Statement on the recognition of BNYC “RADA” as an extremist formation

On September 16, 2024, the  Committee for State Security of the Republic of Belarus (KGB) added the Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” to the list of “extremist formations.” This means that leadership of such a formation or participation in its structural subdivisions can result in up to 7 years of imprisonment.

In this regard, we, the union of forty-four democratic youth organizations, representatives of the Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA,” express our deep disappointment and condemn the decision of the Belarusian authorities to recognize our organization as an extremist formation. This action is yet another blow to the fundamental principles of freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights in Belarus.

For many years, “RADA” has actively advocated for the rights and interests of young people, promoted democratic values, and sought to strengthen civil society. We see this decision by the authorities not only as repression against youth initiatives but also as an attempt to completely suppress any independent thought, which contradicts the foundations of democratic development in the country. Despite the extremist status of the organization, we will continue our work in defending the interests of youth and supporting youth initiatives. This will not stop us from engaging with the community and working on projects that are important to people. We will find new ways to achieve our goals while remaining committed to our principles.

This decision restricts the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, which are guaranteed, among other things, by the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. Such measures create barriers to the active participation of youth in the public life of the country and to the personal development of young people, limiting their opportunities for self-realization, creativity, and critical thinking, and further isolating them on the international stage.

Isolating youth from participating in international processes not only threatens Belarus’s development as a democratic state but also undermines trust in the international community.

We call on international organizations, governments, and civil society to:

• Pay attention to the ongoing violations of rights and freedoms and avoid cooperation with state-run youth structures subordinate to the regime of Lukashenka;
• Ensure greater safety for Belarusian participants in international youth events who represent the Belarusian democratic movement;
• Support BNYC “RADA” and its members in their efforts to promote the ideas of democracy and human rights among Belarusian youth.