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BELARUS
>> Regional Overview >> Belarus Overview
Development Challenge FY2001 Program /
Activity & Budget InformationSummary Tables
Program Summary
Previous Years' Activities
2000, 1999, 1998, 199704
Introduction
Located at the crossroads between Russia and Europe, and between the Baltics and the Black Sea, Belarus’ status has an influence in the region. Belarus embodies the broader challenges of solidifying the gains to the world community that followed the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The United States has an interest in promoting the development of a democratic, market-oriented, independent Belarus. While Belarus itself does not directly threaten U.S. national security, the potential impact of its behavior on its neighbors and the region, and its potential future relations with rogue states, could undermine U.S. security. A recalcitrant Belarus could recreate dividing lines in Europe and damage European integration. USAID works at the grassroots in Belarus to build awareness of and demand for democracy and free market operations as means to improve prosperity, well being and stability. USAID’s program in Belarus supports the USAID, Agency objective, "Development of politically active civil society promoted." It also contributes to the Agency’s economic growth, health, and other democracy and governance objectives.
The Development Challenge
Belarus continues to have an authoritarian government and a centrally controlled economy although President Lukashenko was elected democratically in 1994. This regime continues to impede Belarus’ transition to a free market economy and transparent, participatory democracy. Power is heavily concentrated in the president’s hands, as it has been since the illegal constitutional referendum in November 1996. The referendum also extended President Lukashenko's term in office and resulted in dissolution of the legitimate parliament. Rule by presidential decree has extended to all aspects of society, tightly controlling property, without checks from legislative and judicial power. The role of political opposition groups is severely circumscribed. Security services continue to use force and administrative sanctions to intimidate and threaten supporters of the opposition. Disappearances of prominent opposition leaders have been inadequately investigated. Independent media are subjected to intimidation and onerous restrictions. The regime has threatened the legal status of many non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and sought to thwart independent activity by citizens at the community level. Nevertheless, opposition political leaders are determined and courageous in challenging the government and its policies.
The Belarusian Government remains hostile to the adoption of any significant economic reforms, notably by continuing multiple exchange rates. Although massive credits to the debt-ridden state sector allowed government officials to claim economic growth, living standards have declined for many segments of society as wages are eroded by high inflation. Significant and sustained depreciation in the value of the Belarusian ruble has resulted in a critical shortage of foreign currency. Basic necessities produced and needed in Belarus are exported, particularly to Russia, to help pay for imported fuel. Health conditions, particularly among children, are severe – due in part to the legacy of many years of abuse to the natural environment and radiation from the Chernobyl fallout. According to polls conducted by the Ministry of Economy, most Belarusian households foresee their economic status continuing to worsen. Belarusian families continue to be concerned for their welfare as economic conditions worsen. Early in 1999, polls revealed for the first time in several years a small, but significant shift among the electorate away from loyal support of the president and towards democratic reform.
The USAID program in Belarus has supported direct participation of citizens in democratic society and a free market economy, to help Belarusians understand through their own experience the importance of reform. Because the health and welfare of families and the community are strong motivators for self-reliant action, civic participation is most likely to emerge at the community level. Involving people in community-level efforts to solve problems of importance to them, and helping them to own and operate small enterprises, gives citizens the experience and confidence to support democratic and economic reforms. Special programs are being developed for the oblasts of Brest and Gomel, to determine the most effective approaches to community development and civic participation in Belarus.
Participation by private entrepreneurs in the economy generates understanding of, and support for economic reform. USAID funding for community-based economic activities promoting citizens’ participation in decision making has resulted in the privatization of municipally owned businesses. Over 2,000, small-scale enterprises have been transferred to private ownership – 49% of the eligible enterprises in the 23 cities where the project is operating. The transfer of apartment buildings to resident owners as condominiums has been proceeding rapidly. For existing small entrepreneurs the program provides advisors and educational courses to improve financial management, market research, legal rights protection and new business start-up. USAID is increasingly targeting assistance toward the informal sector (i.e., market vendors), who are predominantly women, the most rapidly developing entrepreneurial group in Belarus.
The USAID-supported, American Bar Association’s Central and East Europe Law Institute (ABA/CEELI) program in Belarus has fostered the development of the rule of law by working with local legal community leaders, legal associations, and law schools. ABA/CEELI’s activities are to enable Belarusians to value the rule of law and understand appropriate limits on the actions of government. USAID’s grant to International Research and Exchange Board/ProMedia) is offering moral, technical, and legal support to the independent media and media associations. This program provides access to foreign news services via the Internet. 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. USAID awards grants to NGOs to work in such areas as drug and alcohol rehabilitation, health services, and environmental protection. Funding also supports activities to raise public awareness of how NGOs can solve problems affecting families and the community.
In an effort to address critical health care needs in communities, USAID has supported a hospital partnership program implemented by the American International Health Alliance (AIHA), with U.S. medical and nursing schools and hospitals partnered with Belarusian institutions.
Other Donors
The United States is the largest donor to Belarus, providing funds to civil society organizations. Other bilateral donors – including the Germans, British, and Italians -- fund small programs, as does the UN Development Program. The European Union’s technical assistance program for the Commonwealth of Independent States has limited its programs to regional, cross-border activities. A number of Belarusian organizations have grants from private foundations such as Soros, MacArthur and Pew. Soros Foundation, formerly an important donor in Belarus, was forced by the Government to discontinue its presence. The Germans are the major source of support for private-sector restructuring programs in Belarus. The World Bank is not making new loans to Belarus, and the IMF has discontinued operations there.
Country Background Information Resources CIA Factbook
Library of CongressNational Geographic Country Maps
State Dept. Country Information
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Last Updated on: December 12, 2000 |
