A Belarusian woman with a child moved to France eight years ago and, after an unsuccessful marriage, became trapped in a bureaucratic system due to difficulties with legalisation. To avoid becoming homeless, she is asking for your support.
My name is Zhanna Klimenko, I am 53 years old. I have been living in France, in Strasbourg, for eight years. I moved here with my son in January 2018. Unfortunately, my marriage did not work out: two years later I had to get divorced and raise my child alone. Since then, my life has been a constant struggle to get through bureaucratic obstacles and remain in a legal situation.
In 2020, I openly spoke out against violence in Belarus: I took part in rallies in Strasbourg together with my son, and since February 2022 I have been regularly participating in demonstrations in support of Ukraine. I am active on social media, where I write about the protests and election fraud in Belarus and about supporting Ukraine. I support Belarusian volunteer fighters from the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment. Returning to Belarus is not an option for me or my son: because of my position and public statements, I fear political persecution.
Three years ago, the prefecture refused to renew my residence permit. Since 2022, I have had no legal status and no right to work. My Belarusian passport expired in December 2024. Recently, I received an order to leave the territory of France within 30 days. With the help of a lawyer, I filed an appeal and am seeking to have the decision reconsidered, asking the authorities to take into account the risk of persecution if I return to Belarus.
We live in an apartment provided by the state back when I still had valid documents. Due to the lack of income, a large rent debt has accumulated: there is already a court decision on eviction, and we are practically waiting for forced removal from the apartment.
The help I manage to find does not cover our basic needs. The food aid we receive lasts for three to four days, and the rest of the time we have to save on everything.
Now there are two of us: me and my minor son (17 years old), who is finishing local high school. We have no relatives in France, no one to stay with. I cannot work legally without valid documents, and illegal employment is prohibited in France.
I am asking everyone for urgent support so that we do not end up on the street and can at least cover basic expenses for food, communication, and bills while we appeal the prefecture’s decision and fight for legalisation. Thank you to everyone who responds. Any help will give us a chance to survive this period and stay safely and legally in France.
Fundraising goal
€3000
€1800 – housing rent for 3 months
€600 – debt on bills and mobile communication
€300 – other urgent debts
€300 – food