The Belarusian diaspora refresh their agenda on the anniversary of the elections as political organisations trial options for activity in the repressive environment

Political exiles consolidate their efforts and reiterate the importance of the democratic agenda in response to the attempts of the security forces to dismantle civil society inside Belarus. Political organisations and initiatives try to maintain public engagement with socio-political activities within the country, but repressions restrain direct action.

The Coordination Council encourages supporters to safely put pressure on the authorities within the law via the “Majority Movement” project, consisting of petitions, support for political prisoners and charitable collections.

The BSDP and “Fair World” attempt to resume public activity within the law. A planned conference was unable to secure premises.

Despite an attempt to hinder the “Skhod” virtual platform, delegates continue their activities and mobilise the international community in their support. The EU has called for the release of the detained participants of the Skhod forum.

Representatives of exile organisations are meeting in Vilnius to discuss a joint strategy for further actions to put pressure on the Lukashenka regime and advance the democratisation of the country.

Diaspora groups held large-scale events and demonstrations on the anniversary of the presidential elections. Some symbolic actions also took place in Belarus, including fireworks, a few street marches, hanging protest symbols and laying flowers in memory of the dead, all against a background of continued harsh repressions by the security forces.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is visiting Norway to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State, parliamentarians and the leadership of Yara International regarding suspending cooperation with Belaruskali. Norway may raise the issue of Belarus in the UN Security Council, and Yara has agreed to reconsider collaboration with Belarusian agrichemical partners by December 2021.

Civil society, political exiles, and independent media keep the situation in Belarus on the agenda of the international community. The recent Free Media Awards were all received by journalists from Belarus, and the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum has demanded that Moscow stop supporting Lukashenka.

The NAU continues to mobilise society, the diaspora and the international community to pressure the IMF to block funds for Belarus, though not yet with any substantial effect.

Supporters of change, including active representatives of civil society, the media, the IT sector, teachers, trade unions and the legal community, continue to flee Belarus due to the actions of the security forces.

Repression, therefore, fuels emigration, which in turn mobilises the international community and promotes the sanctions agenda.