Poland in the Council of Europe

The concert served to express a solidarity with Belarus and its nation's aspirations for a sovereign, independent and democratic state.  The aim was also to remind of the growing number of political prisoners repressed by the Lukashenko regime.

The event was officially opened by the Permanent Representative of Poland to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Jerzy Baurski, who noted that by this concert we pay tribute to political prisoners in Belarus because they had the courage to fight against rigged elections. He also recalled about 300,000 Belarusians who have found refuge in Poland, as well as in other European countries: "We must think about them and remember their courage" - he stated.

The audience at the concert consisted of representatives of member states and observers of the Council of Europe, as well as representatives of the Belarusian democratic opposition. The Director of Political Affairs and External Relations of the Council of Europe, Mr. Miroslav Papa, and the Plenipotentiary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for cooperation with Belarusian democratic circles, Mr. Artur Michalski, were also present.

During the evening, the band introduced the gathered guests to traditional Polesia's songs in Polish and Belarusian language. The songs were presented in an unusual jazz arrangement. The vocalist, Ulyana Hedzik shared her childhood memories, the personal meaning of the songs and her inspirations while recording the album. These comments added value to the audience's understanding of the folklore of Polesia.

We want to pay tribute to all political prisoners, their families, and all those Belarusians who have the courage to stand up for freedom, sovereignty as well as respect for basic human rights.