Petitions on Belarus Freedom Forum

Ask Your Senators to Co-sign the Belarus Democracy Act of 2023

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

We urge all Belarusian Americans and allies: please contact your Senators and ask that they co-sponsor S. 3395 - Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2023. This bill reauthorizes the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, recognizes the war crimes and human rights violations perpetrated by the illegitimate Lukashenka regime, and expands the support of the aspirations of the people of Belarus for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law by the U.S. government.

Statement on Supplemental Aid for Ukraine

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Belarus Freedom Forum urges the U.S. Congress to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine. The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is a broad and imminent threat to global security and the safety and prosperity of Americans. If this invasion is allowed to succeed, it will undoubtedly invite more acts of aggression by Russia, China, Iran, and other authoritarian regimes against the U.S. and its allies and partners around the world. An increase in armed conflicts will increase food insecurity, create more refugees, raise fuel prices, and disrupt supply chains. Providing aid to Ukraine now is the most cost-effective way to mitigate this risk.

Senators Markey, Shaheen Urge Biden Administration to Designate Temporary Protected Status for Belarusians

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) sent a letter (PDF) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken urging the Biden administration to designate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Belarus. TPS provides protection to foreign nationals in the United States whose home countries are experiencing temporary and extraordinary conditions, including armed conflict and natural disasters, among other circumstances that make a return home unsafe. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is a cosigner of the letter in the Senate.

Temporary Protected Status Designation for Belarus: Letter to Secretary Mayorkas

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Secretary Mayorkas: We, members of the Belarusian-American community, urgently request that you grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Belarus and Special Student Relief for Belarusians studying in the US. Belarus satisfies the third condition for granting TPS: political repression in Belarus has created the extraordinary and temporary condition of a political and humanitarian crisis that prevents Belarusians from returning safely to Belarus. Further, Belarus is participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine as a staging ground and launch site for attacks on Ukraine, satisfying the first condition for granting TPS. Both of these qualifying conditions for TPS threaten US national interests and sovereignty.

Statelessness or Arrest and Imprisonment

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Lukashenka’s new decree forces Belarusians to take chances on imprisonment in Belarus or be trapped abroad without documents. The United States should not tolerate the rogue government of Belarus forcing Belarusians residing legally inside the U.S. into an untenable choice between statelessness and arbitrary imprisonment. Granting Belarusians Temporary Protected Status and Special Student Relief will demonstrate the United States’ dedication to supporting democracy and human rights against dictatorship and oppression.

Ask your Representatives and Senators to designate Belarus for Temporary Protected Status (updated)

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Use this script to call your elected officials and ask them to get Belarus designated for Temporary Protected Status. Call the Washington, DC, office and ask to speak with the foreign policy advisor. If they are unavailable, leave a message with the receptionist. If you get their voicemail inbox, please leave a message.

Ales Pushkin: how many more deaths?

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Tuesday, July 11, 2023, marked a new low in the developing tragedy in Belarus. In the early morning, Belarusian society was shocked by the death of a prominent artist and political prisoner, Ales Pushkin. Ales died in the custody of Belarusian prison authorities under unclear circumstances after being rushed from prison to an intensive care unit. According to sources, Ales developed stomach ulcers while in prison and was not treated for his medical condition. The Belarus Freedom Forum calls on the Biden-Harris Administration and U.S. Congress to increase pressure on the Lukashenka regime to release all political prisoners and investigate all deaths in police custody.

Against Deployment of Nuclear Weapons in Belarus

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Belarus Freedom Forum calls upon the U.S. Government to set consequences for any current or potential plans to deploy Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. We ask that additional sanctions be considered if Belarus and Russia move forward with the nuclear weapons plan.

Designate Belarus for Temporary Protected Status

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Belarus Freedom Forum seeks your help to urge U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Homeland Security to designate Belarus for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in response to the extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent the safe return of Belarusian citizens to their home country.

Statement on Belarus Freedom Day

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

On March 25, Belarusian Americans will celebrate Dzien Voli, Belarus Freedom Day, to mark the 105th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the Sovereignty of the Belarusian Nation. On March 25, 1918, the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic announced its independence from the Russian Empire. The Rada established the White-Red-White Flag and coat of arms Pahonia as national symbols. March 25 became a symbol of the Belarusian pro-democracy movement celebrating freedom, human rights, and resistance to dictatorship and oppression.

Statement on Ales Bialiatski and Viasna Leadership Sentencing

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovich, and Uladzimir Labkovich, the founders of the largest Belarusian human rights center Viasna were sentenced to 7-10 years in prison. While many fabricated charges were mentioned, their only offense was protecting the human rights of people in Belarus, a gross crime in the eyes of the Lukashenka regime. Many organizations around the world recognize Viasna’s contributions and awarded Ales Bialiatski numerous prestigious awards, including the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

Statement on One Year of Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Today is the 365th Day of Ukrainian heroism, resolve, courage, unity, hard work, and fierce fight against the aggressor. Today is the 365th Day of pain and suffering, hardship and losses. The suffering of the Ukrainian people must end. We cannot allow one more year of bloodshed and grief. The world must continue providing Ukraine with even more moral, financial, and vital military support.

Designate the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The Belarus Freedom Forum calls on the United States to consider the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian government or its military forces in Ukraine and designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The Belarus Freedom Forum urges the United States to continue providing comprehensive military and humanitarian help to Ukraine until its Russia-occupied territories are completely liberated, and the threat of a re-invasion is eradicated. It is the only way to prevent Russia from instigating yet another genocide against neighboring countries.

Statement on the Unlawful Presence of the Russian Armed Forces in Belarus and Call for Their Immediate Withdrawal from the Territory of Belarus

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The Russian armed forces entered Belarus with a clear intention of using its territory as a launchpad for ground and air strikes on Ukraine, in violation of Belarus’ Constitution. As such, their presence in Belarus is unlawful and an infringement upon the Republic’s sovereignty. Therefore, Belarus Freedom Forum calls for immediate and complete withdrawal of the Russian Federation’s armed forces from the territory of Belarus.

Statement of support for ANS to H.R. 6846, CORRUPT Act

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The corrupt Putin regime threatens democracy and prosperity in the region as much as it is inflicts misery inside Russia; its enablers must be stopped for the region’s nations, including Belarus, to have a fair shot at the pursuit of happiness. Belarus Freedom Forum strongly endorses the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 6846, CORRUPT Act, which would require the President to review a list of almost 200 individuals implicated in corruption and human rights violation by Russia and determine whether they meet the criteria for the imposition of sanctions.

Ask your Representatives and Senators to derecognize Lukashenka and declare Belarus occupied

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:46:22 +0000

Here are scripts you can use when you call your elected officials and ask them to derecognize Lukashenka and declare Belarus occupied. Call the Washington, DC, office and ask to speak with the foreign policy advisor. If they are unavailable, leave a message with the receptionist. If you get their voicemail inbox, please leave a message. Use this link to find Representative and Senators and their contact information: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

Statement on concessions and negotiations with the Lukashenka regime

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

We call on the Biden-Harris administration not give any concessions to the Lukashenka regime, to find more realistic solutions to mitigate the risk of a looming food crisis, to further expedite all actions in support of Ukraine, and to include representatives of Central and Eastern European diasporas in consultations on the US strategy in the region.

Declare Russian occupation of Belarus and derecognize the Lukashenka regime as the legitimate governing body of Belarus

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

We call on the Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Congress to: declare and recognize the Republic of Belarus is illegally occupied by Russia and demand the complete withdrawal of the Russian troops from Belarus; declare and recognize Lukashenka and the current government of Belarus to be a puppet government controlled by Russia and lacking any legitimacy both nationally and internationally; advocate for international derecognition of Lukashenka and his government as the legitimate governing body of Belarus; denounce and refuse to recognize any international treaties or agreements Lukashenka and his government will attempt to enter; facilitate the prosecution of Lukashenka as a co-perpetrator of war crimes and acts of terrorism against the Ukrainian people; recognize Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as the legitimate Head of the Republic of Belarus.

Recognize Tsikhanouskaya

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Belarus Freedom Forum asks the US government to recognize Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the democratic forces of Belarus and the evident winner of the contested August 2020 presidential election in Belarus, as the official representative of the people of Belarus.

Support Ukraine and sanction the aggressors

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 13:35:06 +0000

The Belarusian American organizations, representing the interests of the Belarusians in the United States, call on the Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Congress to take additional immediate actions aimed at the Putin and Lukashenka regimes for the invasion of independent and sovereign Ukraine and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian people.

Take action against Belarus involvement in Russia’s attack on Ukraine

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The Belarus Freedom Forum, representing the interests of the Belarusian Americans in the U.S., calls on the Biden-Harris administration and the members of the U.S. Congress to take immediate actions aimed at the Lukashenka’s and Putin’s regimes that undermined the sovereignty and independence of Belarus, advanced the integration of Belarus in the so-called “Union State” and orchestrated aggression against Ukraine.

Against Deployment of Nuclear Weapons in Belarus

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 01:53:10 +0000

The Belarus Freedom Forum calls upon the U.S. Government to condemn any current or potential plans to deploy Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. Belarus has been a nuclear-free country since 1996, maintaining its commitment to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on non-proliferation in exchange for security assurances by the United States. American commitment to the sovereignty of Belarus has ensured a peaceful future for the country and strategic balance in the region. Lukashenka is willing to upset that balance in exchange for Russian support of his oppressive regime.

Belarusian Diaspora Stands with Ukraine

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 01:02:31 +0000

On behalf of the Belarusian diaspora in the United States, Belarus Freedom Forum calls upon the Biden-Harris Administration to take immediate measures to secure the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine, setting conditions for Russia to end its aggression and divert its military away from the Ukrainian borders.

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Requests Migratory Relief for Belarusian Students and Activists in U.S.

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Congressmen James P. McGovern (D-MA) and Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) signed a bipartisan letter urging Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to give Special Student Relief eligibility to Belarusian students in the U.S. and extend Temporary Protective Status to Belarusian democracy activists in the U.S.

Statement on First Anniversary of Illegal Power Grab by Lukashenka Regime

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

September 23 marks one year since dictator Lukashenka refused to step down after losing the August 2020 presidential election in Belarus and instead held a secret “inauguration” in the presence of a few dozen confidants. This stealthy attempt to formalize his illegal and undemocratic power grab only exposed and solidified his illegitimacy and provoked an unprecedented pushback from the democratic forces in Belarus and the international community. Over the past year, Lukashenka retained a semblance of power and influence in the country only thanks to a terror campaign against civil society perpetrated by his security forces and generous Russian support.

Statement on the meeting of President Zelenskyy and President Biden

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

On behalf of the Belarusian-American community, the Belarus Freedom Forum would like to thank President Joseph R. Biden for meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We hope this meeting signifies a new stage in the American re-engagement and a prospect for tighter ties with Eastern Europe, which will help to promote democracy, security, and prosperity in the region. Last week Ukrainians around the world celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of regaining their state independence.

Ask your Representative and Senators to join Belarus Caucuses

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Here are scripts you can use when you call the offices of your elected officials to ask them to join their respective Belarus Caucuses. Call the Washington, DC office. When you call, ask to speak with the foreign policy advisor. If they are unavailable, leave a message with the Receptionist asking the Representative to join the Caucus. If you get voice mail, leave a message. Thank you! Use this link to find your Representative and Senators and their contact information:

Statement on the First Anniversary of the 2020 presidential election in Belarus

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

August 9, 2021, marks one year since the infamous 2020 presidential election, which became a turning point in Belarusian history. Belarusians around the world commemorate the beginning of the peaceful pro-democracy movement it sparked. One year ago today, millions of brave Belarusians chose to stand up to a dictatorship and defend democracy in the voting booths across the country and elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as the next president of Belarus. Hundreds of thousands then took to the streets to protect their votes, despite the prospect of getting jailed, tortured, or even murdered.

Petition to Impose Sectoral Sanctions

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In light of the recent unprecedented crackdown on independent media and civil society in Belarus, the Belarus Freedom Forum urges the U.S. government on behalf of Belarusian American Communities to impose economic sanctions to put an end to political repressions. in Belarus. We are grateful for the U.S. government’s decision to join the European Union in its latest effort to sanction individuals responsible for state repressions as well as state-owned companies funding the regime.

Appeal to the U.S. Governor to IMF on SDR allocation to Republic of Belarus

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Honorable Janet Yellen Secretary of the U.S. Treasury U.S. Governor to the IMF Dear Madam Treasury Secretary, It came to our attention that the International Monetary Fund Executive Board is working on a new Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) allocation, and Belarus is neither excluded from the new allocation nor prevented from accessing its future SDR holdings. We hope the United States exercises its veto power and prevents access to SDRs by an illegitimate government the United States does not recognize.

Statement on Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visit to Washingto D.C.

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

July 16, 2021 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States of America The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: We American friends of democratic Belarus thank you for your support of the Belarusian people in your meetings with U.S. allies, friends, and partners as well as for your administration’s actions to increase sanctions against the Lukashenka regime and his enablers.

Appeal to World Bank on Belarus Higher Education Modernization Project

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Honorable David Malpass President of the World Bank Group Dear Mr. Malpass, We, the members of Belarus Freedom Forum, would like to bring to your attention our concerns about the ongoing Belarus Higher Education Modernization Project (ID #P167992) and call on the World Bank to halt any lending to the Republic of Belarus and reallocate the funds associated with it. Providing funds to the state-owned higher education system of Belarus is immoral and counterproductive, as the current atmosphere of intimidation and the ongoing political repressions against students and faculty make any improvement and innovation highly unlikely.

Appeal to World Bank on COVID Funding for the Republic of Belarus

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Honorable David Malpass President of the World Bank Group: Dear Mr. Malpass, Belarus Freedom Forum, a US-based organization of Belarusian-Americans and Belarusians living in the United States, is contacting you regarding the Belarus Emergency Covid Response Project by the World Bank (ID #P173828). Under the terms of this project, the Republic of Belarus is to receive a loan of 98.5 million USD. Part of the loan has already been disbursed.

Statement on Belarus ahead of US-Russia Summit

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Mr. President: The Belarus Freedom Forum appreciates your earlier statements regarding the democratic movement in Belarus. We thank you for voicing your support for the Belarusian people and strongly condemning the Lukashenka regime. We are addressing you in connection to your upcoming summit with Russian President Putin. In their struggle for freedom, the Belarusian people are standing up not only to the brutal authoritarian rule of Lukashenka but the only strong ally of the regime, the Russian Federation.

Statement on the Hijacking of Ryanair Flight FR4978 by Belarus

Sun, 23 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Belarus Freedom Forum, on behalf of Belarusian-American communities, calls on President Biden, Vice President Harris, the US Congress, and the State Department to initiate an immediate international investigation, demand Belarusian cooperation with the international community, and set consequences for the actions of the Belarusian regime concerning the incident with Ryanair flight FR4978 from Athens to Vilnius on May 23, 2021. The actions of the Belarusian authorities – including a manufactured bomb threat, illicit instructions from Minsk ATC, and intimidation by a military fighter jet – that has led to the diversion and forced landing of FR4978 in Minsk in violation of international laws and the Chicago convention on international civil aviation, with the political goal of arresting an opposition journalist Raman Pratasevich, have jeopardized the lives of the passengers and crew and set a dangerous precedent that undermines the safety of journalists, dissidents, and political refugees all over the world.

Written Testimony on Human Rights and Democracy in Belarus of the Belarus Freedom Forum before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

Thu, 06 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Belarus today is in a state of a near-total collapse of the rule of law. Every Belarusian-American has a friend, relative, or former neighbor who has been imprisoned, fired from their jobs, or harassed by security forces. Regardless of their age, family, or health status, people are unlawfully detained, tortured, kept in inhumane conditions, tried, sentenced, and left without necessities in overcrowded prisons. The Belarusian people are deprived of essential freedoms by way of force and violence. We urge the commission to develop a comprehensive foreign policy to end repressions, release political prisoners, and establish a pathway for a peaceful transition of power in Belarus.

Robust Economic Sanctions

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

On behalf of Belarusian Americans Communities, the Belarus Freedom Forum urges the U.S. government to implement the most robust economic sanctions to stop the escalation of political repressions in Belarus. We appreciate what the U.S. government has done already: personal sanctions on those responsible for violence and human rights violations and the recent announcement about sanctions on nine Belarusian state-controlled companies. Yet, these personal sanctions and announced economic sanctions have not been enough.

Belarusian Independence Day

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

President Biden and members of the U.S. Congress, On behalf of the Belarusian Americans Communities, we call on President Biden and members of the U.S. Congress to make public statements on March 25, 2021, in a show of solidarity with the Belarusian people fighting for freedom against Lukashenka’s ruthless regime and for independence of their country. We urge President Biden and members of the U.S. Congress to recognize March 25 as the Belarusian Independence Day and the white-red-white flag as the symbol of Belarusian independence and sovereignty.