Minsk youth urges to participate in the referendum

Young people of the Minsk Region continue participating in discussions of the draft Constitution – demonstrating an active civic position

Ilya Doliveilo, a specialist in social work at the Borisov District Territorial Centre for Social Services of Population, a member of the Youth Parliament at Minsk’s Regional Council of Deputies, shares his view on the importance of amendments to the Basic Law, their nationwide discussion and the upcoming referendum.

“When the draft Constitution became available to wide public, I personally had a lot of questions but the dialogue platforms – where the Basic Law was discussed with participation of the Constitutional Commission members – helped me understand why certain norms are added or amended. Among them are, for example, patriotic education and preservation of historical memory. Isn't that our duty? I am a grandson of a winner; my grandfather returned from the war with a disability. For me and – I guess – for everyone – these issues are obvious. However, sadly, we see how history is being rewritten and blackened, and how our neighbours behave. With this in view, these seemingly basic truths are added to the Constitution,” he explains.

The young man adds, “The country has made a big step forward, and we now have an opportunity to influence the future, to build the state we want. Those people who soberly evaluate the international situation and modern challenges understand that it is merely impossible to sit it out. The future depends on participation of each of us. Dialogue platforms have truly become venues for nationwide discussions. I am convinced that people will take part in the referendum. It cannot be otherwise.”