April 6, Pozirk. Authorities in Belarus dissolved at least 1,601 NGOs between the presidential election in 2020 and late March 2024, said the human rights organization Lawtrend.
According to the country’s authoritarian leader Alaksandar Łukašenka, an increase in non-governmental organizations would indicate preparation for a “color revolution.”
Over 1,560 NGOs were shut down by the end of February 2024, over 1,530 by the end of January and over 1,500 by the end of December. A year ago, in December 2022, activists had counted 1,173 dissolved NGOs.
At least 997 NGOs were in the process of forced liquidation in late March, up 16 from February, the human rights group said citing official data. At least 604 were in the process of self-initiated liquidation, up 22.
But the self-initiated liquidations were mostly caused by the government’s pressure on activists and unfavorable legal environment and socio-political situation, Lawtrend said.
It said there were 2,330 registered NGOs on January 1, including 1,761 public associations, 118 foundations and 451 non-governmental institutions.
At least 13 non-governmental institutions, three foundations and 17 associations were registered last year.
The group also noted that, according to Belarus’ humanitarian department, foreign aid to the country has decreased significantly. It amounted to $75 million in 2023 against $87 million in 2022, $102 million in 2021 and more than $91 million in 2020.
On March 27, Edict №112 was signed to limit donor aid in foreign currency.
