The Belarusian LGBTI community face grave challenges, as repressive policies and discrimination continue to impact their safety and fundamental rights in Belarus, forcing their members into exile. In line with the Council of Europe’s commitment to support Belarusian democratic forces and civil society, a dedicated two-day workshop was recently organised to provide a safe and supportive environment for the Belarusian LGBTI community to reconnect, build resilience and identify key priorities for future co-operation.
Bringing together Belarusian LGBTI people and civil society representatives, this event facilitated experience sharing in navigating current challenges, strengthened their networks and provided resources to enhance protection mechanisms while in exile.
Key topics included access to employment, services and educational opportunities in the host countries, legal entry and stay in Council of Europe member states, digital security, legal advice on matters of relevance to the LGBTI community as well as fundraising and advocacy.
Participants learnt about the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s work to encourage host countries’ efforts to meet the specific needs of Belarusians in exile, including The Luxembourg Solutions, a practical guide on topics such as legal entry and stay, freedom of movement, consular services, and access to education, employment and financial services.
In addition, the workshop offered targeted sessions focusing on self-care and wellbeing needs of participants, through group and individual counselling on stress management delivered by psychologists. Participants engaged in hands-on creative activities run by local artists.
This event was an initial step towards building long-term partnerships to empower Belarusian LGBTI people in their efforts to defend human rights and drive positive change in their communities, pending return to a democratic Belarus. The Council of Europe and the European Union remain committed to supporting civil society and democratic actors of Belarus through ongoing dialogue, capacity development, and international collaboration.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Council of Europe project “Promoting Human Rights and Equality for LGBTI persons – phase IV”.
Visit the Council of Europe Contact Group on Belarus web page
This event is part of the European Union and Council of Europe Joint Programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe.
