Seminar on Belarusian civil society

Östgruppen in cooperation with the parliamentary network for Belarus will hold a seminar:
BELARUSIAN CIVIL SOCIETY
- Struggle for Survival

In the aftermath of the presidential elections in December 2010, the human rights situation in Belarus became alarming. Though no longer deteriorating, conditions remain severe. Despite continuous protests on behalf of the international community, Belarus still keeps political prisoners, and Lukashenka’s regime continues to severely curtail freedoms of association, assembly and expression.

The European Union has undertaken a number of responsive actions, but the main challenge remains: to find appropriate measures and instruments effectively contributing to democratic developments within the country. The sticks and carrots approach vis-à-vis the authoritarian Belarusian regime has not yet given enough sustainable results.

Meanwhile, Belarusian civil society is on the verge of exhaustion. The pressure on independent civil society organisations is continuously very high and large parts of their efforts are by necessity directed at mere survival. But, how much longer will they endure?

Come and listen to what some of Belarus’ most prominent journalists and civil society representatives have to say about the current situation, and take part in a discussion on how EU could and should proceed!

Participants:

Tatsiana Revyaka
(Human Rights Center Viasna)
Zhanna Litvina
(Belarusian Association of Journalists)
Franak Viachorka
(Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Belarus Service)

Time/Location: March 20, 13.00-14.30/Förstakammarsalen, Riksdagen, Riksplan 

N.B. Register to jennie.lindqvist@riksdagen.se no later than by Monday, March 18 

For further information, please contact:


Östgruppen för demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter
Tel: 08-56267120
E-post: info@ostgruppen.se