Фото: t.me/tsikhanouskaya
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Warsaw with Mantas Adomėnas, Secretary General of the Community of Democracies. The sides discussed raising the issue of transnational repression at international forums, supporting independent media and cooperation in education.
Tsikhanouskaya thanked Adomėnas for his support for Belarusians, his participation in the campaign to secure the release of filmmaker Andrei Hniot, and his cooperation with Belarusian democratic institutions.
The meeting addressed efforts to raise awareness of transnational repression in international organisations and at forums, including an event in Berlin in November. Tsikhanouskaya handed the secretary general reports prepared by her office and human rights defenders, containing recommendations for governments. The sides also discussed organising an educational programme for young Belarusians with the participation of the Community of Democracies and developing an academy for women’s political leadership.
Cooperation with Latin American countries that are members of the organisation was also discussed, including Panama, which currently holds the Community of Democracies’ presidency, as well as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Chile and Uruguay.
The participants also discussed support for Belarusian media and independent journalists, countering propaganda, strengthening Belarusian identity, and promoting Belarusian culture and heritage in the European Union.
Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the current political situation in Belarus and the process of releasing political prisoners. Following the meeting, the sides identified priorities for cooperation over the coming months.
“Belarus is not yet a member of the Community of Democracies, but it is only a matter of time. We, as democratic forces, have already formalised relations with the organisation and will take part in its work to represent and protect the interests of Belarusians both inside the country and abroad,” the democratic forces’ leader said.
The Community of Democracies is an intergovernmental coalition of 31 countries working together to promote, protect and strengthen democracy worldwide. A year ago, the United Transitional Cabinet signed a memorandum of cooperation with the organisation.