an international conference on the genocide of the Belarusian people

This month, the Yanka Kupala Grodno State University hosted an international scientific and practical conference on the topic: “Genocide of the Belarusian People: Historical and Legal Assessment.” Organised by the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Belarus, the event brought together key institutions, including the Scientific and Practical Center for Problems of Strengthening Legality and Law and Order, the Prosecutor’s Office of the Grodno Region, and the University Administration, to discuss critical findings and ongoing efforts in addressing the atrocities committed during the Great Patriotic War (World War II).

documenting the atrocities

Before the conference, participants had the opportunity to view photo documentary exhibitions organised by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office and students of Kupala University. These exhibitions formed part of an interdisciplinary project titled “Genocide of the Belarusian People: Memory and Pain of the Grodno Land,” highlighting historical evidence and personal accounts of the devastation that befell Belarus during the Nazi occupation.

insights from the Prosecutor General

During the conference, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus, Andrei Shved, provided an update on the investigation into the genocide of the Belarusian people during the war. His report included significant progress in the investigation:

• Over 19,000 witnesses of Nazi atrocities have been interrogated, contributing valuable firsthand testimony.
• A comprehensive video archive has been created to ensure that future generations can learn from these accounts.
• More than 100 sites of mass destruction have been examined, with ongoing investigations continuing.
• Analysis of burned villages indicates that approximately 12,000 settlements were either completely or partially destroyed, including at least 288 villages and towns that suffered the same fate as Khatyn.
• Inquiries have been sent to over 30 countries to trace collaborators who have evaded justice. The goal is to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.

international cooperation and new findings

The German authorities have recently begun transferring post-war documentation to Belarusian prosecutors, providing crucial insights into Nazi war crimes. Additionally, a vast collection of over two million pages of documents, mostly in German, has been obtained. Some records have come from Germany and others from the Russian archives. These materials include records from military units involved in punitive operations across the USSR, offering previously unexplored evidence.

film screening and project signing

A key moment of the conference was the screening of the documentary “Without the Right to Be Forgotten,” which delves into the impact of the genocide in Belarus. Another highlight was the signing ceremony of the interdisciplinary project “Genocide of the Belarusian People: Memory and Pain of the Grodno Land”, furthering academic and legal efforts to document and address historical injustices.

recognition for The Together Plan’s Country Director

Among the distinguished attendees was Artur Livshyts, Chair of the Jewish Religious Union of Belarus and Country Director of The Together Plan. Artur’s contributions to uncovering historical evidence have been invaluable. Last November, he received a letter of gratitude from Prosecutor Alexander Zhukov of the Grodno region for assisting in retrieving crucial materials related to Nazi crimes in the Korelichi district. His efforts helped reconstruct events, bringing investigators closer to identifying those responsible.

During the conference, Artur was ceremoniously awarded the “For the Advance” medal by Prosecutor Alexander Zhukov in recognition of his assistance in the investigation of war crimes, specifically in the case against the Chief of Police of the urban settlement of Mir.

looking ahead

The work to document, investigate, and bring justice to the victims of the Holocaust and the broader genocide in Belarus continues. This conference was a significant step forward, highlighting the importance of remembrance, historical accountability, and the pursuit of justice.

At The Together Plan, we remain committed to supporting these efforts, ensuring that history is preserved and that those who suffered are never forgotten.

Together, we remember. Together, we build a future.