Gennady Fedynich (Hennadz Fiadynich in Belarusian transliteration), long-time leader of the independent Radio and Electronics Industry Workers’ Union (REP), was one of many Belarusian trade unionists imprisoned in the crackdown on free unions. Last week, he was unexpectedly taken from prison in Babruisk, transported under guard to Minsk, and then deported to Lithuania along with other 52 political prisoners.

In their interview to “Salidarnast”, the two union leaders speak of what was most difficult for them in jail, why other prisoners would address by their patronymics, how they managed to survive punitive isolation cells, and why the Belarusian authorities have taken their passports away.

On 11 September, 52 political prisoners were released in Belarus. Among them were two key figures of the independent trade union movement: Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Chair of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), and Hennadz Fiadynich, former head of the Belarusian Radio and Electronics Industry Workers’ Union (REP).

On August 29, 2025, a pre-session on Belarus was held in Geneva within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Maria Zharilovskaya made an intervention at the event as a representative of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP).

On 29 August, an explosion occurred in a boiler unit at the “Khimvalakno Plant,” a branch of JSC "Grodna Azot". Two employees of the enterprise sustained severe injuries.

The Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP) has extended its congratulations to the Polish trade union “Solidarność” on the occasion of its 45th anniversary. The congratulatory letter was signed by Acting Chair Maksim Pazniakou and Deputy Chair Siarhei Antusevich.

The Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP) submits a report to the UN Human Rights Council for the 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The document speaks of the complete liquidation of independent trade unions in Belarus, repression against more than 70 trade union activists and the systematic use of forced labour.

A group of United Nations human rights experts today called on Belarusian authorities to promptly and effectively investigate serious allegations of ill-treatment involving prisoners convicted of terrorism- and extremism-related offences.

On August 13, at the age of 77, our brother and friend, member of the Free Metalworkers’ Union (SPM) and editor of the union bulletin Workers’ Solidarity, Mikalai Galko, passed away.

On August 1, the key provisions of Law No. 95-Z come into force in Belarus, introducing amendments to the regulation of auditors’ professional activity.

Why independent trade unions regard it as a disguised form of forced labour

In the first half of 2025, political rapprochement between Belarus and Myanmar reached a new level. Both countries — governed by military or authoritarian regimes, under international sanctions, and widely criticized for systematic human rights violations — are enthusiastically expanding economic, diplomatic, and even military cooperation.

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, a part of the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures, has issued a conclusion on the case of the Belarusian political prisoner Aliaksandr Kashpul.

On 11 June, the prestigious Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights was awarded in Oslo. This year’s laureate is Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Chairperson of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP) and member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), who is currently imprisoned for his trade union activities.

On the sidelines of the International Labour Conference, representatives of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP) met with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo. The meeting was attended by Maksim Pazniakou, Acting President of the BKDP, and Siarhei Antusevich, Deputy President, who recently regained his freedom and left Belarus after serving a politically motivated sentence.

The regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka continues to weaponize trials in absentia against representatives of the independent trade union movement. A recent case involving Leanid Sudalenka, a legal advisor to Salidarnast e.V., highlights the politically motivated nature of such prosecutions.

June 5, 2025, Geneva. An action of solidarity with the independent trade union of Belarus took place in the Nations Square in front of the UN building. Under the slogan “Bring Freedom of Association Back to Belarus!”, the participants demanded to stop the repressions without delay, release all imprisoned union leaders, and restore workers’ right to freedom of association.

We need to acknowledge a loss that touches not only Belarusian trade unionists, but the global labour movement as a whole. Dan Gallin passed away few days ago. He was a committed organizer, a mentor to many, and a friend to those who needed solidarity most.

The FPB has turned into a tool of political control.

A coalition of Belarusian human rights organizations and the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP) has submitted a comprehensive report to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. The document outlines a wide range of systemic labor rights violations — from the liquidation of independent trade unions to forced labor and discrimination. The authors urge the United Nations and the ILO to intensify pressure on the Belarusian authorit