Фото: КС
A delegation representing Belarusian democratic forces has begun work at the 51st session of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Strasbourg. Representatives of the Coordination Council briefed members of two political groups on ongoing repression in Belarus and the challenges faced by Belarusians forced to live abroad, the Coordination Council reported.
At a meeting of the European People’s Party (EPP), delegation head Iryna Khalopitsa said repression in Belarus was continuing, with at least 880 political prisoners in the country and arrests, trials and sentencing taking place daily.
Khalopitsa also addressed the situation of former prisoners who had been forced to leave Belarus and barred from returning. Many had been left without passports and separated from their families. She called for local social support programmes to be made available to Belarusians, including shelters, rehabilitation services and assistance for children and older people, as well as for partnerships with Belarusian NGOs to be developed.
Anastasiya Svirkova, a delegate from the European Choice group, said repression also affected Belarusians living abroad, as Belarusian embassies do not issue or renew passports for citizens overseas. As a result, Belarusians living in Council of Europe member states face difficulties proving their identity, extending their legal status and opening bank accounts.
Citing research by the Belarusian People’s Embassies, Svirkova said around 500,000 Belarusians lived in Council of Europe member states. She proposed that municipalities establish a single contact centre and appoint a coordinator to handle issues involving document processing, qualification recognition and access to the labour market, as well as the exchange of experience and cooperation with Belarusian cultural organisations.
Mikhail Rubin, a member of the delegation, addressed the Congress’s Independent and Liberal Democrat Group (ILDG). He also spoke about political repression and the difficulties Belarusians face in obtaining legal status abroad. According to him, without solutions at the local level, assistance does not always reach those who need it.
Yury Hubarevich, Aliaksandra Doinich and Ales Lapko are also taking part in the session.