Belarus

Belarus has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. In 1999 Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. The President since 1994, Aleksandr Lukashenko has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means and a centralized economic system. Government restrictions on political and civil freedoms, freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion have remained in place

For a profile of the country we suggest the BBC website on Belarus >>

In 2015, Belarus became the last country in Europe to sign the Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons. The summer of 2017 saw Belarus ratify a National Plan for the protection of people with disabilities. The document is a big step for Belarus towards achieving a more compassionate society. Nevertheless, the conditions under which most people with disabilities in Belarus live remain difficult. Young people with disabilities form one of the most marginalised and deprived groups in the country.

Benefits range from $12 to $112 per month, depending on the degree of disability. This amount is several times less than the average salary of Belarus as of May 2017.

The limitations for children and young people living with disabilities are being transformed by our two partners in the capital, Minsk – Isle of Hope and the Sisters of St Elizabeth.