Over 20 organizations sign the statement of Belarusian civil society against the war with Ukraine

March 1, BPN. 21 NGOs have joined the open statement of the Belarusian civil society against the war with Ukraine. It declares that civil society representatives regard peace and security as “indisputable values and are guided by human rights standards and principles of humanity.”

The statement notes that the NGOs do not stop their activities despite the pressure, persecution and brutal repression of their members and activists in Belarus.

“The current illegitimate authorities are pursuing a policy that contradicts the Constitution and international norms, dragging Belarus into military aggression against Ukraine and sending Belarusian soldiers and others to participate in this war,” stresses the statement. “The current illegitimate authorities, which allowed the introduction of Russian troops, let them through our territory, supported the aggression on the political level and threatened the sovereignty and independence of Belarus.”

Belarusian civil society organizations expressed their disagreement with the policy of the “illegitimate government,” stating their intentions “to defend together our values, dignity, human rights and the right to peace by all available non-violent means.”

The statement contains a demand “not to use the territory of the Republic of Belarus as a military bridgehead and area of military aggression.”

The statement was signed by Viasna Human Rights Center, Lawtrend, SYMPA, the Office for European Expertise and Communication, Belarusian PEN operating abroad, Hrodna Children’s Hospice, Movement for Freedom, Belarusian Students’ Association, and others, deprived of state registration and liquidated in Belarus, but continuing their activities.