The condition of NGOs and civil society in Belarus. Bertelsmann Policy Brief 07/2017

Laputska, Veranika (2017) The condition of NGOs and civil society in Belarus. Bertelsmann Policy Brief 07/2017. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

When in 1991 Belarus gained its independence from the USSR, Belarusian civil society could be characterized as typical for a post-Soviet third sector. On the one hand, a large number of public associations had existed since Soviet times, but they were in fact closely associated with the state and the Communist Party, rather than with the population. This group comprised either pro-government or state-founded organizations whose aim was to control and influence state ideology, morality, and the upbringing and education of a maximum amount of Soviet citizens. To a great extent, practically all “public associations,” including those which operate in sports, culture and education and involve the participation of people of various ages and social statuses, fell under this umbrella. This form of organization – a “public association” – is still the most popular type of a civil society organization in Belarus.

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