Witnesses To Downfall Of Lukashenka's Regime

Now it's time for practical steps.

The historic step - the adoption of an unprecedented resolution at the International Labour Conference enacting paragraph 33 - reflects the international community's awareness of the seriousness of the human rights violations taking place in our country, as well as the need for punitive measures. Workers, activists and political prisoners in Belarus have been given hope that this will be the starting point for greater intervention and additional sanctions against the dictatorial Lukashenka regime. Now it is time for practical steps to continue our struggle.

Now is the moment for the international community and national governments to be resolute and united in defending the rights and freedoms of our workers and activists - to show the miracle of democracy. The resolution of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has become a powerful tool that must be used to put further pressure on the Lukashenka regime and enforce international norms and standards. Increased sanctions are bound to follow the resolution.

In the light of the resolution of the International Labor Organization, we should initiate cooperation with trade unions in other countries to support the implementation of the resolution. This is a real tool of solidarity. One shining example of such solidarity is the Dutch FNV. I have spoken to them personally, I have spoken to them about the situation in our country. We wrote letters to the ILO together with them. This union has a very active position in relation to the situation in Belarus and assists in the fight for the respect of workers' rights. FNV not only drafted an appeal to the International Labor Organization, but also sent letters to various authorities calling to stop repressions in our country. I was pleased to receive a letter from them telling me that FNV was part of the process of adopting the resolution.

So we really need to reach out to trade unions all over the world to ask them to help us stop the repression and human rights violations in Belarus. Support and solidarity are essential for us. The united efforts of workers and trade unions around the world can put pressure in their respective countries to increase the sanctions, which will bring about a change in our country.

Lukashenka has partially managed to get away scot-free after the previous sanctions were imposed. His strategic move is to shift his attention to the Asian and African markets. In order to achieve the common goals of democracy, Western countries can use their economic capabilities as a way to put pressure on the Lukashenka regime. It is important to intensify diplomatic and economic efforts to create conditions for cooperation with those countries that would be willing to stand up against the Lukashenka regime.

Establishing clear terms and requirements in treaties and barter deals would not only help to limit the economic support for the dictatorial regime, but also contribute to isolating it further in the international arena. Geographical expansion and increased cooperation with other regions of the world create additional tools for achieving change in Belarus and protecting the rights of workers. Such an approach not only puts economic pressure on the regime, but also has a positive impact on democratic politics as a whole, expanding its sphere of influence. In this case, everyone benefits.

It is also crucial to consider secondary sanctions against countries that support the dictator's regime. These sanctions are aimed at those countries that provide financial, political or other assistance that helps keep the Lukashenka regime afloat. This is another effective tool that the international community can use to stop support for the dictatorship in Belarus. These sanctions may include restrictions on trade, financial transactions and diplomatic relations with those countries that violate international norms and continue to support the Lukashenka regime.

At least a one-off application of secondary sanctions will send a powerful signal to all countries that cooperation with a dictatorial regime will not go unpunished. This is part of a broad strategy of the international community to bring accountability and end repression in Belarus, and therefore a necessary step.

In order to achieve positive change in Belarus, it is necessary to expand the information field actively and to voice the problem in the international arena. The international community should continue to speak out about the human rights violations, repressions and violations of international law that are taking place in our country. This will help retain the attention and support of other states and organisations, and convince them of the need to take action to stop these violations.

Another step is to put the issue of Belarus back on the international agenda. The situation needs to be reminded at every step and, of course, all political leaders and numerous organisations need to be directly 'kicked' into action, it is time to act. We should demand accountability and monitor the implementation of the International Labour Organization resolution. Lukashenka and his regime should be held accountable for human rights violations and the abandonment of democratic principles.

Not to forget an important component of this problem - the Lukashenka regime's active support of Putin in the war, which may be key for many countries. To state directly that it is impossible to help Ukraine with one hand and leave Lukashenka unpunished with the other. The international community should draw attention to the connection between the dictatorship in Belarus and its role in the criminal war. This is an additional and powerful argument for more decisive measures and sanctions against Lukashenka's regime.

By active information confrontation, constant calls for accountability and insistence on compliance with the International Labour Organisation resolution, we will be able to bring about change in Belarus and achieve freedom and justice for our people.

All of the above mentioned points indicate the importance and effectiveness of united action of the labour movement and in fact any activism in the struggle against Lukashenko's regime. History proves that collective efforts can overcome even the most brutal and authoritarian regimes.

I keep repeating: "Read the history of Poland! We can draw inspiration and hope from the history of the struggle of the Polish Solidarność trade union". Thanks to their determination they were able to overcome repression and change the political situation in their country. This example demonstrates that it is possible, even in the most difficult circumstances, to achieve positive change and break free from the clutches of dictatorship.

Today we see the support and solidarity of the international community, including trade unions and other governments, for our struggling labour movement. Appeals, letters and support from the Dutch FNV trade union are just one example of the active engagement and help we can receive.

We have the opportunity to expand the geography of our struggle if we don't forget that by nature we have a voice we can shout with. By asking for support from work collectives all over the world, we are taking the very steps that we constantly ask others: 'What should we do'. Here's the answer! Start by acting small. Passing a resolution is proof that even one quiet voice can become part of the rumble in the stadium.

In conclusion, we must remain optimistic and have faith in the strength of our united movement. We'll never miss our chance to quarrel with each other. In this case, practice shows that change is possible, it is we who are changing the situation in Belarus. We will definitely become witnesses of freedom, justice and democracy in our country. But only by continuing our struggle, by calling for the implementation of the resolution of the International Labor Organization and demanding accountability of Lukashenka's regime.

Our strength is in our unity; we definitely have the ability to change the future. Together, we can achieve change and create a way home to the better, free and democratic Belarus that we all deserve, that we are fighting for.

Long Live Belarus!

Artsiom Chernikau, "Basta!"