Introduction: A Nation in Flight
Belarus, under the authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko, has become a country where repression is a defining feature of daily life. Since the 2020 presidential election, widely denounced as fraudulent, the government has intensified its campaign against dissent. Through arrests, censorship, and intimidation, the state has created an environment where freedom is systematically denied. As a result, tens of thousands of Belarusians have fled their homeland, seeking refuge in countries where they can live and speak without fear.


The Roots of Repression
Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994, establishing one of Europe’s longest-standing authoritarian regimes. Over the years, he consolidated power by controlling elections, silencing opposition, and restricting civil society. The 2020 election marked a turning point, as mass protests demanding democracy were met with unprecedented violence, cementing repression as state policy.


Brutality Against Protesters
The protests of 2020 revealed the extent of state violence. Peaceful demonstrators were beaten, detained, and tortured. Thousands were imprisoned in overcrowded facilities, subjected to degrading treatment. This brutality sent a clear message: public dissent would not be tolerated. For many, the risks of staying outweighed the uncertainty of leaving.


Silencing the Media
Independent journalism has been systematically dismantled. Outlets such as Tut.by and Nasha Niva were shut down, while journalists faced imprisonment or exile. Online spaces are heavily censored, and citizens risk arrest for sharing critical content. With media silenced, Belarusians are denied access to independent information, further entrenching authoritarian control.


Civil Society Crushed
Civil society organisations have been eradicated through legal and administrative measures. Human rights groups are branded as extremists, NGOs dissolved, and activists prosecuted. This leaves citizens without the support structures needed to resist repression, forcing many activists and ordinary citizens to flee abroad.


Targeting Opposition Leaders
Prominent opposition figures have faced imprisonment, exile, or death threats. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in 2020, fled to Lithuania under duress. Others, like Maria Kalesnikava, were jailed on trumped-up charges. The systematic targeting of leaders deprives the opposition of its voice inside Belarus, while exiled figures continue the struggle abroad.


Exodus of Belarusians
The cumulative effect of repression has driven tens of thousands of Belarusians to seek safety abroad. Neighbouring countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have become key destinations, offering asylum and support. The diaspora has grown into a powerful force, sustaining opposition networks and advocating for democratic change from abroad.


International Response
The global community has condemned Belarus’s repression, imposing sanctions on Lukashenko’s regime and providing aid to exiles. Human rights organisations document ongoing abuses, while European states extend legal protections to fleeing Belarusians. Despite these efforts, the regime remains entrenched, relying on Russian support to maintain its grip on power.


Consequences for Belarus
Government repression has hollowed out Belarusian society. Skilled professionals, activists, and journalists have left, weakening the country’s future. Fear dominates public life, with few daring to speak openly. Yet, exile has also kept hope alive, as Belarusians abroad continue to organise, protest, and campaign for international solidarity.


Pathways to Change
To support Belarusians, the international community should:

- Provide long-term asylum and integration assistance.
- Support exiled media and NGOs.
- Maintain sanctions on the Lukashenko regime.
- Strengthen accountability mechanisms for human rights abuses.

These measures can help sustain the struggle for democracy and protect those most at risk.


Conclusion: Repression as an Engine of Migration
Repression in Belarus is not only silencing dissent but also reshaping the nation’s demographics. By forcing its citizens into exile, the regime undermines its own legitimacy and erodes the foundations of society. For Belarusians abroad, exile is both a burden and a platform for resistance. Until repression ends, migration will remain a defining feature of life under Lukashenko’s rule.