{{Short description|Belarusian human rights organisation}} {{Infobox organization | logo = Праваабарончы цэнтр «Вясна».png | logo_size = 250px | type = {{Plainlist| * Nonprofit * INGO }} | headquarters = | services = Protecting human rights | leader_title = Chairman | leader_name = Ales Bialiatski | key_people = | name = Viasna | founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1996|04}} | founders = {{Plainlist| * Ales Bialiatski }} | location = | fields = Practical assistance to civic initiatives, research into the state of the civic society, civic and human rights education<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spring96.org/en |title=About Viasna |date=|publisher=Viasna Human Rights Centre |access-date=17 November 2022}}</ref> | num_members = | website = {{URL|https://www.spring96.org/en |spring96.org}} }}
The '''Viasna Human Rights Centre''' ({{langx|be|Праваабарончы цэнтр «Вясна»|Pravaabarončy centr «Viasna»}}) is a human rights organization based in Minsk, Belarus. The organization aims to provide financial and legal assistance to political prisoners and their families, and was founded in 1996 by activist Ales Bialatski in response to large-scale repression of demonstrations by the government of Alexander Lukashenko.<ref name="PIN"/>
== Profile ==
=== Activities ===
''Viasna'' strives to aid creation of a civil society where human rights are protected and respected as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the Constitution of Belarus. ''Viasna's'' main goal is to guarantee human rights such as freedom of assembly and association, freedom of media and expression, etc. ''Viasna'' advises Belarusians on legal matters, provides free legal aid, documents and exposes abuses, and provides assistance to victims of political repressions. The organization is also committed to raising awareness about democracy and human rights by organizing conferences and seminars, and publishing and distributing educational materials.<ref name=rijksoverheid/> ''Viasna'' conducts independent elections monitoring,<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.omct.org/en/network-members/human-rights-center-viasna | title =Human Rights Center Viasna | publisher = OMCT | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref> documents human rights violations, detentions and arrests, and makes decisions on recognising arrested citizens as political prisoners.<ref name=dwburakov/> The Centre persistently acts as a strong opponent of the death penalty in Belarus.<ref name=rightlive/><ref>{{cite web | url =https://p.dw.com/p/1IkDr | title =20 лет "Весне": права человека - по-прежнему приоритет | lang=ru | trans-title=20 years of ''Viasna'': human rights are still a priority | last =Smirnov | first =Artur | date =2016-05-10 | publisher = Deutsche Welle | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref>
=== Methods ===
In its work, ''Viasna'':
*collects data on the state of civil society and rights awareness in Belarus; *organizes educational meetings, conferences, lectures, and discussions on subjects of democracy and human rights protection; *leads human rights studies, monitors the state of the human rights protection in Belarus, assists in implementation of international treaties on human rights ratified by the Republic of Belarus; *publishes and products public information, scientific and other legal documents; *contact with all governmental authorities and deputies of all levels, with civil, public, educational and training organizations and institution; *provides assistance to those who contact the Centre.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://spring96.org/en/about | title =Human Rights Center "Viasna" | date =24 June 2002 | publisher = Human Rights Center "Viasna" | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref>
== History ==
=== Foundation and first years === thumb|Ales Bialiatski during Paweł Włodkowic Award ceremony in the Polish Senate, 2014 The organization then titled "Viasna-96" was founded by Ales Bialatski in 1996 in the aftermath of the Minsk Spring, a series of mass street protests against the increasingly-authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko, brutally suppressed by the authorities.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/64e5e42a9a794764a1122cf1 | title =В Белоруссии признали экстремистским правозащитный центр «Весна» | lang =ru | trans-title =The Human Rights Centre ‘Viasna’ was declared extremist in Belarus | date =2023-08-23 | publisher = RBC | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63172009 | title =Ales Bialiatski: Who is the Nobel Peace Prize winner? | date =2022-10-07 | publisher = BBC | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/ar/profile/ales-bialiatski | title =Ales Bialatski | date =17 December 2015 | publisher = Front Line Defenders | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref><ref name=epde/><ref>{{cite web | url =https://1997-2001.state.gov/global/human_rights/1996_hrp_report/belarus.html | title =Belarus Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 1996 | date =1997-01-30 | publisher = U.S. Department of State | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref> Repressive measures such as fines, administrative arrests, expulsions of students from universities, forcing employers to dismiss their employees were used to punish the protesters.{{sfn|Kulakevich|Kubik|2023|p=827}} "Viasna-96" was created as a temporary campaign to assist the arrested and their families.<ref name=unnews2023>{{cite web | url =https://news.un.org/ru/story/2023/12/1447722 | title =Правозащитник белорусской «Весны»: «Режим нарушает права человека системно и постоянно» | lang =ru | trans-title =Human rights defender of the Belarusian ‘Viasna’: ‘The regime violates human rights systematically and constantly’ | date =2023-12-13 | publisher = Un | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref><ref name=rijksoverheid/>
On 15 June 1999, the organization was officially registered in Minsk as the Human Rights Center "Viasna".<ref name=epde>{{cite web | url =https://epde.org/organizations/human-rights-center-viasna/ | title =Human Rights Center Viasna | date =14 July 2024 | publisher = EPDE | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref>
In 2001, ''Viasna'' conducted an independent observation of the 2001 presidential election. For this, in 2003 by decision of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus the organization's license was revoked.<ref name=rightlive>{{cite web | url =https://rightlivelihood.org/the-change-makers/find-a-laureate/ales-bialiatski-viasna/ | title =Ales Bialiatski | publisher = Right Livelihood | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/ru/pravozashhitniki-za-ijun-v-belarusi-osudili-125-uchastnikov-protestov/a-58128770 |title=Правозащитники: За июнь в Беларуси осудили 125 участников протестов |website=Deutsche Welle |trans-title=Human rights activists: 125 protesters convicted in June in Belarus|date=2021-07-01 |access-date= 2023-03-03}}</ref> In 2007 and 2009, ''Viasna'' made unsuccessful attempts to reacquire registration, both times refused by the Belarusian Ministry of Justice.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2014_2019/documents/droi/dv/41_cv_bialiatski_/41_cv_bialiatski_en.pdf | title =Ales Bialiatski's Biography | publisher = EU Parliament | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref>
In 2002, the Centre was liquidated by the decision of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus as a "punishment" for observation and monitoring the presidential election. A year later, in 2004, the Centre was accepted into the International Federation for Human Rights. In 2007 the UN Human Rights Committee recognized the liquidation of the Human Rights Centre by the Belarusian authorities as a violation of Article 22, paragraph 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, but the official Minsk ignored this decision.<ref name=unnews2023/>
=== 2010-2019 ===
The controversial 2010 presidential election were followed by a large-scale crackdown on political activists,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/russia/detail/94519/#ixzz1Al5Dpjpr |title=United Nations to Belarus: Release political prisoners |publisher=Kyiv Post|date=2011-01-11|access-date=2011-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenews.pl/international/artykul145874_who-attacked-belarusian-government-building.html |title=Who attacked Belarusian government building? |publisher=Polskie Radio |date=2010-12-20 |access-date=2010-12-23 }}</ref> both ''Viasna''<nowiki/>'s offices<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/en/node/97152/section/7 |title=Shattering Hopes |author=Ales Bialatski |date=14 March 2011 |publisher=Human Rights Watch |access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref> and Bialatski's home have been repeatedly searched by state security forces.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xivrx5_blr-obs-testimony-of-ales-bialatski-chairman-of-the-human-rights-center-viasna-about-searches-conduc_news |title=Testimony of Ales Bialatski |author=Ales Bialatski |date=24 May 2011 |publisher=dailymotion.com |access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref>
On 14 February, 2011, Bialatski was summoned to the Public Prosecutor's office and warned that as ''Viasna'' was an unregistered organization, the government would seek criminal proceedings against it if the group continued to operate.<ref name="FIDH">{{cite web |url=http://www.fidh.org/Warning-against-Mr-Ales-Bialatski-President-of |title=Warning against Mr. Ales Bialatski |date=16 February 2011 |publisher=International Federation for Human Rights |access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref> Later in 2011, Bialatski was sentenced to four and a half years in prison on tax evasion charges. He served more than 3 years before an amnesty in 2014.<ref name=hrw/><ref name=newsun2024/>
On 26 November 2012, in accordance with a court ruling against Bialatski, the Minsk office of ''Viasna'' was confiscated and sealed by the Belarusian government.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dw.de/minsk-authorities-close-human-rights-office/a-16410265 |title=Minsk authorities close human rights office |author=Artur Smirnow |date=28 November 2012 |work=Deutsche Welle |access-date=28 November 2012 |archive-date=28 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128223536/http://www.dw.de/minsk-authorities-close-human-rights-office/a-16410265 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Amnesty International described the closure as "a blatant violation of Belarus' international human rights obligations".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/belarus-evicts-leading-human-rights-organization-2012-11-26 |title=Belarus evicts leading human rights organization |date=26 November 2012 |publisher=Amnesty International |access-date=28 November 2012 |archive-date=29 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129144639/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/belarus-evicts-leading-human-rights-organization-2012-11-26 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
=== 2020-present === [[File:Minister Hoekstra presents the Human Rights Tulip (52666923619).jpg|thumb|Wopke Hoekstra presents the Human Rights Tulip to Viasna Human Rights Centre in December 2022]]
During the 2020–2021 Belarusian protests, the Center <ref>{{cite web | url =https://meduza.io/news/2020/08/10/pravozaschitnyy-tsentr-vesna-v-minskih-bolnitsah-nahodyatsya-desyatki-postradavshih-v-stolknoveniyah-s-militsiey-zaderzhany-bolee-200-chelovek | title =Правозащитный центр «Весна»: в минских больницах находятся десятки пострадавших в столкновениях с милицией. Задержаны более 200 человек | date =2020-08-10 | lang=ru | trans-title=Human Rights Centre ‘Viasna’: dozens of injured in clashes with police are in Minsk hospitals. More than 200 detained | publisher = Meduza | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.bbc.com/russian/news-64173524 | title =Дело "Весны": в Минске начали судить нобелевского лауреата Алеся Беляцкого и его коллег | lang =ru | trans-title=The ‘Viasna’ case: Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski and his colleagues tried in Minsk | date =2023-01-05 | publisher = BBC Russia | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref> ''Viasna'' documented the widespread use of torture by the authorities.<ref name=rightlive/><ref name=newsun2024>{{cite web | url =https://news.un.org/ru/story/2024/03/1450202 | title =Беларусь: эксперты ООН вновь вступились за лидеров правозащитного центра «Весна» | lang =ru | trans-title=Belarus: UN experts again stand up for the leaders of the Human Rights Centre ‘Viasna’ | date =2024-03-08 | publisher = News UN | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref>
Following the 2020–2021 Belarusian protests, the Viasna Human Rights Centre together with the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims, REDRESS and the International Committee for Investigation of Torture in Belarus founded the International Accountability Platform for Belarus. In a joint declaration, 19 states expressed their full support for the establishment of such a platform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://spring96.org/en/news/102574 |title=HRDs launch International Accountability Platform for Belarus |author= |date=24 March 2021 |work=Viasna Human Rights Centre |access-date= }}</ref>
In the ongoing crackdown on independent media and human rights defenders in Belarus, "Viasna" suffered from significant pressure. On 17 September, 2020, "Viasna's" coordinator of volunteers' network Maria Rabkova was arrested and charged with "training and other preparation of people for participation in mass riots" as well as "membership of a criminal organization". Leanid Sudalenka, lawyer of the Homieĺ (Gomel) branch of Viasna, Leanid Sudalenka, head of Homieĺ branch, volunteers Andrei Chepyuk and Maryia Tarasenka were arrested with criminal charges in the early 2021. Rabkova spent more than 6 months in pre-trial detention.<ref>{{cite web |language = en |url = https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/belarus-arbitrary-detention-of-viasna-members-leanid-sudalenka-and-26489 |title = Belarus: Arbitrary detention of Viasna members Leanid Sudalenka and Tatsiana Lasitsa |publisher = International Federation for Human Rights |date = 2021-02-08 |accessdate = 2021-08-25 }}</ref><ref name=hrw>{{cite web | url =https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/09/17/joint-statement-belarus-end-attacks-against-viasna-human-rights-group | title =Joint Statement on Belarus: End Attacks Against the Viasna Human Rights Group | date =2021-09-17 | publisher = Human Rights Watch | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref><ref name=osce23/> On February 16, 2021, the Investigative Committee searched Viasna's headquarters in Minsk and regional offices, raided employees' homes – more than 40 addresses in any way connected to "Viasna".<ref name=dwburakov>{{cite web | url =https://p.dw.com/p/4ARUX | title =Лукашенко уйдет, а "Весна" останется | lang =ru | trans-title=Lukashenko will go away, but "Viasna" will stay | last =Burakov | first =Alexey | date =2022-04-26 | publisher = | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref> A criminal case against the activists was opened under Article 342, meaning "organizing or preparing actions that grossly violate the public order or taking active part in such actions". Dzmitry Salauyou, board member of "Viasna", was detained and beaten by the police.<ref>{{cite web |language = en |url = https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/belarus-judicial-harassment-against-the-human-rights-centre-viasna |title = Belarus: Judicial harassment against the Human Rights Centre 'Viasna' |publisher = International Federation for Human Rights |date = 2021-03-10 |accessdate = 2021-08-25 }}</ref> The persecution of "Viasna" members continues, politically motivated charges have been levelled on Valiantsin Stefanovich, Uladzimir Labkovich and Ales Bialiatski.<ref>{{cite web |language = en |url = https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/belarus-acts-of-harassment-against-the-human-rights-centre-viasna |title = Belarus: Acts of harassment against the Human Rights Centre Viasna |publisher = International Federation for Human Rights |date = 2021-02-26 |accessdate = 2021-08-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |language = en |url = https://crd.org/2021/08/09/one-year-since-belarus-rigged-elections-human-rights-situation-continues-to-deteriorate/ |title = One Year Since Belarus' Rigged Elections, Human Rights Situation Continues to Deteriorate |publisher = Civil Rights Defender |date = 2021-08-09 |accessdate = 2021-08-25 }}</ref>
In the winter of 2021–2022, the Belarusian authorities recognized Viasna's Internet resources as extremist materials,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://novychas.online/hramadstva/ekstremisckimi-pryznali-pravaabaronczy-telehram|title="Экстрэмісцкімі" прызналі праваабарончы тэлеграм-канал ПЦ "Вясна" і ўсе іх сацсеткі|date=2021-12-30|work=Novy Chas|language=be}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://novychas.online/hramadstva/usju-infarmacyjnuju-pradukcyju-vjasny-pryznali-e|title=Усю інфармацыйную прадукцыю "Вясны" прызналі экстрэмісцкай|date=2022-01-31|work=Novy Chas|language=be}}</ref> and in August 2023, Viasna was declared an extremist group. Participation in the activities of an extremist group is a criminal offense under Belarusian law.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/belarus-viasna-human-rights-center-was-declared-an-extremist|title=Belarus: Viasna Human Rights Center declared an "extremist formation"|date=2023-08-28|work=International Federation for Human Rights}}</ref>
As of December 2022, more than 100 active members worked at "Viasna", though many were forced into exile.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://baltimore.org/event/belarusian-political-dissidents-three-key-figures-from-the-viasna-human-rights-centre-and-the-life-charitable-foundation/ | title =Belarusian Political Dissidents: Three key figures from the Viasna Human Rights Centre and the Life Charitable Foundation | date =2024-06-17 | publisher = Baltimore | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref> Despite the ongoing crackdown, the organization is referred to as the biggest and most important human right defender in Belarus.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.government.nl/latest/weblogs/behind-the-scenes-of-the-human-rights-tulip/2022/candidate-for-the-human-rights-tulip-viasna-human-rights-center-in-belarus | title =Candidate for the Human Rights Tulip: Viasna Human Rights Center in Belarus | date =2022-12-01 | publisher = Government NL | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref> As stated by "Viasna's" activist Alexander Burakov, the work in Belarusian regions is completely restored and the amount of volunteers has grown.<ref name=dwburakov/>
On August 14, 2023, the social media accounts and website of "Viasna's" Homiel branch were added to the country's List of Extremist Content. On August 23, 2023, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus declared "Viasna" an "extremist formation" and prohibited all of its activities". The organization was accused of "organizing activities aimed at preparing attacks on the sovereignty and public security of the Republic of Belarus, discrediting and insulting officials."<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/belarus-viasna-human-rights-center-was-declared-an-extremist | title =Belarus: Viasna Human Rights Center declared an "extremist formation" | date =2023-08-28 | publisher = FIDH | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref>
On 3 March, 2023, Bialiatski, Stefanovich, and Labkovich were sentenced to 10, 9, and 7 years in prison respectively.<ref name=osce23>{{cite web | url =https://www.osce.org/odihr/538329 | title =Latest conviction of human rights defenders in Belarus criminalizes their work and is contrary to international standards: OSCE human rights office | date =2023-03-03 | publisher =OSCE | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref> The sentence was widely condemned by international human right defenders, Amnesty International demanded an immediate release.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/03/belarus-sentencing-of-human-rights-defenders-a-blatant-retaliation-for-their-work/ | title =Belarus: Sentencing of human rights defenders a 'blatant retaliation' for their work | date =2023-03-03 | publisher = Amnesty | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref>
As of 2024, the pressure on "Viasna" continues. On March 3, 2024, the GUBOPiK raided houses of three activists and arrested them under charges of aiding and abetting an extremist organisation.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://belta.by/amp/society/view/sotrudniki-gubopika-zaderzhali-posobnikov-ekstremistskogo-pravozaschitnogo-tsentra-vesna-625630-2024 | title =Сотрудники ГУБОПиКа задержали пособников экстремистского правозащитного центра \"Весна\" | lang =ru | trans-title =GUBOPiK officers detained accomplices of the extremist human rights centre Viasna | date =2024-04-03 | publisher = Belta | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref>
=== Nobel prize ===
On October 7, 2022, it was announced that the head of the "Viasna" Ales Bialiatski was [https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2022/summary/ awarded] the Nobel Peace Prize together with the Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine) and "Memorial" (Russia). On December 10, 2022, at the ceremony the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of her husband was accepted by Natalia Pinchuk, Bialiatski's wife, along with Jan Rachinsky, chairman of the "Memorial", and Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the "Center for Civil Liberties". Natalia Pinchuk read a lecture, written by Bialiatski.<ref name=nobel>{{cite web | url =https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/the-nobel-peace-prize-award-ceremony-2022/ | title =The Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony 2022 | date =19 October 2022 | publisher = The Nobel Foundation | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref>
== Awards == *2005 – Bialatski and "Viasna" won the Homo Homini Award of the Czech NGO People in Need, which recognizes "an individual who is deserving of significant recognition due to their promotion of human rights, democracy and non-violent solutions to political conflicts".<ref name="PIN">{{cite web |url=http://www.jedensvet.cz/ow/2006/index_en.php?id=195&idp=275&idf=281# |title=Homo Homini Award |date=2005 |publisher=People in Need |access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref> *2020 – "Viasna" received the 5th Democracy Defender Award.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://oestrig.um.dk/nyheder/joint-statement | title =Joint statement celebrating the Belarusian Human Rights Centre "Viasna" as they receive the fifth Democracy Defender Award | publisher =DANMARKS AMBASSADE & FASTE MISSION, ØSTRIG | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref> *November 2021 – "Viasna" and Gerhart Baum won the German Marion Dönhoff Prize for "international understanding and reconciliation".<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.zeit-verlagsgruppe.de/pressemitteilung/gerhart-baum-und-wjasna-mit-dem-marion-doenhoff-preis-2021-ausgezeichnet-2/ | title =Gerhart Baum und Wjasna mit dem Marion-Dönhoff-Preis 2021 ausgezeichnet | lang =de | date =2021-11-28 | publisher =Zeit | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref> *May 2022 – "Viasna" received The Albie Award 2022 by the "Clooney Foundation for Justice", in the nomination "Justice for Democracy Defenders". The award ceremony took place in September in New York. Alina Stefanovich, the wife of political prisoner and human rights activist Valentin Stefanovich, received the award on behalf of "Viasna".<ref>{{cite web | url =https://cfj.org/news/cfj-to-honor-global-justice-defenders-at-inaugural-albie-awards/ | title =CFJ to Honor Global Justice Defenders at Inaugural Albie Awards | date =2022-09-26 | publisher = CFJ | access-date =2024-09-09}}</ref> *In 2022, "Viasna" founder Bialiatski was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with the organizations Memorial and Centre for Civil Liberties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Nobel Peace Prize 2022 |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2022/bialiatski/facts/ |access-date=7 October 2022 |website=NobelPrize.org |language=en-US}}</ref> *On December 8, 2022, in Hague "Viasna" was awarded with "The Human Rights Tulip 2022" by the Government of the Netherlands.<ref name=rijksoverheid>{{cite web | url =https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/mensenrechten/nieuws/2022/11/28/mensenrechtentulp-2022-top-3-genomineerden | title ="The Human Rights Tulip 2022" | date =2022-11-28 | publisher = Rijksoverheid | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref> *In December 2023, the Centre was awarded the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights.<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 recipients, UN Human Rights Prize |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/about-us/what-we-do/un-human-rights-prize/2023-recipients |website=OHCHR |access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k19/k19c2jx009 | title =Human Rights Prize Winner: Viasna Human Rights Centre | date =2023-12-08 | publisher = UN | access-date =2024-09-01}}</ref><ref name=unnews2023/>
==References== {{Reflist}}
== Literature == * {{Cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of Belarus (Historical Dictionaries of Europe)|last1=Ioffe|first1=Grigory|last2=Silitski|first2=Vitali|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2018|isbn=978-1538117057|edition=Third|location=Lanham|pages=334|language=en|author-link2=Vitali Silitski}} *{{cite journal | last1 = Kulakevich | first1 = Tatsiana | last2 = Kubik | first2 = Jan | date = 2023 | title = Anti-Authoritarian Learning: Prospects for Democratization in Belarus Based on a Study of Polish Solidarity | url = https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/0B05C923250A86C3E8AAB7E27F3542FA/S0090599222000344a.pdf/anti-authoritarian-learning-prospects-for-democratization-in-belarus-based-on-a-study-of-polish-solidarity.pdf | publication = Nationalities Papers | volume = 51 | issue = 4 | pages = 823–837 | doi = 10.1017/nps.2022.34 }}
==External links== *[http://spring96.org/ Belarusian Human Rights Centre "Viasna"] (the official site) *[http://spring96.org/en/news/45668 Human Rights Center Viasna: 15 years of persecution] {{Authority control}}
{{Belarusian democracy movement}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Viasna Human Rights Centre}} Category:Human rights organizations based in Belarus Category:International Federation for Human Rights member organizations