On May 12, a Council of Europe Information Point for Belarusians opened in Vilnius, Lithuania. It is a joint initiative of Lithuania and the Council of Europe and the first permanent Council of Europe platform for Belarusians in exile.
“The center will become a place where Belarusians can receive information about human rights, support programs, educational and cultural opportunities, as well as establish cooperation with European institutions,” the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya reported.
The Information Point is located in the building of the National Library of Lithuania. The platform is expected to operate for at least five years.
“I hope this place will become another center for Belarusian initiatives, a platform for learning and a source of knowledge. It should be open to every Belarusian and every organization seeking partnership, expertise, and opportunities that only the Council of Europe can provide.
I want this place to become a platform for cooperation, dialogue, education, and solidarity. I hope it will help draw more attention to Belarus, mobilize new resources, and create opportunities for our talented journalists, activists, lawyers, human rights defenders, youth, and women’s initiatives,” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said at the opening ceremony.
Those attending the opening included Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and members of the Belarusian community.
