Choosing to be free 

Author: Belarusian YEA / Editor: Shabnam Duzenji (AZ)

Freedom is a responsibility. Democracy is a responsibility. The ability to choose makes society responsible for its present and its future.  

Freedom is the biggest dream for many Belarusians, but after living under dictatorship for 30 years, can a society truly embrace the responsibility that freedom demands? I believe it can. Freedom lives in people’s hearts and inspires them to act responsibly, not only for themselves but also for those around them.  

How we discovered that we had each other 

The Coronavirus pandemic was a shock to everyone. Measures, like quarantining, were taken worldwide to prevent the spread of the virus. However, authorities in Belarus downplayed the situation. Such situations reveal both the worst and the best in people, exposing the problems and values of society that were overlooked. For Belarusians, the pandemic showed how deeply our freedom is tied to our ability to care for others.  

One of the first signs of collective responsibility was the initiative taken by our faculty dean to ensure our safety. Our dean was the first in Belarus to initiate the move to online classes. As a result, fortunately, not a single one of our students caught the virus that semester. 

Nevertheless, misinformation about the virus spread as authorities claimed it didn’t exist. Despite this, ambulances made frequent visits to the dormitories, discreetly transporting infected students to avoid unnecessary attention. Sadly, these students were not even allowed to gather their essential belongings. To address this, we collaborated  with the student organisations. We organised volunteers to deliver students’ belongings to the hospitals.  

Widespread claims that the virus didn’t exist went on, when, in contrast, doctors worked tirelessly, restaurants fed medical staff at a loss, and supermarkets provided essential supplies for free. Medical workers found themselves in a situation where the state struggled to provide medical resources.  

In response, the ByCovid19 initiative was created, focusing on providing essential supplies to hospitals. It was all driven by volunteers. They successfully raised funds and provided equipment. 

This was a significant moment: the stereotype that Belarusians were passive broke down before our eyes, and we saw that civil society was not a myth: we are capable of making effective, autonomous decisions when given the chance. 

Belarusian NGOs 

Civic initiatives serve to fill the gaps left by the state. Civic initiatives are not merely acts of resistance but also indicative of a mature society. Today, it is impossible for many of those organisations to function in the country. They continue their work in exile, hoping one day to return. 

In Belarus, the authorities deny problems that are inconvenient, but this hasn’t stopped citizens from coming together to address them. In 2020, many Belarusians were forced to take responsibility for their future in the face  of state inaction. Despite political repression, these initiatives have survived and continue their work.

Human rights and freedom of speech 

One of the most significant expressions of civic engagement has been the creation of human rights organisations  such as Viasna, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, and the Legal Initiative. These organisations document human rights violations, assist political prisoners and their families, and provide legal support to those facing repression.  

Freedom of speech continues to exist thanks to independent media and initiatives such as the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), a union of independent journalists dedicated to this cause. The authorities officially disbanded the organisation; however, it continues to operate from abroad. Despite constant blockages,  journalists persist in reporting the truth. The Belarusian PEN Centre, an organisation of writers defending freedom of expression, was also shut down in Belarus but continues its work in exile. 

Ecology 

Despite the absence of a coherent state environmental policy, activists continue their fight for a clean environment.  

‘Ecodom’ was a major force in the Belarusian environmental movement, dating back to 1996. It advocated for  sustainable development, fought against harmful industrial projects, and defended citizens’ environmental rights.  Their work included research, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. They sought to involve people in decision-making processes.  

However, in 2021, the authorities deemed ‘Ecodom’ a threat and shut down the organisation — just as they did with many other independent initiatives. The activists now continue their work abroad and in different formats because ecology is not just politics — it is the future. 

Charity 

Civic engagement is not limited to political matters. Charitable organisations such as BY_help and BYSOL have become crucial sources of support for those in need. The BY_help fund was founded by a Belarusian IT entrepreneur, Andrei Los. Initially, the initiative emerged in 2017 to assist Belarusians in challenging life situations, such as those needing expensive medical treatment. In 2020, BY_help shifted its focus and began helping victims of repression.  Supported by donations from Belarusians and international supporters, the organisation covers fines, legal expenses, and medical treatment for those beaten during protests, and supports affected families. 

Another initiative, the BYSOL fund, was established in autumn 2020 by Belarusian activist Andrei Strizhak. Its main goal is to support Belarusians who lost their jobs due to their political views or participation in protests. BYSOL also provides aid to those forced to emigrate under the threat of arrest. Furthermore, it evacuates individuals in immediate danger of repression. The fund also organises retraining, education, and adaptation programmes for Belarusians abroad.

Choosing to be free 

These initiatives are just a few examples among many, yet they clearly demonstrate the existence of Belarusian civil society, despite claims to the contrary. They prove the capacity for people to stand in solidarity and care for one another, even when state support is absent. Freedom is not just a right — it is also a responsibility. And as Belarusians continue to unite, help one another, and defend their rights, hope for the future remains. Civic initiatives have become a vital foundation of society, showing that even under pressure, people can choose to be free and to build towards what comes next.