🇧🇾 Belarus — Country of Origin Information for UK asylum
Since 2020 — largest wave of repression since Soviet era. UN Group of Independent Experts (February 2025) found "reasonable grounds to believe" crimes against humanity are being committed in Belarus. 8,519 criminal prosecutions since 2020, 1,100+ remain detained. Cooperation with Russia on extradition of draft evaders and opposition.
How to use this COI at your interview
- Before the substantive interviewPrint or save 2-3 key sources (CPIN if available, HRW World Report, local NGO). Interviewers may ask — best to have them ready.
- Link source to your storyIf CPIN says "in country X, Y happens" — your job is to show Y happened to you / your family / your circle. Not just citation — connection to facts.
- Give your lawyer all sources before submissionThe solicitor / IAA adviser will draft the skeleton argument with the right citations. Your job is to provide materials and context.
- If refused — COI for the appealAppealing at First-tier Tribunal without COI is nearly impossible. SAR + new sources after refusal = key to a successful appeal.
Authoritative sources
ranked by strength in UK TribunalsUK Tribunal hierarchy: CPIN > UNHCR Eligibility > HRW World Report > Amnesty annual > Freedom House > country-specific NGO. Higher = more cited in Tribunal decisions.
- Viasna (Весна) — политзаключённые · Political
- Human Constanta — права человека · Political
- Наша Ніва — независимая медиа (заблокирована в РБ) · Press
- BAJ — Белорусская ассоциация журналистов · Press
- PEN Belarus — преследование писателей и журналистов · Press
- UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus (annual) · Political
- OMCT — World Organisation Against Torture · Detention
Recent events
for context at interviewWhat to gather for interview
UK Tribunals assess credibility from concrete evidence. Cases from Belarus typically need:
- Court decisions / sentences under Belarus political articles (Criminal Code Art. 130, 342, 361, 369)
- Viasna political prisoner lists with link to your case or relative
- Telegram channel screenshots (declared "extremist" by KGB)
- Criminal case opening orders (if any)
- Confirmation of 2020 protest participation (photo/video)
- NGO confirmation letters from Human Constanta or other accredited organisation
- For journalists: confirmation of work at independent media + outlet liquidation
Tip: file a SAR request to the Home Office before submitting additional evidence — you'll see what they already hold.
Important: StartNewLife UK is a referral directory, not an immigration advice service within the meaning of the UK Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, s.84. This page is general information and navigation, not individual legal advice. All lawyers in the database are regulated by the SRA, IAA or BSB — verify their status on the public registers before instructing. For individual advice on your case, contact an SRA solicitor or IAA adviser directly.