March 25, 2021
The Embassy of the United States of America congratulates all Belarusians on the 103rd anniversary of the declaration of the Belarusian People’s Republic of 1918. Though more than a century has passed since the first declaration of statehood, recent events have demonstrated that Belarusians’ struggle for freedom and democracy persists. Currently, Belarusians of all ages are standing up for the right to determine the destiny of their country. In attempting to have their voices heard, many pay a heavy price as the regime resorts to intimidation, violence, and lethal force to maintain its grip on power.
Since 1991 the United States Congress and each Presidential administration have steadfastly supported the sovereignty of independent Belarus. The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 and several updated versions of the law since then have provided assistance to bolster democracy, human rights, independent media and civil society, and sought to deter corruption and the assaults on the institutions of democracy and human rights. The Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020 signals that the U.S. commitment remains as relevant today as it was in 2004.
The United States congratulates the people of Belarus on the March 25 anniversary and looks forward to the day when the people of Belarus will define their own future.
