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The BCFA Archive dates back to February 2022. Our archives allow members to study information preceding the most recent reports in order to gain full understanding regardless of their current familiarity with the topic of interest.

Updates on Belarus from the Viasna Human Rights Center

Over five years, 3,940 people were recognized as political prisoners: Day of Solidarity in figures For five years, the situation with human rights in Belarus has remained terrible. Thousands of people have been imprisoned, and tens of thousands of Belarusians have been forced to leave the country due to repression.

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Ukrainian General Staff: about 1,140 Russian casualties in the past day

The estimated total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 02.06.25: personnel: about 989 700 (+1 140) tanks: 10 874 (+2)troop-carrying AFVs: 22 663 (+7)artillery systems: 28 575 (+48) MLRS: 1 401 (+0)anti-aircraft systems: 1 175 (+2)aircraft: 372 (+0)helicopters: 336 (+0)UAVs operational-tactical level: 38 622 (+256)cruise missiles: 3 271 (+3)warships/boats: 28

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June 2, 2025

Updates on Belarus from the Viasna Human Rights Center

Over five years, 3,940 people were recognized as political prisoners: Day of Solidarity in figures

For five years, the situation with human rights in Belarus has remained terrible. Thousands of people have been imprisoned, and tens of thousands of Belarusians have been forced to leave the country due to repression. According to human rights defenders, in total, more than seven thousand people faced criminal prosecution in almost five years. Right now, at least 1,189 political prisoners are held in terrible conditions. Human rights center Viasna designated May 21 as the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners of Belarus to show the world that political persecution in Belarus has not stopped. Viasna reports figures on the situation with political prisoners for five years of continuous persecution.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/117994


The international community reacts to the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners: “My heart is with political prisoners and their families”

The Human Rights Center Viasna has designated May 21 as the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus. This year marks the fourth anniversary of the death of political prisoner Vitold Ashurak in Škloŭ penal colony No. 17. We have collected the reactions of the international community to this date.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/117999


Chronology of the criminalization of solidarity: how the right to be near is disappearing in Belarus

Today, solidarity has become a reason for criminal prosecution in Belarus. A care package sent to prison, a letter of support, or a money transfer can get you sentenced to imprisonment. The state considers daily humane gestures a threat.
This article is a chronology of the criminalization of solidarity with political prisoners in Belarus after 2020, and it reports how the right to be close is disappearing in the country.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118013


Belarus continues to live under the shadow of repression: UN Special Rapporteur

Nils Muižnieks, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, published his first annual report in this position. For the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council, he provided an overview of major human rights developments in Belarus between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. Among other things, the document states that the presidential elections held on 26 January 2025 cannot be considered compliant with the right to vote and to be elected in genuine periodic elections owing to ongoing politically motivated repression and a complete crackdown of freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118024


“He could barely walk after a stroke, and they threw him into a punishment cell.” Political prisoner Valiantsin Shtermer died

In early 2025, political prisoner Valiantsin Shtermer, who was serving time in Škloŭ penal colony No. 17, died, Nasha Niva reports. The information was received from reliable sources, but the circumstances of the tragedy are unclear. The exact date of death is unknown, except that it happened in early 2025. There is also no certainty whether Shtermer died in the penal colony or whether he was taken to the hospital. In 2023, the man was sentenced to five years in a penal colony for eight comments against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Valiantsin Shtermer became the eighth political prisoner who died behind bars.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118028


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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.