Buy Polina K. a safe space

Hi, I’m Polina — a Belarusian activist, volunteer, and advocate for human rights. I left my home country seeking safety after facing political persecution, including imprisonment for my anti-war stance on the situation in Ukraine. Now living in Vilnius, Lithuania, I’m striving to rebuild my life and continue making a positive impact, though it has been a challenging journey.

For years, I worked on the ground in Belarus, supporting independent media, coordinating international coverage, and volunteering alongside organizations dedicated to human rights. I spent countless hours helping political prisoners and their families, waiting outside detention centers and courts, documenting harsh realities, and lending my own voice to make sure the world heard what was happening. I never asked for any financial compensation for this work; it was simply what I felt needed to be done.

Now, however, I find myself in need of help. My financial situation is critical; I am close to losing my apartment, and without stable housing, I may have no choice but to return to Belarus. This would bring an extremely high risk of further imprisonment, especially with elections approaching in less than three months. The regime has intensified its targeting of those who were active during the previous election, and you may remember just how brutal that time was.

By supporting me here, you’re not only helping me through an incredibly difficult time but also empowering me to continue my journey of advocacy and community work. Thank you for being part of my story and for any support you can provide — it truly means the world to me.