March 6, 2025
The event, “Three Key Figures From The Viasna Human Rights Centre and The Life Charitable Foundation,” hosted by the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, delves into Belarus’s increasingly oppressive political environment under President Alexander Lukashenko. Presenters Alana Gebremariam, Maryna Kasinerava, and Volha Zazulinskaya, key members of Belarusian civil society, shed light on the challenges and human rights violations faced by activists and civilians alike.
The Viasna Human Rights Centre, founded in 1996, plays a central role in supporting Belarusian citizens subjected to arbitrary arrests, especially since the 2020 election protests, which sparked an intensified crackdown. As the Belarusian government targets opposition leaders, journalists, and non-governmental organizations, Viasna has become a lifeline for those impacted by state repression.
Throughout the event, the speakers shared their insights on the enduring resilience of Belarusian civil society, despite harsh repression. They underscored the importance of international attention to prevent Belarus from further isolating itself under authoritarian rule and aligning solely with allies like Russia. This alignment has also affected Belarus’s role in regional security, as it supports Russian interests in the Ukraine conflict.
The presenters argue for a robust international response, urging the global community to pressure Belarus for human rights reforms and to support the country’s civil society efforts. By sharing their experiences and the challenges faced by organizations like Viasna and the Life Charitable Foundation, Gebremariam, Kasinerava, and Zazulinskaya aim to mobilize international solidarity and advocate for a democratic future for Belarus.
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.
