Belarus

Historically, the ICRC has been interacting with the Republic of Belarus almost since the formation of the State. The opening of the Mission in 2018 brought new dynamics and cooperation with the authorities, and activities have significantly increased.

The ICRC engages with Belarusian authorities on a variety of humanitarian issues. To promote IHL, it also works with the National International Humanitarian Law Commission and other relevant authorities, as well as with military and civil higher education institutions.

Since 2022, the ICRC Mission in Minsk responds to humanitarian needs linked to the international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, by providing assistance to the most vulnerable people displaced to Belarus, in partnership with the Belarus Red Cross (BRC). The ICRC also supports humanitarian operations taking place on Belarusian territory, for instance, cross-border passage of vulnerable people, in coordination with various relevant authorities. The ICRC in Belarus, along with the BRC, also helps families who are looking for relatives who are missing due to conflicts. The ICRC provides support for BRC’s family-links services.

The Mission in Minsk is part of the ICRC Regional Delegation for the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, based in Moscow.