By Pacifist Barricade, January 23, 2025
It is a rare privilege to encounter truly exceptional individuals. I am delighted to share that I recently had the opportunity to meet someone whose life journey stands as a testament to courage, kindness, and perseverance. Her name is Olga Karath, a pacifist activist from Belarus. Olga has endured nightmarish experiences since the authorities in her homeland launched a sweeping crackdown against her, her family, and the human rights organization she founded—Nash Dom, or Our Home. Facing relentless persecution, she sought refuge in neighboring Lithuania, where she dedicated herself to helping men from Belarus and Russia escape compulsory military conscription in the war.
However, her challenges did not end in Lithuania. Her application for political asylum was denied, an outcome she attributes to what she describes as the authorities’ greater hatred of Russians than of war itself. In our fascinating conversation, she shared her insights on this harsh reality and the broader struggles she continues to face. Speaking with Olga made me realize just how crucial it is for us—people from Eastern Europe—to make our voices heard on the global media stage. It also underscored the importance of discussing not only antimilitarism but also the more subtle yet equally destructive economic warfare that shapes our world. Moreover, it is vital to address the trajectories of our countries and to explore the contrasting liberal and socialist interpretations of human rights—alongside the difficult dilemma of being forced to choose between them.
