NOTA BENE (NB)

Latin catch phrase, which translates as: "Notice well, that is, pay attention." Often used as a mark in text

Year of historical memory

December 31, 2021 President of the Republic of Belarus A.G. Lukashenka signed a decree declaring 2022 the Year of Historical Memory . The moment of signing was shown on television during the broadcast of the New Year's address of the head of state to the Belarusian people. In his New Year's address, the President emphasized: “Setting new goals for ourselves, we know that it is not in our power to predict everything, but it is in our power to determine the main thing for ourselves in the coming year.

This is something that should be in the memory of generations and in the heart of everyone. These are our real sources - that life-giving force that has nourished and shaped our spiritual and moral world for centuries. Even today we draw wisdom, experience and faith in ourselves from it.

Therefore, 2022 will be the Year of Historical Memory . For without respect for the past, without traditions, there is no future, there is no state and no people.” The decree notes that the Year of Historical Memory is declared in order to form an objective attitude of society towards the historical past, to preserve and strengthen the unity of the Belarusian people.

Draft amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus for nationwide discussion

The end of the outgoing 2021 in the Republic of Belarus was marked by a historic moment. On December 27–28, 2021, the draft amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus were published on the website of the President, the Internet portal of the National Center for Legal Information, BELTA, in the country's leading print media for public discussion. All publications provide the full text of the current constitution, in which changes, additions, deletions of paragraphs and phrases are marked differently (usually in green).

The presented draft was the result of proposals from citizens sent to state bodies and voiced at one and a half thousand dialogue platforms, as well as the work of the special Constitutional Commission throughout 2021. Statesmen, politicians, representatives of the expert community note that the changes and additions have been prepared taking into account the current situation, the dictates of the times, new challenges and threats. Despite the fact that, to one degree or another, certain changes have occurred in all sections of the document submitted for discussion, the draft retains continuity with the current Constitution.

The public discussion begins. Everyone can contribute to real state building.

Proposals from citizens will be accepted by any state bodies of our country: the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus, the Government - the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, the Parliament - the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, regional executive committees. Coordination of work on collecting and summarizing the responses of citizens on the draft amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, submitted for public discussion, is carried out by the National Center for Legal Information.

Countering extremism

In the context of the global crisis, cardinal economic, socio-political, ideological transformations, the threat of extremism increases many times over. At present, everyone can become a victim of various kinds of extremism, or they themselves can be involved in extremist activities.

The Republic of Belarus has a law on countering extremism (as amended on May 15, 2021). In this law, extremism is defined as the activity of citizens or political parties, trade unions, other public associations, religious and other organizations, including foreign or international organizations, or their representative offices, formations and individual entrepreneurs in planning, organizing, preparing and committing attacks on independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty, the foundations of the constitutional order, and public security.

Extremist activities include: the implementation of terrorist acts, the public justification of terrorism, calls for violence, hooligan actions and riots (arson of cars, pogroms of shops, attacks on citizens or law enforcement officers), incitement of social, racial, national or religious hatred, rehabilitation of Nazism, propaganda and public demonstration of Nazi symbols and paraphernalia, financing of extremist activities, etc. Study the law, which clearly lists the many types of extremist activities, actors (government agencies) and measures to counter extremism. Remember: ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Offers can be sent to the specified center

• by e-mail sbor@ncpi.gov.by ;
  • by filling out an electronic form located on the National Legal Internet Portal at https://sbor.pravo.by ;
• in writing to the address: 220030, Minsk, st. Bersona, 1a, NCPI, marked "Constitution".