Belarus, not often mentioned in Western media, is a landlocked country lying between two geopolitical superpowers; the European Union (EU) and Russia. It is a Post-Soviet country that for long has depended on economic cooperation with Russia, while relations with the EU have been chilly. The low levels and regards
By UPF Webzine Articles/Belarus/Culture/Democracy/EU/Europe/Freedom of Speech/Human Rights/International Relations/LGBTQ/Lobbying/Media/Migration/Nationalism/Russia/Security/Theme Weeks/Transparency/Youth The most political thing you can do is to follow your heart
It has never been easy being gay, a lesbian, transsexual or bisexual in Belarus. Despite recognising same-sex relationships homosexuality is rarely accepted by society as a whole. As such homosexuals, transgender people, and bisexuals are often encouraged not to speak up about their sexuality. Instead the community is forced to
By UPF Webzine Articles/Belarus/Conflict/Culture/Democracy/Europe/Media/Nationalism/Russia/The Carte Blanche - Blog Learning From History In A Library Without Books
The only opposition member of the Belarusian House of Representatives is a woman, and a young woman at that. Anna Kanapatskaya was first elected to the assembly in 2016, taking advantage, in her own words, of the fact that she was the oldest and richest of the candidates on the
Civil Society in Europe’s Last Dictatorship
Belarus is more well-known for its long-lasting dictatorship than for its respect for democracy and fundamental freedoms. The reputation of Belarus may cause many to question the mere existence of civil society in such a difficult context. Yet many civil society organizations are present in Belarus, working every day to