April 14, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja presented six practical proposals to support Belarus in a video address to the Subcommittee on International Human Rights at Canada’s House of Commons on April 13.
The politician urged Canada to take on a leading role in promoting freedom and democracy globally and to raise international awareness of the situation in Belarus. She outlined a set of proposals for Canada, calling for sustained pressure on Minsk, including maintaining strict sanctions, demanding the release of all jailed dissidents and insisting on an end to reprisals.
Cichanoŭskaja also urged increased support for Belarusian civil society, democratic forces, cultural initiatives and independent media, as well as coordinated international efforts to hold Alaksandar Łukašenka and his officials accountable, including through proceedings at the International Criminal Court.
In addition, Cichanoŭskaja called on Canada to support the Belarusian community by simplifying legalization procedures. As a fifth point, she highlighted the need to raise the issue of transnational repression at international platforms such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
The politician also urged Canadian MPs to expand ties with the Belarusian pro-democracy forces by forming a parliamentary group for a democratic Belarus and establishing joint initiatives.
Cichanoŭskaja visited Canada in November 2022, April 2024 and November 2024.
