Democratic Youth Movement Of Belarus Under At Risk :: Charter'97 :: News

Democratic development of youth movement in Belarus is in danger, consider representatives of the Belarusian Union of Youth and Children`s Public Associations (BUYCPA) “RADA”. This statement is to be included in the document “On situation in youth policy in Belarus” to be considered by the General Assembly of the organizations –members of the International Youth Festival. The Festival is to take place on August 8-14 in Barcelona (Spain).

As is mentioned in the document, the premeditated policy of support of a privileged youth organization is carried out in Belarus, while the existence of the RADA is ignored on the state level. The presidential Decree of January 13, 2003 “On state support to the public association “Belarusian Republican Youth Union” assigns to this organization an exceptional role in the work with the youth, the representatives of RADA underline. And the state budget even has a separate item that envisages entering of the BRYU leaders to board of a number of ministries.

Besides, as the representatives of RADA inform, the direction of public associations of the Justice Ministry of Belarus continue the process of shutting down public associations, including the youth ones, which work in the sphere of human rights defense and civil education. In the last 5 years from the 27 organization united by RADA, the following have been liquidated: the Youth Christian Social Union, Union of Belarusian Students and the Young Hramada. At present the process if liquidation of the public association “Novaya Gruppa” is underway.

RADA representatives also note that the Ministry of education, as well as public administration bodies and local authorities refuse to cooperate with their organization officially.