As in all democratic countries, the Belorussian constitution is considered the basic law of the state. It guarantees the democratic principles of the constitutional system, the rule of law, the rights and freedoms of citizens. Moreover, the constitution has to protect the individual and his/her rights as the main value of society in Belarus. Despite the declaration of the state’s responsibility to create these conditions for the free and dignified development of individual identity, Belarus continues to be considered a “black whole” of Eastern Europe because of the national polices limiting the freedom of the press, NGO activity and human rights.
BELARUS AGAINST FREEDOM
Politicians and diplomats alike try to help Belarus to solve the problems of its “democracy”. The continuing violations of human rights and the citizens’ limits to freedom is a concern of all in the international community. In this context, the international organisations and NGOs are concerned about the repression acts used by the last totalitarian regime in Europe against young people, civil society and opposition parties. The international community is in solidarity with Belarus’ citizens and has a strong policy of condemning the regime. The criticisms of the regime can be clearly seen throughout UN resolutions, OSCE resolutions, reports in the Council of Europe and by the UN’s Commission for Human Rights.
international organisations and NGOs are concerned about the repression acts used by the last totalitarian regime in Europe against young people
The General Youth Assembly adopted a resolution in 2008 on the alarming situation in Belarus regarding violations of young people’s rights. The Belorussian governmental polices are against the development and freedom of young people as the regime politically oppresses them through the imprisonment of human rights militants. This “democratic State” is an authoritarian regime which restricts the rights of the individual to be associated with an NGO, limits the international contacts of the Belorussian youth and their right to be informed by an independent media.
JEF-EUROPE - INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR FREEDOM AND HUMAN RIGHTS
JEF-Europe, in solidarity with the young people in Belarus is for the fifth year running organising a pan-European street action on the 18th of March 2010, to protest against and raise awareness about the last remaining dictatorship on the European continent.
Each year hundreds of young people organise public actions, street debates, discussions with national and international politicians with the common goal of raising awareness for the need for freedom and democracy in Belarus. Thousands of pictures taken by active local JEF sections, national/international NGOs and young activists worldwide are gathered and used by JEF Europe to create a powerful political message.
JEF-EUROPE IN 2010 FIGHT FOR FREEDOM IN BELARUS
’’In aiming to raise awareness of Europe’s last dictatorship and the EU’s ambiguous approach to the undemocratic regime, JEF members and other human rights activists will again spread their message of freedom by symbolically gagging prominent statues in cities all around the world, thus preventing them from speaking out – much like the situation faced by the citizens of Belarus every day." explains JEF-Europe President Philippe Adriaenssens.
In aiming to raise awareness of Europe’s last dictatorship and the EU’s ambiguous approach to the undemocratic regime, JEF members and other human rights activists will again spread their message of freedom by symbolically gagging prominent statues in cities all around the world
On March 18, 2010 - the anniversary of Lukashenko’s condemned election victory - hundreds of activists for democracy, freedom and human rights will once again organise an international campaign in solidarity with Belarus. Young people assemble to gag as many statues as possible in their local area, town or city in order to show symbolically the impossibility of many citizens in Belarus to speak freely. This campaign is organised with purpose to show that the freedom of speech, media and association is the most important value for democracy and for the development of young people, global peace and international security.
JEF-Europe firmly believes in the benefits of a sustainable and democratic neighborhood for the European Union. The EU’s relations with its three new Eastern neighbors – Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine – are important for insuring the safety of its borders and its relations with Russia. The Europeans must play an active role in supporting the people living in non-democratic regime countries in their fight for democracy and freedom through actions and projects promoting and ensuring democracy.
JEF-Europe believes that each young people worldwide can play a significant role in the common faith for Belarus democracy and freedom.
each young people worldwide can play a significant role in the common faith for Belarus democracy and freedom
Follow the comments:
|
