Opinions & Interviews

“The main factor of inter-ethnic stability is the consistent ethnic policy of the Belarusian state. This is the policy which does not create differences between citizens of our state on national or religious grounds, but leads to stability and interethnic peace,” Georgy Yeghiazaryan said. He noted that in Belarus every community has the opportunity to develop the culture of their people, to teach children the mother tongue, history. Through a variety of activities we can demonstrate the richness and diversity of the cultures of the peoples,” he said.

National associations play an important role in promoting inter-ethnic dialogue. Their role and influence increase every year. Today, many national associations issue their own publications, conduct Sunday schools and classes, and are engaged in charity activities.

The Chairman of the Belarusian public association Rus Ivan Korda, for his part, reported that four diasporas in Belarus number 10,000 and more people, another 15 communities have from 1,000 up to 10,000 people. In order to help small communities to integrate faster in the Belarusian society, the work should be carried out simultaneously with representatives of several diasporas united by geography, Ivan Korda noted. In addition, it would be advisable to continue the practice of arranging the days of culture of the biggest diasporas living in Belarus or big festivals of, for example, Slavic peoples, the peoples of the Caucasia region, and Central Asia.

The roundtable on the role and place of national associations in promoting peace and harmony in the Republic of Belarus was attended by representatives of various public organizations and national minorities. The goal of the event is to promote an equal and constructive dialogue between the state and public associations on the key issues of their interaction. The event was organized by the Justice Ministry with the support of the Office of the Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs.