Jailed trade union hero Aliaksandr Yarashuk awarded the Arthur Svensson International Prize for 2025
Aliaksandr Yarashuk is being honoured for his uncompromising defence of workers rights and democracy in Belarus, a state which has imprisoned him for his fight.
– It is completely absurd that a man who is member of ILO Governing Body is currently in prison for standing up for workers’ rights. Trade unionism is not a crime, says union leader Frode Alfheim of Forbundet Styrke, who is also the head of the Svensson Committee.
– The regime in Belarus is trying to silence Yarashuk and quiet his voice in international forums such as the ITUC and the ILO, says Alfheim.
Jailed in his home country for standing up for workers rights
Yarashuk is President of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), Vice-President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Governing Body.
Watch our video about this year’s award winner:
Since 2022, he has been imprisoned for peacefully defending fundamental rights – a role which is internationally recognised, but in his country may lead to severe retribution.
Symbol of hope
Since the peaceful protests after the 2020 election, the regime in Belarus has intensified its attacks on civil society. More than 40 trade union leaders and activists have been imprisoned, and all independent trade unions have been forcibly dissolved by court order. Yarashuk has become a symbol of resistance, hope and international solidarity.
– The labelling of Yarashuk and other political prisoners in Belarus as “extremists” is part of a dangerous global trend. Anti-democratic forces are trying to crackdown freedom of expression and freedom of association. Fortunately, there are counter-forces – and Yarashuk is one of these forces. His fight is not just about Belarus, but about fundamental rights all over the world, and he gives us hope, says Alfheim.
This is the second time the Arthur Svensson Prize has been awarded to the Belarusian trade union movement. In 2021, the prize was awarded to the BKDP and its member unions. But the situation has deteriorated dramatically. With this year’s prize, the committee wants to honour Yarashuk’s tireless efforts and personal sacrifices in the fight for justice.
About the prize:
The Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights is awarded annually by the Union Styrke to individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding effort for trade union rights internationally. The prize is worth 500,000 NOK and supports the work of the prize winner and brings international attention to their struggle.
The prize ceremony will take place in Oslo on June 11, 2025, where Yarashuk will be honoured – either physically or symbolically, depending on the situation – in the presence of trade union leaders, politicians and international guests.
