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Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya receives the award as a leader of peaceful resistance against the oppressive regime in Belarus and a prominent advocate of political and civil freedom in her country. Living in exile in Lithuania, she continues to fight for freedom and a better future for all Belarusians. Tirelessly, she works to garner international support, although this requires great personal sacrifice.

International Four Freedoms Award
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

More about Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is widely recognised as the winner of the presidential election in Belarus on August 9, 2020, with autocratic President Aleksandr Lukashenko as her opponent. Tsikhanouskaya's story began when she joined the election race after her husband was arrested for expressing presidential aspirations. Lukashenko publicly dismissed her as a "housewife" and said a woman cannot become president. Nevertheless, Tsikhanouskaya united and successfully led the democratic coalition. After her exile, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya inspired unprecedented peaceful protests in Belarus, with some rallies attracting at least 200.000 people. As leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, she has visited 26 countries to rally support. In doing so, she calls for the release of more than 900 political prisoners and a peaceful seizure of power through free and fair elections.

Speech Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Presenter

Prime Minister Mark Rutte presented the International Four Freedoms Award to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. According to Prime Minister Rutte, she is not only an inspiration to the people of Belarus, but also an example to the world. "The award recognises your work in Belarus and supports the fight for democracy around the world. You are a beacon of hope."

Watch his speech

Other laureates from 2022

Mai Khoi Do Nguyen
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Freedom of Speech Award

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Lian Gogali
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Freedom of Worship Award

Lian Gogali

Nice Nailantei Leng’ete
Nice Nailantei Leng’ete
Freedom from Want Award

Nice Nailantei Leng’ete

Unikuir
Unikuir
Freedom from Fear Award

ÜniKuir