News and Insights
Belarus: improving political engagement with diaspora communities
How do you sustain an opposition movement when your government has banned political parties? Political activist Ivan Kravtsov talks about his work during the 2020 Belarus election campaign and the challenges of politics in exile. Ivan is the executive secretary of the Coordination Council of Belarus and a key figure in his country’s opposition movement. He […]
Belarus: “I want to unite people through education”
Belarusian students have struggled to access international educational opportunities since the regime’s repression of dissenting voices and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. John Smith Fellow and political activist Lizaveta Trakhalina is working to change that. Lizaveta is a Belarusian lawyer working for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and an activist who believes […]
Belarus: an election without an opposition
Exiled journalist and John Smith Fellow Hanna Liubakova offers an analysis of the political climate in Belarus as President Lukashenka gears up for an election engineered to extend his 30-year rule. The mood in Belarus in the run-up to this month’s election is a “stark contrast” to that of the last election in August 2020, […]
Moldova must defend its democratic values
Russia’s interference in Moldova’s EU referendum and presidential election is a wake-up call we must not ignore, say John Smith Fellows Olimpia Gribincea and Ilie Chirtoacă. Moldova’s EU referendum delivered a shock to supporters of European integration, among them President Maia Sandu. The poll on 20 October saw 50.38% vote in favour of closer integration […]
Fellows call for Georgian state to protect human rights and end violence
John Smith Fellows from Georgia are calling for the state to protect human rights amid ongoing violence against peaceful protesters following the country’s parliamentary elections on 26 October. Georgian Dream, the pro-Russia ruling party, claimed victory with 54% of the vote in the elections but pro-EU opposition parties say the result was falsified. Since the […]
Justice for torture survivors in Belarus
What does justice look like for torture survivors when the perpetrators remain in power? Viktoryia Fiodarava is working on a plan to amplify the opinions of survivors of torture in Belarus. Thousands of people have suffered torture and other human rights violations during brutal repressions in Belarus ordered by President Lukashenka in the years since […]
Welcome to Lord Boateng
The Rt Hon. the Lord Boateng has recently joined the John Smith Trust as a special advisor. As Labour MP for Brent South from 1987 to 2005, Lord Boateng served under John Smith as shadow economic secretary. Like John, his career took him from law into politics. He went on to serve as Britain’s High […]
Building stronger ties between Scotland and Ukraine
The John Smith Trust has become a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Ukraine. Our role on the CPG is to strengthen collaborative connections between Scotland and Ukraine. Programme Manager Anna Makhlay, who is also a John Smith Fellow from Ukraine, is our representative on the group. Anna said: “Both Ukraine and […]
Ukraine: setting the scene for an inclusive recovery
Ukraine is planning for recovery and reconstruction as it continues to fight for its freedom. John Smith Fellow Victor Liakh, president of East Europe Foundation (EEF), shares his perspective on the role civil society can play in rebuilding his country. Why is it important to plan for recovery and reconstruction now, while the war is […]
Little Sun challenges disability stereotypes in Armenia
Disabled children and their families often face stigma, exclusion and poverty in Armenia. John Smith Fellow Tigranuhi Akopyan is changing attitudes and creating a workplace where disabled young people can shine. Tigranuhi is director of the Emili Aregak Center, a daycare centre for children with disabilities in the town of Gyumri and Aregak Bakery and […]
John Smith Trust launches Wider Europe and Central Asia Fellowship Programme
We’re inviting exceptional young professionals and change-makers from 10 countries to apply for our Wider Europe and Central Asia Fellowship Programme. We welcome applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
New law marks watershed for women in Kazakhstan
On 15 April, Kazakhstan passed a new law that criminalises domestic violence and strengthens measures to protect women and children. Civil servant Naila Mukhtarova explains why this is an important moment for Kazakh society.
John Smith Trust launches new 2024 Fellowship programme for Belarusians in exile
Apply now for our ‘Leaders in Exile: Future of Belarus’ Fellowship’ to support your work towards a free and peaceful society.
Georgian Fellows stand with protestors
John Smith Fellows Salome Ugalava and Tamar Oniani are at the forefront of efforts to oppose the “foreign agent” law, which has ignited mass protests across Georgia.
John Smith legacy: championing women in public life
On International Women’s Day (8 March), we held a special event with the John Smith Centre to celebrate women’s achievements and mark 30 years of John Smith’s legacy.
Launch of new leadership programme for Ukrainian women in UK
On International Women’s Day we are excited to announce our new leadership programme for Ukrainian women displaced by the current conflict and living in the UK.
“The real price is paid in lives and blood”
Kateryna Musiienko, a John Smith Fellow and city council member from Kremenchuk, Ukraine, talks about the impact of the war and calls on Ukraine’s partners to stand firm in their support.
The power of networks
Distributed networks provide a powerful means of bringing people together around a common purpose. Ray Svitla, from our Belarus Diaspora Fellowship Programme, explains how John Smith Fellows are putting this concept into action.
Breaking the cycle of youth offending
John Smith Fellow Zurab Sanikidze led the process to establish a joined-up child referral system in Georgia that reduces reoffending and helps children find a path to a better future.