Belarusians in Exile Are Not Ordinary Migrants: Tsikhanouskaya Holds Briefing at the Council of Europe

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for ambassadors to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. One of the main topics was the situation of Belarusians abroad.

According to the Tsikhanouskaya Office, the event was organised by the EU and Polish missions. Tsikhanouskaya thanked European countries for their solidarity with Belarusians, support for political prisoners and a principled position on non-recognition of Lukashenka.

“We are working with EU countries and with DG HOME to find a comprehensive solution for Belarusians in Europe so that people do not become stateless. At our request, Spain recognised expired passports, while Denmark and Norway began issuing alien passports to Belarusians. In Lithuania, documents are valid for three years, and Poland grants international protection. These are good examples that need to be expanded,” Tsikhanouskaya said.

She also commented on the new approach of the Ukrainian authorities towards the Belarusian direction. Tsikhanouskaya expressed hope that it would help strengthen the movement and create new momentum inside Belarus.

“Belarusian elites, the army and society are watching Ukraine — with hope. And I believe that in the event of a ceasefire, Ukraine’s role for Belarus will become even more significant,” she said.

During the meeting, the following issues were discussed:

• visa policy and mobility of Belarusians in the EU,
• problems with documents and passports,
• support for Ukraine and the situation of Belarusian volunteers,
• the release of political prisoners and assistance to those released and deported,
• sanctions policy,
• bringing the regime to account,
• transnational repression and abuse of Interpol,
• support for independent media and culture.