Białoruski Dom w Warszawie

In 2010, a spark ignited in Belarus. Following contested presidential elections, citizens took to the streets, protesting against alleged electoral fraud. This wave of dissent led to the creation of the Białoruski Dom w Warszawie. The Białoruski Dom w Warszawie, also known as the Belarusian House in Warsaw, stands as a symbol of hope and resilience for the Belarusian people. Originally located on Wiejska Street, the Białoruski Dom w Warszawie found a new home in 2020. It moved to a pre-war villa at Kryniczna 6 in Warsaw’s Saska Kępa district. This beautiful building, designed by Lucjan Korngold, offers ample space for the organization’s growing activities. Swiatłana Cichanouska herself received the keys to this new haven, signifying its importance to the Belarusian democratic movement. The Białoruski Dom w Warszawie serves as a vital hub for Belarusian civil society initiatives, independent media, and cultural expression. It supports a wide range of activities, including study visits, seminars, and trainings. It helps Belarusian entrepreneurs, students, and other social groups connect and collaborate. The Białoruski Dom w Warszawie also promotes Belarusian culture and language, ensuring their preservation and celebration. In a further demonstration of solidarity, the Białoruski Dom w Warszawie opened a Volunteer Support Center in 2022. This center aids those fighting for Ukraine, reflecting the interconnected struggles for freedom in the region. The Białoruski Dom w Warszawie’s significance has not gone unnoticed by the Belarusian authorities. In 2022, the organization’s Instagram account was deemed extremist material. Later, the organization itself was labeled an extremist group. This designation highlights the risks and challenges faced by those advocating for democracy and human rights in Belarus. Despite these obstacles, the Białoruski Dom w Warszawie continues to stand tall, a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Belarusian people.