Фото: t.me/viasna96
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulated the human rights organisation “Viasna” on its 30th anniversary and expressed gratitude to everyone who has been defending the rights of Belarusians for three decades.
“Thirty years ago, this organisation emerged because someone had to remain on the side of the individual when the state abandoned that role. Unfortunately, over all these years the state has not returned to the side of the people. But Viasna has never left it.
Today, people in Belarus pay with their freedom for human rights work. They risk everything to document the truth and protect those who need help. It is impossible to assess the contribution that Viasna has already made and continues to make in the lives of thousands of Belarusians”, the leader of the democratic forces wrote.
She noted that a few days ago she attended a ceremony dedicated to the organisation’s anniversary and saw new faces among human rights defenders, lawyers and volunteers. Tsikhanouskaya expressed regret that many of them have to act anonymously and cannot receive the public recognition they deserve.
“But know this: we are immensely grateful to you. It is thanks to you that Viasna remains a symbol of conscience and support”, the politician stressed.
Tsikhanouskaya also highlighted the return to human rights work of those who had been convicted in Belarus and later released: Valiantsin Stefanovich, Uladzimir Labkovich, Ales Bialiatski, Marfa Rabkova, Nasta Loika, Leanid Sudalenka and Andrei Chapiuk.
“Thank you to each and every one of you for these 30 years. Without people who are devoted to protecting others, it is impossible to build a normal future. As long as human rights are violated in the country and lawlessness prevails, we will continue this work — together”, she concluded.