[Pareiškimas lietuvių kalba yra čia]
[Заява па-беларуску тут]
We, PEN Belarus, and other human rights and cultural organizations that have signed this statement draw the attention of the international community and the Lithuanian authorities to a series of acts of vandalism and manifestations of hate speech directed against the Belarusian community in Vilnius in 2024:
- 28 July: The Belarusian store Kropka was attacked by unknown individuals.
- 1 August: An offensive inscription targeting Belarusians (the ethnic majority of students at the European Humanities University) appeared on the building of the European Humanities University (EHU).
- 4-5 September: Unknown individuals shot at the windows of the church where the Belarusian Orthodox community holds services, broke the windows of the Belarusian House (Belarusian Community and Culture Centre), and left derogatory graffiti near the office of the Belarusian volunteer organization Help.
- 26 October: Unknown individuals set fire to the entrance doors of the Belarusian Community and Culture Centre, left offensive graffiti, and defaced a local mural.
- 5 November: Xenophobic inscriptions appeared at the Belarusian café Karchma 1863.
We note that the Belarusian Community and Culture Centre in Vilnius, which was attacked twice, is a non-profit organization for Belarusians in Lithuania that provides space for Belarusian projects and initiatives. The centre hosts Belarusian and Lithuanian language courses, exhibitions, and free informal education for children.
We strongly condemn any form of hatred that undermines the foundations of a democratic state with the rule of law. The use of hate speech and manifestations of intolerance are unacceptable in a society that respects human rights. Such actions sow discord and tension within society. The failure of the state to take prompt measures to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable violates the norms of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
We call on the Lithuanian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of these incidents, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure the safety of all residents of Lithuania, regardless of their nationality or origin. We also appeal to the international community and human rights organizations to pay attention to this situation and support efforts to combat discrimination and artificially incited hostility between Belarusians and Lithuanians.
We express words of support and solidarity to the directly affected organizations. We urge everyone to show solidarity and cooperation in the fight against manifestations of hatred and intolerance.
To support this statement, please fill out a short form.
Signatories:
PEN Belarus
Tutejšy Teatr / Local Theater
Telegram channel Holy Belawood
FSh1: Belarusian Photographic Platform
Association CZABOR
Civic Cultural Campaign Budzma Belarusami / VŠĮ “Būkim kartu”
World Association of Belarusians “Baćkaŭščyna” / VŠĮ “Mano šalis”
Tutaka Foundation
Free Belarus Museum
Foundation “Dom Tvorcau”
Belarusian Community and Culture Center / Baltarusių bendruomenės ir kultūros centras
Human Constanta, a human rights organization
The Human Rights Center “Viasna”
KROPKA shop and creative space (MB KROPKA)
MB STATUE GDS & VS
Homiel Volunteer Movement