Self-governance, freedom, solidarity, the rule of law, justice, openness and tolerance are the fundamentals of a civil society and the basic values lying at the substrate of democracy, as well as every democratic system of government.

The International Institute of Civil Society, whose goal is the promotion of the idea of a civil society, the cultivation of civic attitudes, as well as action to increase people’s engagement in public and economic life, expresses a deep sadness and concern related with the recent events after the presidential elections in Belarus. It also expresses solidarity with the Belarussian nation in this very difficult situation.

We firmly object to violence, the brutal suppression of peaceful post-election protests, and the persecution and unlawful arrests by the Belarusian security services. We demand the immediate release of arrested participants of the peaceful protests, as well as the respect of fundamental human rights and freedoms — including above all the rights to honest, free and fair elections, freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press.

We hope that — thanks to the engagement of the international community — a deescalation in tensions, a calming of the domestic situation and the creation of a platform for civic dialogue which leads to a peaceful solution in Belarus are all able to be brought about. 

Signed:

Mateusz Komorowski - Chairman of the Board
Professor Rentata Mieńkowska-Norkiene - President of the Program Council