Belarus in Crisis: New Policy Paper Explores Human Rights Journalism Amid Political Repression

The CEELI Institute is proud to support the release of a new policy paper authored by Belarusian journalist Lika Yur'eva, a CEELI Fellow and member of the Human Rights Center "Viasna." This policy paper, Human Rights Issues During Belarus Political Crisis, examines the intersecting challenges faced by independent journalism in Belarus, shedding light on the drastic transformation of the country’s media landscape over the past four years. With growing restrictions and repression, journalists have become essential advocates for human rights under conditions that increasingly criminalize their work. 

CEELI’s fellowship program aims to support journalists, lawyers, and activists who champion the rule of law in repressive environments. Through this fellowship, Yur'eva received resources and mentorship to produce this in-depth report, which brings international attention to the media crisis in Belarus.

 Yur'eva’s paper details the devastating impact of political repression on journalism in Belarus. Since 2020, the government has systematically dismantled the independent media sector, leading many journalists to flee the country or, in some cases, abandon the profession entirely. According to data from the Belarusian Association of Journalists, 37 journalists remained imprisoned as of August 2024, while 33 media outlets had been classified as “extremist formations.” In the last four years alone, journalists have received cumulative sentences totaling 247 years of imprisonment. These actions signal an effort to silence critical voices and suppress dissenting views on the ongoing political crisis.

The repression has forced Belarusian journalists to work from exile and under extreme anonymity. Yur'eva notes that even trivial interactions with independent media, like subscribing or sharing content, can lead to criminal charges. Moreover, exiled journalists face the additional challenge of maintaining relevance to audiences in Belarus despite operating from abroad, relying on tools like VPNs and secure communication to circumvent government monitoring.

Recommendations for Supporting Belarusian Journalists

The report highlights strategic recommendations to support Belarusian media. Yur'eva emphasizes the need for greater collaboration between human rights organizations and journalists, proposing educational initiatives to enhance skills in trauma and human rights journalism. She advocates for the establishment of protective editorial policies that ensure the responsible handling of sensitive information, along with explainer materials to clarify safety protocols for journalists and their readers.

 The report also calls on European journalist organizations to extend solidarity through anti-burnout support, training, and internships for Belarusian journalists. Such measures would help Belarusian journalists manage the emotional toll of covering repression and equip them to navigate an increasingly hostile information landscape.

Read the Full Report and learn more about the courageous work of Belarusian journalists.