MINSK, 19 August (BelTA) - Since 1999, Belarus has provided assistance on 90 occasions to 34 states affected by various emergencies, BelTA learned from the Emergencies Ministry of Belarus.
“The form and scope of Belarusian humanitarian assistance is varied and depends on the nature of an emergency, the scale of the destruction, the epidemiological situation and other factors. This can include sending rescue teams to respond quickly, providing humanitarian supplies, including food, basic necessities, and providing financial assistance. In particular, financial assistance was sent to Japan, China and Sri Lanka,” the ministry said. “Belarusian rescuers have repeatedly proved their professionalism and dedication by participating in humanitarian and rescue missions abroad. In 2014, they helped deal with the aftermath of large-scale floods in Serbia, and in 2017 and 2018, the Emergencies Ministry aviation was involved in extinguishing forest fires in Georgia’s Borjomi Gorge and in Latvia.”
The participation of Belarusian rescuers in the relief efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye in 2023 deserves special attention. According to the decision by the Belarusian president, a team of the Republican Special Response Unit ZUBR was sent to the disaster zone. Belarusian rescuers managed to save six lives, proving their highest professionalism and dedication.
In March-April 2025, the Belarusian search and rescue team, consisting of 33 employees and two search dogs, was sent to Myanmar to carry out rescue operations following the earthquake. In addition, a humanitarian cargo weighing 20 tonnes worth more than Br300,000, including frame tents, blankets and food, was sent to the Myanmar government as part of gratuitous assistance.
By the way, ZUBR is certified as a heavy-class Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team and is included in the list of teams recommended by the United Nations for international emergency response. “In August of this year, it successfully passed a re-certification to INSARAG standards, demonstrating the ability to deploy a base camp, conduct reconnaissance, organize rescue operations, provide assistance to victims and ensure the safety of staff. The assessment was conducted by 12 experts from Algeria, China, Jordan, Malaysia, the UAE, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, and Russia participated as observers," the Emergencies Ministry added.
Today, 19 August, the international community observes World Humanitarian Day, established by the UN General Assembly. This day is not merely a date on the calendar but a symbol of recognition for the selfless work of those who provide aid to people in distress. Guided by its unwavering principles of humanism and justice, Belarus actively participates in international humanitarian efforts, demonstrating its readiness to provide assistance in any crisis situation.
“The form and scope of Belarusian humanitarian assistance is varied and depends on the nature of an emergency, the scale of the destruction, the epidemiological situation and other factors. This can include sending rescue teams to respond quickly, providing humanitarian supplies, including food, basic necessities, and providing financial assistance. In particular, financial assistance was sent to Japan, China and Sri Lanka,” the ministry said. “Belarusian rescuers have repeatedly proved their professionalism and dedication by participating in humanitarian and rescue missions abroad. In 2014, they helped deal with the aftermath of large-scale floods in Serbia, and in 2017 and 2018, the Emergencies Ministry aviation was involved in extinguishing forest fires in Georgia’s Borjomi Gorge and in Latvia.”
The participation of Belarusian rescuers in the relief efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye in 2023 deserves special attention. According to the decision by the Belarusian president, a team of the Republican Special Response Unit ZUBR was sent to the disaster zone. Belarusian rescuers managed to save six lives, proving their highest professionalism and dedication.
In March-April 2025, the Belarusian search and rescue team, consisting of 33 employees and two search dogs, was sent to Myanmar to carry out rescue operations following the earthquake. In addition, a humanitarian cargo weighing 20 tonnes worth more than Br300,000, including frame tents, blankets and food, was sent to the Myanmar government as part of gratuitous assistance.
By the way, ZUBR is certified as a heavy-class Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team and is included in the list of teams recommended by the United Nations for international emergency response. “In August of this year, it successfully passed a re-certification to INSARAG standards, demonstrating the ability to deploy a base camp, conduct reconnaissance, organize rescue operations, provide assistance to victims and ensure the safety of staff. The assessment was conducted by 12 experts from Algeria, China, Jordan, Malaysia, the UAE, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, and Russia participated as observers," the Emergencies Ministry added.
Today, 19 August, the international community observes World Humanitarian Day, established by the UN General Assembly. This day is not merely a date on the calendar but a symbol of recognition for the selfless work of those who provide aid to people in distress. Guided by its unwavering principles of humanism and justice, Belarus actively participates in international humanitarian efforts, demonstrating its readiness to provide assistance in any crisis situation.
“Belarus's humanitarian assistance is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a manifestation of its responsible engagement in addressing global challenges. It demonstrates the country's active role on the international stage and fosters stronger mutual understanding and trust among nations. Humanitarian aid is a vital instrument of Belarusian foreign policy, underscoring the state’s commitment to the ideals of humanity, justice, and solidarity. On this World Humanitarian Day, we honor those who risk their own safety to aid others and reaffirm Belarus’s readiness to continue providing support to those in need, contributing to the building of a safer and more just world,” the Emergencies Ministry said. “A commitment to the ideals of mercy and compassion is a fundamental principle of Belarusian foreign policy. The country has established a highly efficient system for providing humanitarian assistance to affected states, with the decision-making process clearly regulated by a decree of the president of the Republic of Belarus.”
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