IBDED — Democracy and the Rule of Law in Europe

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**An independent initiative founded by Belarusians to document the legal and administrative challenges faced by Belarusians in Europe and develop practical solutions to protect their rights and secure their legal status.

Working across Portugal and Spain.**

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Hello! We are a community of Belarusian professionals, creators, academics, and entrepreneurs united by a shared commitment to continuing the democratic legacy of our people since the 1990s.

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ABOUT US

IBDED — Belarusian Initiative for Democracy and the Rule of Law — emerged from the experience of Belarusians living in Portugal who have faced serious difficulties obtaining, renewing and legalizing essential identity and civil-status documents.

The initiative was formed by people with direct experience of navigating these problems through administrative and judicial procedures. Their cases, collective experience and documented interactions with public institutions became the basis for a broader research and advocacy platform.

IBDED brings this experience together to document the problems faced by Belarusians in Europe, examine how existing legal frameworks are applied in practice, and develop evidence-based solutions.

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OUR GOAL

Our goal is to help ensure that Belarusians living in Europe can obtain the documents, legal status and administrative recognition necessary to live, work, and exercise their rights lawfully.

We work towards practical solutions within existing legal frameworks, while also examining whether specific legal or administrative arrangements are needed for Belarusians whose circumstances are not adequately addressed by ordinary procedures.
These solutions may include simplified administrative procedures, recognition of alternative identity or travel documents, specific legal status, or other mechanisms that allow people to maintain a secure and lawful status without being forced to return to a country where exercising their rights may expose them to serious risks.
Our own experience is the starting point. Our objective is to turn that experience into evidence, research and practical solutions that can benefit Belarusians facing similar problems across Europe. </aside>

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WHAT WE DO

IBDED researches how legal and administrative frameworks affect Belarusians in Europe and translates documented cases, institutional practice and legal research into practical resources for people, civil society and decision-makers.

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Research

Examine EU and national law, administrative procedures and institutional practice.

Document

Collect and organise official documents, administrative decisions, case materials and documented experiences.

Assess

Identify how legal rules apply in practice, where gaps or conflicts arise, and what legal safeguards may be available.

Develop solutions

Compare existing mechanisms across countries and identify practical legal and administrative approaches to documented problems.

Share knowledge

Publish legal assessments, comparative research and accessible educational materials for people and institutions working on these issues.

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OUR APPROACH

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SUPPORT IBDED

Research · Documentation · Translation · Legal Expertise · Country Cooperation · Funding

Help us build an independent European platform documenting the legal challenges faced by Belarusians and developing practical solutions based on evidence and law.

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OUR WORK

Comparative Legal Research

Legal Analysis and Research

Quick Links

A Comparative Research on Emerging Legal Mechanisms for Belarusians Without Effective Access to National Documents: Spain, Cyprus, Poland

Belarusian Digital Democracy and Network State Infrastructure: From Golos to Digital Identity, Legal Tech, and Distributed Governance

Legal Assessment of Expired Belarusian Passports and the Issuance of Travel Documents in Europe

Legal Assessment of the Withdrawal of Temporary Protection from Belarusians Legally Residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 Who Cannot Safely Return to Their Country of Origin

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PUBLICATIONS

Our research is also communicated through short-form educational and analytical content, making complex legal developments and institutional practice accessible to a wider audience.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcpuC8OqgW3/?igsi=MWpibDV3MzI5bThueA==

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CONTACT AND COLLABORATION

IBDED welcomes contact from individuals, researchers, journalists, civil society organizations, Belarusian democratic forces and public institutions working on issues relevant to our research.

Individuals

Civil Society and Democratic Forces

International and Country Cooperation

Institutions and Media

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WAYS TO CONNECT

Please do not send sensitive personal documents or confidential information by email unless specifically requested. IBDED does not provide individual legal representation or legal advice. We currently work only in Portugal and Spain. If you are interested in developing a local initiative or acting as a point of contact for your country, reach out to us.

CONTACTS

Email: [email protected] Instagram: IBDED (@@legal.pt)

LEGAL NOTICE

IBDED materials are for informational and research purposes only and do not constitute individual legal advice or a substitute for professional legal assistance. The information reflects the legal situation and available sources at the time of publication and may change as legislation and administrative practice evolve. IBDED is not responsible for decisions made solely on the basis of the materials available on this website.

Legal.pt · Privacy Policy · Cookie Policy · Terms of Use · Contact · Português · Español · English · Беларуская

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