Belarusians in camps for displaced persons in West Germany in 1945–1952

Abstract

The article is devoted to the life of Belarusians in camps for displaced persons in West Germany, mainly in the British and American occupation zones. The period of “waiting” for further fate and departure to new countries and continents was characterized by another impetus for the Belarusians which, not surprisingly turned out to be a nation-building one. In Belarusian camps, perhaps even following the example of other national camps, there was schooling in the national language, active social and political life, and even religion. It was several years of Belarusians living in camps for displaced persons that became another stage in the existence of the Belarusian Autocephalous Church, which continues to exist in Belarusian diasporas around the world to this day. Printing numerous periodicals and public-political polemics in their columns, an active scouting movement, holding theatrical productions and secular events, creating professional unions - this is evidence that Belarusians held on to their identity, developed social ties that were active in new places throughout their lives. The camps were financial taken care of and control by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administrations (UNRRA). From 1 July 1947, the International Refugees Organization (IRO) but several years without ideological oppression and the imposition of someone else’s identity made it clear that Belarusians were able to independently expand their own cultural space.