formally it is not a question of restrictions on business, but that the organizations themselves have been "liquidated," that is, their legal registrations have been removed. From the point of view of the state, they simply do not exist anymore. Thus, it is impossible to rent premises or open bank accounts in the name of the organization, and in other contexts, to act as a legal entity.
Many brave members of the organization decided to continue their work. The regime passed special laws to combat this, and periodically ′participating in an unregistered organization′ is punishable by up to two years in prison. The fact that the regime used this law against NGOs is clearly a violation of international law and the freedom of association provided for. It was more convenient for Lukashenko to imprison the dissenters not for "real" crimes, but for invented ones that cannot be clearly defined as politically motivated.
Representatives of several organizations that have now been banned said that they intended to continue working anyway. As I said before, this would bring increased personal risks and thus make it more difficult to recruit new members and activists. It is all the more important that the democratic outside world does all it can to actively support independent civil society initiatives and organizations. Because that is where the hope for a democratic future in Belarus exists.

THREE BELARUSSIAN JOURNALISTS ARE IN JAIL

Three Belarussian journalists – Katerina Borisevich from TUT.BY, Daria Chultsova and Katerina Andreeva from «Belsat» – are now in custody: they have been charged in criminal cases.

Katerina Borisevich quoted an emergency hospital doctor and medical records when reporting that Roman Bondarenko was sober when taken to hospital. As a result, she has been charged with disclosing medical secrets, «which caused grave consequences».

Andreeva and Chultsova were streaming from the Square of Change, a courtyard where in November the unknown people cut off white-red-white ribbons indicating support for anti-government protests and then detained Roman Bondarenko. Both journalists have been charged with the organization of actions grossly violating public order.

Roman Bondarenko was taken from a police station to hospital with serious injuries, the doctors were unable to save him, the next day the 31-year-old young man died. Despite numerous audio and video evidence of what happened in the Square of Change that day a criminal case on the fact of his death has not yet been opened.

Belarusian human rights activists recognised Katerina Borisevich, Katerina Andreeva and Darya Chultsova as political prisoners. They believe that their arrests were arbitrary and politically motivated. Human rights activists demand their immediate release from custody and an end to the criminal prosecution.

It is within our power to make this case of a gross ban on the profession of journalist in Belarus public. Every repost, every article or video message will help prove the importance of freedom of speech for the Belarusian civil society. Become a part of our information campaign, every vote counts!

When preparing the publication, materials from freejournalists were used

IKEA and other large European enterprises support Lukashenko's dictatorship

Part of what you pay for the pine furniture at Ikea finances Alexander Lukashenko's terror against political opponents.

Seven percent of the wood that becomes Ikea furniture comes from Belarus. There, the state owns all the forest.

- It is money that contributes to maintaining an extremely oppressive regime, says Anna Sundström, Secretary General of Olof Palme's international center.

Appeal of Belarusian athletes

Dozens of Belarusian athletes have actively supported the protests against fraud in the presidential elections in Belarus, which have been ongoing in the country since August 9. Some of them - for example, the famous basketball player Elena Levchenko - were repeatedly arrested and other violations of their rights due to participation in opposition rallies.

In connection with the events, Belarusian athletes who have become victims of repression and arbitrariness of the dictatorial authorities have recorded a video in English so that it becomes available to the world sports community.

The whip is the mode's method! We are for gingerbread!

On the wrong side

Fire in our hearts

HOW YOU CAN HELP

By making voluntary donations, you really help those who suffered from the violence.
A big path starts with one step, a big affair starts with a little help!

You'd not believe it happens now in the very middle of European Continent

All people have the right to life, freedom and law

The people of Belarus are a kind, friendly and good humoured nation. The patience and peacefulness of the Belarusian people has been determined by the nation’s history that has been darkened by endless wars which the Belarusians did not start, but fell victim to. Belarus is welcoming to all visitors and interested in sharing its culture, traditions and sense of community with them.

And the time has come when these people need help.

Center of Europe. Right now

Police unleash appalling violence on peaceful protesters

The government responded with brutal violence

Belarusian police detain about 7,500 people for participating in peaceful protests

murders at peaceful protests

Four people were killed and dozens were missing

The police have acted outside of law which they are there to uphold

The security forces variously used stun grenades, rubber bullets and slugs, blanks from Kalashnikov-type rifles, and tear gas against the large numbers of people who gathered in Minsk and several other Belarusian cities

FACES

Some 40,000 people have been detained and you don't have to be protesting to be arrested.According to official data, 7 people died. 6 people are reported missing in peacetime in the center of Europe.70% of those arrested are people who did not participate in the protests. About 1,500 people have been recognized as political prisoners. In Belarus, administrative and criminal prosecutions are applied for anti-war statements.

Despite the condemnation of the actions of the Belarusian security forces by the European Parliament, the arrests of the Belarusians continue to this day. People are arrested in the daytime and in the evening right outside their own homes. There are actions of intimidation and repression.

There I was thrown to the floor and ordered to crawl forward. The soldiers started asking me: “Are you having a bad life? Don't you like Belarus? " I lay in silence. They started beating me with truncheons on the back and back of my body. I lay there and did not resist. There were about 10 riot police in the paddy wagon, and I was beaten by four or five people

They twisted their arms back and began to beat him severely. They beat me with truncheons and ankle boots. Most of the blows were in the face. People passing by offered to call an ambulance, but the riot police said that they would do without doctors.

On the first night, the Belsat TV journalist was with me in the cell, and another guy, both kept repeating one word “release”. They were taken out of the cell into the corridor and beaten very badly. After four or five hits, these people began to scream terribly. Therefore, everyone in the cell was silent for fear of being hit again...

...Someone was dragged right out of the car, severely beaten, and then brought here. They even detained builders from Pinsk and Luninets who came to work in Minsk to do the reconstruction of a building in the center of Minsk. The riot police took them right in the passage at the railway station. There was a man whose wife died, and he cremated her that day, and after that in the evening he drank with friends and just returned home...

...At some point, my friend grabbed me by the arm and began to lead me away from there. At first, I hardly heard or saw anything. Sometimes, through ringing in my ears, I heard the words: “Now, now. We will call an ambulance." I lowered my eyes and I saw my hand. More precisely, they were naked muscles with black fragments inside. Blood ran down my arm. The white ribbon on my arm gradually turned red...

...We spent about 5 hours in this position. The police officers beat and insulted us all this time. Towards the morning of August 11, 44 people were interrogated, including me. Personal items (phones, backpacks, watches, belts, laces, etc.) were confiscated from us. We placed in the walking yard of the temporary detention center. Since the cells were overcrowded, we spent about 1.5 days in the yard without food and without medical assistance...

SUPPORT NOW

The events of recent days have divided our people into those who are fighting for justice and those who are hiding behind the backs of sadists. Now you have to pay for freedom and a lot! Many of us have lost health, a source of income, and basic protection of our rights. But misfortune also unites. Today, everyone can contribute to the fight against tyranny and injustice by making a donation.

Facts about the country

BELARUS

Amid the cruel events in Belarus, would like to ask a question? Have you heard about this country before? Mostly not. Perhaps you have heard that Belarus is ruled by the last dictator of Europe? And this is the only fact that you know. Perhaps it's time to get to know this country? So: Belarus is located in the east of Europe and borders on five countries: Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland. The ancient city of Belarus is Polotsk and it is considered the geographical center of Europe. Due to the location, the territory passed under the authority of one or another state. Therefore, the state languages were often changed in the country. For example, in the 20th century for 17 years there were 4 state languages in the country: Russian, Belarusian, Polish and Yiddish. Belarusians are hospitable and friendly, hardworking and also quite humble. Although recent events slightly refute the latter fact. Two presidents of Israel were born in Belarus: Shaim Weizman and Shimon Peres. Can boast of five Nobel Laureates. In 2015, Svetlana Aleksievich received the Nobel Prize in Literature. It is in Belarus that the largest and oldest park in Europe, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, is located. Arriving here you can taste more than 300 potato dishes. Belarus is called "blue-eyed", as there are many rivers and lakes. And this is just a small part of the facts about this amazing country.

Mir Castle

An outstanding example of defense architecture of the 16th century. It is located in the village of Mir in the Grodno region of Belarus

Nesvizh Castle

The Nesvizh palace and park complex with diverse architecture and the largest landscape park is the most beautiful place in Belarus. One of the most popular attractions in the country.

Simon Kuznets

Born in Pinsk, Nobel Laureate in Economics

Menachem Begin

Born in Brest, Nobel Peace Laureate

Eyes of Belarus

The stronger is the one who has the truth!

Looking to the future with hope

Peaceful protests are the worst for the authorities!

MAKE A DONATION

By doing something good every day, helping those in need, we make our world a little better, a little kinder and happier. And the feeling of belonging to great happiness is dearer than anything else in the world.

Association for International Aid and Support for Belarus.

International phone line

+44 8000 465 877

Sweden

+46 73-599 56 88

Föreningen för internationellt bistånd och stöd till Belarus .

Organisationsnummer 802532-2994

Frejgatan 13, 11479 Stockholm