Aliaksandr Yarashuk Awarded the Arthur Svensson International Prize
- Salidarnast Belarus
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
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.
Aliaksandr Yarashuk was arrested in April 2022 on politically motivated charges and sentenced to four years in prison.
His son, Yury Yarashuk, and BKDP representative Lizaveta Merliak received the award on his behalf.
“When the crackdown on independent trade unions began in Belarus, my father didn’t seek safety — he chose to stand with his comrades. That was a conscious and principled decision,” said Yury Yarashuk.
“They tried to silence him, but the truth cannot be imprisoned. Nor can freedom or an idea. Today, his voice resonates louder than ever. Trade union solidarity means ‘all for one and one for all’.”
The prize is not just a personal recognition, he added — it is a symbol of hope for all those fighting for justice.
Amalie Hilde Tofte, secretary of the Arthur Svensson Prize Committee, highlighted the global relevance of the award:
“All around the world, civic space is shrinking. Governments label unionists and activists as extremists. In such dark times, it is vital to honour those who continue to stand up for workers’ rights and a just future. Aliaksandr Yarashuk is one of them.”
Norwegian Minister of Development Asmund Aukrust also spoke at the ceremony:
“History teaches us how essential trade unions are for democracy, welfare, and rights at work. I am honoured to be here today to recognise someone who truly deserves this award — a courageous human rights defender from Belarus, and beyond.
The Norwegian government calls on the Belarusian authorities to immediately release Mr. Yarashuk and all political prisoners. Despite some releases last year, the situation remains dire — over 1,200 people are still behind bars, many held incommunicado.”
He noted that Norway was the first country to contribute €1 million to the international fund for victims of repression in Belarus.
Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of YARA International, reflected on the company’s engagement with Belarusian independent trade unions:
“We had long-standing ties with Belaruskali. After the 2020 presidential elections, we entered into dialogue with trade unions, including two meetings with LO Norway and Aliaksandr Yarashuk.
Despite enormous pressure, he remained deeply committed to the rights of workers. We owe him greatly for his integrity and leadership. This collaboration showed how much can be achieved through genuine social dialogue — even in difficult conditions.”
BKDP representative Lizaveta Merliak addressed the audience with a powerful message about the current reality in Belarus:
“I speak today on behalf of those whose voices are being literally silenced. In today’s Belarus, it is dangerous not only to defend your rights — it is dangerous to know you have them.”
She highlighted that in March 2024, Belarusian courts declared the materials, symbols, and media content of Solidarnast — the BKDP’s representation in exile — “extremist.” Any contact with independent trade unions is now criminalised.
“For simply reading trade union news, subscribing to a Telegram channel, or liking a social media post, workers risk arrest, dismissal, or imprisonment.
At workplaces across Belarus, phones are checked by security services. The only legal source of information on labour rights is the state-controlled Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus. All others are banned.”
She stressed that laws against “extremism” are being used to ban the truth and suppress independent trade unionism. Loyalty is now a job requirement, with ideological departments monitoring employees in state enterprises. Polygraph tests and character references are used to deny “disloyal” individuals employment.
“Those not affiliated with the Federation are excluded from collective bargaining. This is not representation — it’s repression.”
Merliak concluded that the Arthur Svensson Prize is not only a recognition of worsening conditions, but also a sign of solidarity with Belarusian workers and their struggle for dignity.
After the ceremony, she noted in conversation with Salidarnast:
“When the BKDP won this prize in 2021, the event was held online due to the pandemic. This time, seeing a full hall of supportive colleagues was truly uplifting.”
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