Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Belarusian regime has taken a course toward the militarization of the state and public life. This trend has also affected the education sector. The Belarusian Students’ Association, together with the Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” prepared a report for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. We analyzed how the militarization of the education system is taking place, whether students can refuse to participate in militarized activities, what the state of Belarusian legislation on alternative service is, and whether Belarusian practices comply with international human rights standards.

Key trends in Belarusian education:

• Although a law on alternative service was adopted in 2015, it recognizes the right to refuse military service exclusively on religious grounds. This excludes protection for those guided by ethical, moral, or political beliefs, which contradicts international human rights standards.

• In recent years, education in Belarus has become part of a state mechanism for coercing children and youth into military training without the possibility of refusal based on conscientious objection. Academic freedom is severely restricted, and courses that are formally considered optional are, in practice, mandatory.

• Under the guise of patriotism, military training and discipline are being introduced in educational institutions. All schools have introduced the position of a military-patriotic education supervisor, who organizes paramilitary training activities and monitors students’ participation in them.

• Strengthening of military training in schools and universities: in 10th grade, the mandatory “pre-conscription training” for boys has been doubled in duration (up to 10 days) and now includes field training in military units. In higher education institutions, the network of military departments is expanding, and basic military training is planned to become mandatory for all students.

• Since 2023, programs for training in the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been actively introduced in schools and colleges. By September 2025, this training has become part of the school curriculum, closely linking technical skills with indoctrination.

• As militarized components are integrated into the mandatory curriculum, pupils and students have no opportunity to opt out them, even if this contradicts their beliefs. This creates a serious problem for rights protection, as the influence of military ideology begins long before conscription age.

Read the full report via the link!