Country Page – Belarus

Preparation Activities – Youth Exchange

Digital Storytelling for Social Change (DiGiSC)

As part of the preparation for the DiGiSC Youth Exchange, the Belarusian team conducted research on social issues affecting their communities and explored examples of initiatives that continue to promote social change despite challenging conditions.

The preparation activities focused on understanding human rights, inclusion, media representation, and civic engagement in Belarus and how storytelling can raise awareness and inspire change.

Social Context in Belarus

Social change in Belarus is currently a complex and sensitive issue. Civil society initiatives, volunteer projects, and community activism are often viewed by the authorities as political activity. Despite these restrictions, many people continue to support their communities and develop new forms of social engagement.

Many activists have shifted from large public events to local community initiatives, digital activism, and cultural projects, which allow them to continue their work in safer ways.

Key Social Issues

The Belarusian team identified several major challenges affecting society today.

Political Repression and Limited Civic Space

Civil society organizations operate under heavy restrictions. Many NGOs supporting vulnerable groups have been closed or labelled as extremist organizations. According to research, over 2000 NGOs were closed between 2021 and 2026.

Freedom of Expression and Media Censorship

Independent journalists and bloggers face censorship, pressure, and legal risks when criticizing government policies. Many independent media outlets have been forced to operate from abroad.

Digital Surveillance and Internet Restrictions

Online activity is monitored, and some websites and platforms are blocked. This limits access to independent information and affects citizens' ability to organize or communicate freely.

Migration and Brain Drain

Many young professionals and students have left the country due to political pressure and limited opportunities. This migration reduces the country's potential for innovation and development.

Mental Health and Social Stress

Political instability and forced migration have increased anxiety and stress in society. Access to mental health support remains limited.

Cultural and Language Challenges

The Belarusian language is used by only a small part of the population in daily life, and preserving national cultural identity has become an important topic for many communities.

Challenges for Marginalised Groups

Marginalised communities face additional barriers.

According to the Belarusian team's poster on challenges faced by marginalized groups:

• Civil society organizations supporting vulnerable groups are frequently closed.

• Anti-discrimination legislation remains weak.

• LGBTQ+ people, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities have limited legal protection.

• Public protests and advocacy activities are strongly restricted.

These restrictions make it difficult for marginalized communities to advocate for their rights or access support services.

Existing Initiatives and Good Practices

Despite these challenges, many initiatives continue to operate, often from outside Belarus.

Human Rights and Media Initiatives

Examples include:

• Journalists for Tolerance (J4T) – monitors hate speech and discrimination in media and promotes ethical journalism.

• GPress Media Platform – raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and gender equality.

• Human Constanta – focuses on migration, digital rights, and human rights advocacy.

• TG House – provides support and crisis assistance for transgender people.

• Prismatica – a queer-feminist initiative supporting LGBTQ+ communities and documenting discrimination.

• RADA Belarusian Youth Council – represents Belarusian youth organizations and supports youth activism internationally.

Because many organizations are forced to work abroad, they often organize online workshops, trainings, and educational programs for young people.

Civil Society and Social Initiatives

In addition to human rights organizations, several community initiatives promote solidarity and cultural identity.

Examples include:

• Kali Laska – a charity shop that collects second-hand clothes and distributes them to people in need.

• Symbal.by – promotes Belarusian culture and language through clothing, books, and cultural products.

• Marks – an independent bookstore supporting Belarusian literature and publishing initiatives.

These projects demonstrate how civil society continues to develop through creativity, solidarity, and community support.

Environmental and Community Initiatives

The Belarusian team also highlighted environmental projects that contribute to sustainable development.

Examples include:

• Ginkgo Labyrinth – a project promoting biodiversity and climate adaptation through planting ginkgo trees.

• Wildlife Nearby – organizes environmental research and volunteer expeditions to protect natural areas.

• AirMQ Platform – a citizen initiative monitoring air quality in Belarusian cities.

These initiatives show how environmental activism can also contribute to community development.

Digital Storytelling and Social Change

Because traditional media spaces are limited, digital storytelling has become an important tool for raising awareness about social issues.

Social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Telegram allow young people to discuss environmental problems, gender equality, mental health, and everyday social challenges.

Through storytelling, creators can:

• share personal experiences

• raise awareness about discrimination and inequality

• promote solidarity and empathy

• encourage dialogue and social change

Key Messages from the Belarusian Team

The Belarusian team identified several messages they want to communicate through storytelling:

1️⃣ Human rights are universal
Everyone deserves dignity and equality regardless of identity or background.

2️⃣ Visibility helps fight discrimination
Sharing real stories challenges stereotypes.

3️⃣ Discrimination has real consequences
Stories highlight the human impact of inequality.

4️⃣ Solidarity builds stronger communities
Supporting each other is essential in difficult situations.

5️⃣ Responsible media matters
Ethical journalism and storytelling can counter misinformation.

6️⃣ Change is possible
Even small initiatives and community actions can inspire positive social change.

Research can be found here from Belarusian Team: 

Conclusion

Although Belarus faces significant political and social challenges, young people and civil society continue to promote change through creativity, resilience, and community cooperation.

Through the DiGiSC Youth Exchange, participants will use digital storytelling to share these realities, amplify marginalized voices, and promote awareness about social issues affecting their communities.