{"id":194577,"date":"2026-07-06T12:37:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T09:37:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/194577\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T12:37:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T09:37:09","slug":"belarus-dissolves-at-least-2044-ngos-since-august-2020-lawtrend","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/194577\/","title":{"rendered":"Belarus dissolves at least 2,044 NGOs since August 2020 \u2013 Lawtrend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

July 6 Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>The Belarusian government has dissolved at least 2,044 NGOs, including associations, trade unions and foundations, between the 2020 presidential election and June 30, 2026, Lawtrend said in a recent report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of last month, at least 1,244 NGOs were in the process of dissolution ordered by authorities, and 800 filed for dissolution on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least 99 NGOs were shut down in 2025, 382 in 2024 and 336 in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rights defenders said pressure on civil society in Belarus persisted last month, with authorities continuing to use anti-extremism legislation against activists and filing criminal charges against them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new law on the state registration and liquidation of business entities, adopted on June 1 and due to enter into force on July 1, 2027, would introduce stricter rules for private institutions and associations, including mandatory screening for alleged threats to national security, the report noted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last month, Article 19.16 of Belarus’ Code of Administrative Offenses entered into force, introducing punishment for disseminating information deemed to promote homosexuality, gender transition, voluntary childlessness and pedophilia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lawtrend said the vague wording of the law allows for arbitrary enforcement, potentially covering informational, educational, research and other materials addressing LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, discrimination, sex education and related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group warned that the legislation puts at risk activists working in these areas, as well as to civil society organizations and media outlets, which could face fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the intensity of the crackdown has decreased compared with peak periods in 2021\u20132024, it had systemic consequences for civil society in Belarus, Lawtrend concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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