Two years ago, a collective of human rights organizations worldwide joined hands to rally behind the unjustly imprisoned members of the Belarusian rights group Viasna. These brave individuals had dedicated their lives to championing human rights in Belarus, and their incarceration was a grave miscarriage of justice. On September 17, 2021, the #FreeViasna campaign was launched, marking a crucial moment in our ongoing battle for justice and freedom.
Fast forward to today, and the situation remains dire. Five dedicated members of Viasna, including the internationally renowned Ales Bialiatski, continue to languish in prison, their freedom unjustly taken away under politically motivated charges. Ales Bialiatski, Viasna’s head and a co-laureate of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, stands as a symbol of courage and unwavering commitment to the cause of human rights.
Belarus has, regrettably, descended further into a climate of fear and increased repression over the past two years. The heart-wrenching reality is that there are now over 1,500 political prisoners registered by Viasna, a staggering testament to the extent of human rights abuses in the country. The Belarusian authorities have taken the drastic step of equating rights work with extremist and subversive activities, leading to the shuttering of more than 900 non-governmental organizations. This crackdown has left a gaping void in the protection of human rights within Belarus.
The plight of these jailed rights defenders and political prisoners is nothing short of harrowing. They face ongoing harassment by prison authorities, draconian restrictions on visitation and correspondence, solitary confinement, and a woefully inadequate healthcare system. The inhumane treatment these individuals endure is a stark reminder of the urgent need for international solidarity and action.
Remarkably, amid the darkness of repression, there are glimpses of hope. Leanid Sudalenka, the chairman of Viasna’s Homieĺ branch and one of the initial seven detained Viasna activists, was recently released after serving a three-year sentence. His testimony revealed the unspeakable harshness of prison conditions that many endure.
The Belarusian authorities’ relentless campaign against Viasna and other human rights groups should not come as a surprise. Their aim is clear: to silence any voices that dare to shed light on their human rights abuses. Yet, in Belarusian, “Viasna” means spring, and as Valiantsin Stefanovich, deputy head of Viasna, eloquently stated during his show trial, the prosecution of activists will not extinguish the spirit of Viasna. Instead, it will be carried forward by new generations of rights defenders. “And in the end, winter will always be followed by spring,” he declared.
These words embody the unwavering determination of the Belarusian people and the human rights community at large. In a world often characterized by division and discord, the fight for justice in Belarus serves as a stark reminder of the power of unity and collective action.
As we reflect on the two-year anniversary of the #FreeViasna campaign, we must renew our commitment to this noble cause. The struggle for justice and freedom for those who have been unjustly imprisoned in Belarus must not wane. It is our moral duty to continue advocating for their release, to shine a light on the atrocities committed in the darkness, and to uphold the fundamental principles of human rights that bind us all.
In the face of adversity, we stand with Viasna, with Belarus, and with all those who yearn for a world where justice prevails, where human rights are upheld, and where, indeed, winter is always followed by spring.
The Washington Center for Human Rights remains steadfast in its commitment to the cause of justice and freedom for the unjustly imprisoned members of the Belarusian rights group Viasna and all political prisoners in Belarus. The past two years have seen a distressing escalation in state repression, with a growing number of individuals paying a heavy price for their unwavering dedication to human rights.
We call upon the international community to take decisive action to address this grave human rights crisis in Belarus. It is imperative that governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide:
- Continue Advocating for the Immediate Release of Political Prisoners: Pressure must be exerted on the Belarusian authorities to release all political prisoners, including the five Viasna members and the more than 1,500 individuals unjustly detained.
- Maintain Scrutiny and Accountability: The international community should keep a vigilant eye on the situation in Belarus, documenting human rights abuses and holding those responsible accountable. This includes pressing for independent investigations into allegations of torture and mistreatment within Belarusian prisons.
- Support Civil Society: Despite the challenges, it is vital to continue supporting Belarusian civil society, both within and outside the country. These organizations play a critical role in advancing human rights, and they need international solidarity and resources to sustain their efforts.
- Apply Targeted Sanctions: Consider the imposition of targeted sanctions on Belarusian officials and entities involved in human rights abuses. These measures should be designed to exert pressure on the authorities while minimizing the impact on the general population.
- Promote Dialogue: Encourage diplomatic efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Belarus. International mediation and dialogue between the government and opposition groups should be actively pursued.
- Raise Awareness: Continue raising global awareness about the human rights situation in Belarus through media, social networks, and advocacy campaigns. The more the world knows about the ongoing atrocities, the more difficult it becomes for the Belarusian government to operate with impunity.
In the face of adversity, we find inspiration in the resilience and determination of the Belarusian people and the members of Viasna. They remind us that even in the darkest of times, the hope for a brighter future persists. As we look ahead, let us pledge to stand with Viasna and all those striving for justice and freedom, firmly believing that winter will indeed be followed by spring.