Human rights defender's story: Olga Karach from Belarus

Olga Karach’s Journey as a Human Rights Defender

Olga Karach has been at the forefront of human rights advocacy in Belarus since she founded the International Centre for Civil Initiatives ‘OUR HOUSE’ in 2005. As the Chief of this grassroots organisation, Olga has dedicated her life to challenging State overreach and advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

Early Activism and Personal Challenges

Olga’s activism began during her university years when she engaged in social and literary movements aimed at fostering social cohesion. Over time, her focus shifted towards human rights, driven by personal experiences of state boundaries encroaching on private lives. Her involvement in human rights intensified as she faced significant personal risks, including arrest under suspicion of terrorism in 2011, which subjected her to police brutality and sexual harassment. Despite these challenges, Olga’s resolve only strengthened.

Advocacy and Achievements

Throughout her career, Olga has received multiple accolades recognising her bravery and dedication to human rights. Notably, she was named Human Rights Defender of the Year by Amnesty International Belarus in 2007, received the Radebeul Courage Prize in Germany in 2010, the International Bremen Peace Award in 2019, the Human Rights Award of the City of Weimar in 2022, and the Alexander Langer Prize in 2024. These awards underscore her relentless pursuit of justice and her significant impact on the human rights landscape in Belarus and beyond.

Current Focus and Vision

Olga’s current work involves fighting for the amnesty of children and teenagers unjustly imprisoned under harsh drug laws in Belarus. Her goal is to secure their release and reform the judicial standards applied to young offenders. Moreover, she strives to ensure equal rights for all citizens under the law, advocating for an independent judicial system free from governmental interference.

Olga Karach continues to inspire many by turning personal adversity into a catalyst for collective action. Her work not only highlights the struggles within Belarus but also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for human rights defenders globally. As she looks to the future, Olga is committed to expanding the space for civil liberty in Belarus, empowering individuals to stand up against governmental abuses, and paving the way for the next generation to inherit a more just society.