|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
 |
  |
Belarus
>> Regional Overview >> Belarus Overview
Program Summary
Previous Years' Activities
2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997
Last updated: 02
Introduction
The United States has a geopolitical interest in promoting the development of a democratic, market-oriented, independent Belarus. While Belarus is not a direct threat to U.S. national security, the authoritarian regime has potentially destabilizing effect on its neighbors, the region, and through its relations with outcast totalitarian states that could have adverse effects on U.S. national interests. The preference for authoritarian political control and centralized management of the government produces violations of rule of law and human rights. The limited experience of the democratic opposition, weak organization of civil society, and fragile economy are serious impediments for the transformation of Belarus to a free market democracy.
Under the U.S. Government policy of "Selective Engagement," the USAID program in Belarus seeks to "increase better informed citizen participation in civic and private economic activities" by working exclusively with private civil society and business organizations. The USAID strategy to provide citizens direct experience with democratic institutions within a market economy continues to face many obstacles.
Development Challenge
Belarus continues as an authoritarian state and a centrally controlled economy under President Alexandr Lukashenko, first elected in 1994 in a vote judged to be free and fair. Concentrating power in his own hands, Lukashenko initiated the 1996 Referendum to amend the 1994 Constitution. The referendum broadened Lukashenko's control over both legislative and judicial powers, and extended his term an additional two years. Parliament was dissolved and a new bicameral parliament loyal to Lukashenko was created. The results of this referendum and the legitimacy of the new parliament were not recognized by western governments, nor was the current Parliament elected in 2000.
The Government of Belarus (GOB) remains hostile to the adoption of any significant economic reforms. Despite the Government's optimistic reports of continued growth of the GDP and industrial output, actual economic indicators, such as the inefficient production of enterprises, decreasing profit margins, and a growing trade deficit reflect the dismal condition of the economy. The reported economic growth comes from exhausting previously accumulated resources. Despite some positive changes in the National Bank's monetary policy, economic regulation is still based on command and control methods. Inefficient enterprises are kept afloat by regular infusions of resources transferred from profitable industrial enterprises. Government control of the economy is justified by the state's desire to neutralise the social impact of the transition. In practice, these controls curtail almost all positive economic activities. According to opinion polls, Belarusians are increasingly dissatisfied with the current state of the economy. Recent polls revealed for the first time in several years a small but significant shift among the electorate towards democratic reform.
The current regime continues to impede Belarus' transition to a free market economy and transparent, participatory democracy. In 2000, rule by presidential decree extended to all aspects of government, without legislative and judicial checks. Security services continue to use force and administrative sanctions to intimidate supporters of the opposition. Disappearances of prominent opposition leaders continue without adequate investigation. Government restrictions on private organizations and initiatives through taxation and regulation, even using its control over property for offices and meetings, stifle civic organization, including even the most outspoken civil society organizations such as trade unions. Government interference with independent media and pro-democratic non-governmental organization (NGO) activities has intensified, as USAID assistance has helped these organizations counter the regime's increasing attacks on human and civil rights. Now, as the President aggressively seeks re-election in 2001, the Government uses state-controlled media to attack U.S. funded non-partisan political development activities. A recent Presidential Decree on foreign assistance that contradicts the constitution now threatens foreign aid recipients. It limits the areas of use of foreign aid, introduces government registration requirements for all NGO activities funded by foreign sources, and threatens to prosecute those who use donated funds and equipment without authorized agency permission. The U.S.-Belarus Bilateral Agreement is not fully recognized by the GOB and no tax or other privileges have been granted to USAID's implementing partners. Moreover, the GOB has increased its scrutiny of USAID activities.
Political developments in 2000 convinced USAID, the U.S. Embassy in Belarus, and the U.S. Department of State that USAID assistance programs should focus on support for a free and fair electoral process in the upcoming Presidential election, due to occur no later than September 2001. Therefore, the longer-term assistance strategy was refocused to a short-term effort in support of political pluralism and a democratic electoral process. USAID emphasizes involving more citizens, who have the strongest stake in an open democratic process and a free market economy, in civil society activities.
NGOs face an extremely unfavorable legal, political and economic environment for their formation and survival. USAID supports local NGOs that address the critical needs of the social sector, especially local citizen groups providing social services and advocacy for Belarus' most vulnerable groups -- the elderly, disabled, children/youth-at-risk. The state has introduced a complex, time-consuming and costly registration procedure, harassing unregistered NGOs with penalties and even criminal charges. During 2000, USAID expanded activities to provide legal support and education to strengthen NGOs, enabling a number of targeted organizations to successfully register or re-register. NGO forums with government representatives have successfully drafted and passed improved third sector legislation, an effort contributing to a growing recognition of NGO expertise and legitimacy.
USAID added new, non-partisan political party development activities to help prepare democratic parties to campaign in the presidential elections by training political party election observers, voter education, and get-out-the-vote campaigns. In 2002, USAID anticipates supporting a stronger, more transparent political process, in which democratic political parties develop coalitions and promote government accountability.
An independent media is an important element in ensuring government transparency and accountability. USAID's Professional Media II (ProMedia II) program provides financial and technical support to all types of media in Belarus and extra-territorial radio stations in Poland and Lithuania. To counter government attacks on the media, the program provided emergency grants to support publications and media outlets prior to the October 2000 parliamentary elections.
The rule of law program in Belarus focuses on the development of non-governmental institutions. USAID-supported rule-of-law programs worked with local Legal Advice Centers, professional lawyers associations, law students, and human rights organizations to build their organizational capacity and increase their staff of qualified lawyers, thus increasing citizens' access to legal advice. In FY 2002, depending on the election's outcome, and in the event that the GOB is ready for social reform, legal and judiciary reform may become a focus of the civil society development portfolio.
USAID's Small and Medium Enterprise Development program has been refocused to develop business skills, strengthen the lobbying capacity of business associations and their ability to organize and mobilize this active sector of the Belarusian population. USAID's humanitarian assistance effort favors disadvantaged groups by delivering U.S. donated commodities, equipment, medical supplies and clothing, principally excess property from the U.S. Department of Defense. The first tier recipients are local NGOs who in turn assist their respective constituencies. In an effort to address critical health care needs in communities, USAID has supported a hospital partnership program between U.S. medical and nursing schools and hospitals and Belarusian institutions.
Other Donors
The United States is the largest donor in Belarus providing funds to civil society organizations. In addition to USAID, the U.S. Embassy Democracy Commission also sponsors civil society development efforts in Belarus. The Open Society Institute, and the National Endowment for Democracy have no presence in the country but continue to support democratic forces. The European Union (EU) focuses its efforts on third sector development and regional cross-border activities. The United Nations Development Program has a wide range of activities with a relatively small budget. Both of these last two organizations work with the GOB. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has the mandate of monitoring the electoral process and developing political parties. Although the EU and individual European countries have been actively funding various activities, there is no other donor program with a comprehensive approach to building democracy such as USAID's.
FY 2002 Program
The opportunity provided by the upcoming Presidential election in 2001 to mobilize all democratically-oriented forces of the Belarusian society led USAID to increase its assistance to civil society, support for political pluralism, and the democratic electoral process. The outcome of the election will greatly influence the design of the USAID program in Belarus, and a variety of scenarios for assistance will be considered in the fall of 2001.
Should the election result in the continuation of the current regime, USAID would most likely continue its focus on Democracy and Governance. In addition, USAID would increase the level of effort for private economic sector development in order to build a clear association between open and transparent government and tangible private economic benefits. An assessment of the economic environment and opportunities for private business support and development will provide an information base for the subsequent program.
Activity Data Sheets
- 113-021 Increased, Better-informed Citizen Participation in Civic and Private Economic Activities
- 113-031 Human Suffering Reduced
Country Background Information Resources
CIA Factbook
Library of CongressNational Geographic Country Maps
 |
|||
Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
