In connection with the information about cases of unacceptable behavior on the part of Andrei Stryzhak, co-founder of the BYSOL Solidarity Foundation, who, according to several Belarusian activists, sent unsolicited explicit photos and committed other unsolicited sexualized acts, we, representatives of the Belarusian human rights community, declare the following.
We express our support to the victims, treat their words with seriousness and sympathy, and are grateful to those who have found the strength to speak out.
We consider any sexualized actions or communication performed without explicit and freely given consent to be unacceptable. Committed without consent, such actions are a form of violence. In situations involving an imbalance of power, such actions become particularly dangerous and destructive, creating a climate of psychological danger.
We support the decision of the BYSOL Foundation to initiate an internal investigation and suspend Andrei Stryzhak from his leadership position and from representing the organization during the investigation. We consider this a necessary and responsible step.
We regret to acknowledge that the problem of indecent behavior in the civil sector, including sexualized violence, rudeness, humiliation, or other forms of unacceptable interaction, is much broader than the situation under consideration, is complex, and requires a systematic response from the entire community.
We emphasize the importance of an open and comprehensive discussion on these issues to develop ethical standards and to strengthen the culture of human rights and safe interaction. Discussions and any investigations, despite all the complexity, must remain objective and balanced.
We emphasize the need to follow the rules of professional ethics not only in situations of direct subordination or interaction with beneficiaries, but also in horizontal relationships with colleagues in the sector, where there is no formal dependence. We remind you that the Principles of the Work of Human Rights Defenders in Belarus extend to the relations between human rights defenders and their relations with the representatives of other professional communities.
We remind you that human rights work and any other activity related to helping people imposes a special social responsibility on those who carry it out. The conditions of forced migration, experienced by a significant part of the democratic and human rights communities today, create additional vulnerabilities, and responsibility becomes even more important. It requires not only compliance with professional standards, but also developed self-regulation, that is, the willingness of everyone to openly discuss difficult topics, respond to unacceptable behavior, and take personal responsibility for their actions and the climate in the community.
Based on the above, we call on civil society organizations, media, political structures, and other institutions:
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In any sensitive communication, follow the principle of explicit consent.
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Exclude any use of power imbalance.
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Do not abuse social capital (of a representative of civil society, media, political structures, and other institutions) in your personal life.
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Make a proactive contribution to creating a safe and respectful environment: develop your own sensitivity and social competence, respond to unacceptable behavior from members of the community, and support those who report such behavior.
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Take measures to combat the culture of violence on a personal and professional level, and, if necessary, adopt and implement appropriate organizational policies.
We stress the need to provide assistance and support to victims of violence. We also express our willingness to cooperate in the development and implementation of policies and practices, in accordance with a human rights-based approach, in the activities of civil society organizations and democratic forces.
Barys Zvozskau Belarusian Human Rights House;
PEN Belarus;
Belarusian Helsinki Committee;
Human Constanta;
Lawtrend;
Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
Human Rights Center Viasna;
Legal initiative;
Respect-Protect-Fulfill.
