Support to Veterans of the Great Patriotic War
World War II was the hardest ordeal in the history of the human civilization. For the Belarusian nation, the Great Patriotic War is not just history. Almost all Belarusian families were scathed by the war. Belarus lost every third citizen in that war.
This is why looking after veterans is a sacred moral duty in the country.
As of 1 May 2024, Belarus was home to:
- 1,100 veterans of the Great Patriotic War, including 500 disabled veterans and participants of the war;
- 7,300 citizens affected by the war, including 6,500 former prisoners of Nazi camps.
Support to war veterans and citizens affected by the war has always been one of the priorities of the country’s social policy. The policy is systemic and comprehensive.
The years 2024 and 2025 are special as they mark the 80th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from Nazi invaders and the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet nation in the Great Patriotic War.
In the run-up to the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from Nazi invaders, all regions of the country carried out inspections of living conditions of all veterans of the Great Patriotic War and some categories of citizens affected by the war. Those who needed it received the necessary assistance in response to applications received during the inspection.
Another social protection measure is health resort treatment. Health resorts provide recuperation services for citizens that are entitled to health resort treatment for free under the legislation.
In accordance with presidential Decree No. 281 of 21 July 2021, veterans of the Great Patriotic War and persons affected by the war receive annual financial aid in the run-up to Victory Day. In 2024, such aid was provided to 8,400 people.