Belarus launched an online reporting portal for civil society organisations
The information system for a unified register and communication with state authorities for political parties and other public associations is effective from February 2026.
Belarus is drafting stricter regulations on fundraising
State media announced the preparation of a new regulatory act to cover fundraising activities, especially for charitable purposes.
Belarus: 2026 to bring new bills on volunteering and foreign aid
The legislative agenda for 2026 has been approved and forsees a bill on foreign gratuitous assistance, as well as the previously frozen bill on volunteering.
Belarus to block access to internet and phone services for selected individuals
State bodies can now decide to restrict an individual’s access to internet and phone services, as opposed to blocking websites.
Belarus set to punish information on LGBTIQ, childlessness and gender transition
The draft law aims to treat information not accepted by the government as “propaganda” and expands the grounds for restricting freedom of expression and the right to privacy.
Belarus: Volunteering law is back on the agenda
Belarusian parliament plans to reintroduce the draft law On Volunteer Activity, frozen since 2021.
Belarus: Violations in receiving foreign aid to be classified as extremist activities
Individuals can now end up on the list of people involved in extremist activities for violating the procedure for receiving and using foreign aid.
Belarus: New registration bill is not a game changer for CSOs
The new law does not introduce any significant changes to the registration of legal entities, nor does it correct current drawbacks.
Belarus: Restrictions on CSO tax declarations eased
CSO tax returns may again be submitted on paper, alleviating the financial and administrative burden of filing them electronically.
Belarus rolled back some excessive licensing requirements on social services
Government has rolled back some elements of the newly-introduced licensing requirements on social service providers, because of their negative impact on the care homes sector.
Belarus: Weekend of unfree elections marked by internet and VPN blocking
Between January 25 and 26, websites hosted inside Belarus were blocked for viewing by foreign visitors, and popular VPNs were blocked for users inside the country.
Belarus: Ahead of the January 26 presidential election, criminal charges against any opposition still used to suppress civic activity
Despite the release of over 200 political prisoners in 2024, the upcoming election is marked by hundreds of new criminal cases and thousands of ongoing persecutions.