My name is Nastasya Azarka. I am an activist from Belarus and for many years I was involved in protest and human rights initiatives. In the early 2000s, I joined activism through Malady Front, and in 2004 human rights defenders recognized me as a prisoner of conscience. During the 2020 elections, I also did not stay on the sidelines: I wrote texts, participated in neighborhood initiatives, engaged in human rights activities, helped with legal issues, supported detainees, compiled a COVID database, and stayed in touch with people assisting others in leaving the country.
Fortunately, at first my activity went unnoticed by the law enforcers, but in June 2020, because of my civic stance, I was fired from my official job, and in September of that year, I also lost my side work.
In 2021, the law enforcers found out about me, likely by studying photos and videos from the 2020 protests. I learned that I was mentioned in a criminal case of another activist and could be arrested. In addition, the guardianship authorities began to threaten to deprive me of parental rights. To avoid persecution, I first moved with my underage daughter from our city to Hrodna, and in June 2022 – to Poland.
Since then, we have been living in Poland. Until recently, I worked at a factory, but I have been without a job for a month now. Shortly before my dismissal, my already modest salary, which together with social benefits barely covered the essentials, was reduced, and the child allowance payments were suspended during the replacement of my residence permit card. We had no savings, and as a result I fell into debt, and due to lack of money I received a large fine for fare evasion. I simply have nothing to pay for rent, and the fridge is empty.
Old health problems worsened – injuries, neurological and gynecological issues: my teeth are ruined, I need sanitation and subsequent implants, and inflammations keep recurring. Even with a doctor’s referral, examinations are constantly postponed because of long queues. After persecution and forced relocation, therapy with a psychologist working with PTSD was recommended to me, in order to stabilize sleep and anxiety, recover, and fully take care of my child.
I am asking for support because I cannot cope alone with basic expenses: I need to cover rent, debts, and undergo primary examinations and treatment, so as to stabilize our situation and hold on in a new place.
Fundraising Goal
€3000
€900 – 2 months of rent
€1500 – dental treatment and psychological consultations
€600 – basic needs and clothing