For helping political prisoners, this woman was herself sentenced to a lengthy prison term and a large fine. She first lost her husband, then her son. After these losses and her time in prison, her health deteriorated significantly, and deductions from her modest salary to pay off the fine have pushed her to the brink of poverty.
Dmitry was bullied and beaten because he is gay, and was later placed in a psychiatric hospital against his will. In July, he fled to Poland. He already has a work permit, but he cannot leave the refugee camp without help.
Ales and Tatyana have been together for 25 years. They were detained on the same day and did not see each other for more than four years, but they never stopped loving each other. Now the family is finally together in Warsaw and is starting life from scratch.
Tatyana spent 301 days in a remand centre for delivering care packages to political prisoners, then fled Belarus by swimming across the Neman River. This year, her son was diagnosed with a tumour, and while she was paying for medical examinations, she accumulated debts.
A lawyer who had done everything he could to dodge military service and worked as a kindergarten teacher went to the Ukrainian embassy himself in 2022 to ask to be sent to the front. Now two vehicles used by Vladislav’s reconnaissance group have broken down, and they need to be repaired before winter.
Artur served six years behind bars and left for Poland to avoid receiving another prison sentence. While waiting for his documents, he seriously injured his hand at a temporary job. He now needs help with housing and food while he recovers and waits for a work permit.
Denis served four years in a correctional facility. Now the athlete is awaiting a decision on his application for international protection in Poland and is still unable to work officially. He needs help with housing and food until he receives his status.
Lev spent almost five years seeking protection in Georgia, but in September he was deported to Armenia straight from the migration office. His job and prepaid accommodation remained in Georgia. Now Lev is sorting out his documents, looking for work and asking for support during his first few months in a new country.
In May 2026, Alexei crossed the border into Lithuania illegally through a swamp to avoid being sent to a correctional facility. After his escape, he developed serious heart problems. He is now looking for a permanent job and asking for support until he can get back on his feet.
A former political prisoner was evacuated from the country after his release. He needs support to rebuild his life in exile and reunite with his family.
Tamaz and Timur Pipiya spent more than five years in Belarusian correctional facilities. After their release, they were given three days to leave the country, or they would end up back in prison. The brothers are now in Lithuania waiting for their documents, their money has run out, and on November 4 they will be left without housing.
Taking part in peaceful protests cost Ivan, a football fan and athlete, three and a half years in one of the harshest correctional facilities in Belarus. He managed to leave the country after his release and is asking for support to cover his first few months in exile.
Andrei spent two years evacuating the wounded from the front until an illness struck him down while he was on duty. After several operations, doctors prescribed treatment at a sanatorium to help him return to service. But Andrei cannot afford to pay for it.
Vladislav worked on a construction site for three months to save up for his studies, but his employer never paid him. Now the young family of political emigrants is already in Warsaw and could lose their place in the Kalinowski Programme.
The women drew the attention of law enforcers by openly expressing their sexual orientation. After Hera was summoned to the police station, the couple decided not to take any risks and flee Belarus. They have only been in the new country for a few months and are starting their lives over.
A serious leg injury and a series of unsuccessful surgeries have forced Sviatlana out of normal life. She needs support for rehabilitation so that she can walk normally again.
A former political prisoner was forced to emigrate to Poland after prison, but due to health problems, he urgently needs support while he recovers and looks for work.
Igor* was prosecuted for passing information about the movement of military equipment to the “Belarusian Hajun” project. After being released from custody, he left Belarus and is asking for help with retraining.
The Belarusian Solidarity Centre provides legal, educational and cultural support to Belarusians in Poland. Today its work is threatened. The Centre urgently needs financial support.