#InclusiveBelarus: Leaving No One Behind in Achieving SDGs
From 24 October to 10 December for the first time in Belarus #InclusiveBelarus information campaign was held. #InclusiveBelarus is a joint initiative of all agencies of the United Nations in Belarus, which is aimed to achieve Goal 10: “Reduce Inequalities” of the SDGs. Manifold events had the purpose to raise such issues as discrimination, societal barriers, stereotypes and inequality in Belarusian society and to find the ways to build the society of equal opportunities leaving no one behind. Thus, a series of events was organized in each Belarusian regional center: Brest, Grodno, Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk and Minsk.
The International Organization For Migration was involved from the very beginning into the organization of the #InclusiveBelarus campaign. During the campaign, the IOM’s representatives held a number of events dedicated to problems connected with migration as well as to promotion migrants’ rights and well-being.
During #InclusiveBelarus “I Am a Migrant” exhibition developed within the same-named IOM’s campaign was demonstrated in 6 regional cities. The campaign is aimed to overcome stereotypes about migration and to draw attention to Belarusian migrants’ positive contribution to the development of the society. Besides, the participants of the campaign had an opportunity to get acquainted with an exhibition of human trafficking victims’ drawings created by adults and children – victims of human trafficking – who received complex reintegration help at the IOM’s Rehabilitation Centre.
Within the #InclusiveBelarus the IOM for the first time introduced an art installation “Invisible”, which consists of figures of men, women and children symbolizing Belarusian citizens who suffered from human trafficking. Each figure has a real story of a victim of human trafficking on it.
Forum theaters on the subject of human trafficking and discussions on migration at regional universities also became an important part of the IOM’s contribution to the #InclusiveBelarus information campaign. The IOM’s representatives discussed with students the problem of human trafficking, the main tendencies, safety measures and what every person can do to contribute to the fight with human trafficking. Furthermore, the IOM’s representatives informed the students about the latest IOM X campaign. Within the discussions on migration students had an opportunity to try on roles of international organizations’ representatives who support migration management for the benefit of the society, the representatives of society who are skeptical about migrants’ influx and authorities who make decisions on national migration policy based on the arguments presented by the two opposite sides. The discussions turned out to be lively, dynamic and interesting.
The campaign ended on 10th of December, on Human Rights Day. The closing ceremony, as well exhibitions and events were organized at the basis of the Minsk Railway station building. The final chord was a dancing flash mob.
The #InclusiveBelarus campaign held by the United Nations in Belarus in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Belarus, governmental and non-governmental organizations with the assistance of business representatives and international community continued the initiative “UN-70 Belarus Express for Sustainable Development Goals” aimed at achieving Goal 10 (Reduce Inequalities) and promotion of more profound discussion of the Agenda for Sustainable Development in Belarusian regions for the period until 2030.
