By Leonie Ruesch | Projekt coordinator
Our #WeStandBYyou godparenthood campaign connects Members of Parliaments from all over Europe with political prisoners in Belarus. In January, our 400th MP became a godparent of a political prisoner in Belarus! Our heartfelt thanks to you from us, the political prisoners and their families, for your support of this project!
The support of a godparent can have a crucial impact on political prisoners: As many former political prisoners stated, physical and emotional violence is an everyday occurrence in prison. During such times, the light of solidarity and knowing that one's fate is not forgotten become crucial sources of mental support. Leanid Sudalenka, a former political prisoner and activist for the Human Rights Centre “Viasna” stated: "I remember my condition when I found out about my 'adoption.' In prison, the authorities treat you like a criminal, and then a German MP says: 'No, I respect this man, he is not a criminal!' It certainly gives strength to hold on there in inhumane conditions!"
During the last months, the campaign has continued to raise awareness about the severe human rights violations in Belarus. Godparents advocate for political prisoners and actively engage in their Parliaments to improve the human rights situation in Belarus and oppose the regime. For instance, British godparents supported a letter campaign that led to the British government imposing sanctions on Belarusian judges.
What is more, we encouraged the general public and the godparents to send letters to political prisoners and organized protests in support of political prisoners. We also organise meetings between the godparents and the families. These signs of support can have an enormous impact on the relatives of political prisoners and the prisoners themselves.
The feedback shows how tremendously important the campaign is, as it raises awareness about the inhuman situation in Belarus but also provides mental support for political prisoners and their relatives. Therefore, we are going to continue the campaign until all political prisoners in Belarus are free!
You can effectively contribute to the fight for the freedom and lives of political prisoners. Thank you for your support!
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