The Belarus Democratic Forum has announced the launch of a major international campaign calling on qualified nominators and world leaders to nominate U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Special Envoy for Belarus John P. Coale for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Official appeals have been dispatched to over 150 members of national parliaments, numerous heads of state, and Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
The deadline for submitting official nominations to the Nobel Committee is January 31.
This initiative highlights the decisive diplomatic engagement and personal leadership of President Donald Trump in securing the release of political prisoners in Belarus. Throughout 2025, direct U.S. diplomatic intervention played a pivotal role in the liberation of hundreds of Belarusian citizens detained for their peaceful civic activities. Many prominent leaders of the democratic movement, journalists, and human rights defenders—including Viktor Babariko, Maria Kalesnikava, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski—were released due to the steadfast efforts of the Trump administration and Special Envoy John P. Coale.
The Belarus Democratic Forum also notes successful outcomes for foreign nationals, including citizens of the United Kingdom, Latvia, Poland, Germany, France, and Ukraine, whose freedom was secured through the decisive role of the United States.
While many citizens remain in custody, the Forum expresses full confidence that President Trump and his administration will sustain their efforts to liberate all remaining prisoners and secure the dismissal of all politically motivated charges, the closure of criminal cases, and an end to repression in Belarus. This goal aligns with the central appeal of a group of 75 Nobel laureates who previously appealed to President Trump and other world leaders.
To ensure sustainable progress, President Trump appointed experienced American diplomat and lawyer John P. Coale as Special Envoy for Belarus in November 2025. This represents a rare U.S. diplomatic mandate focused exclusively on humanitarian aid and mediation within a single country. Mr. Coale’s strategic negotiation skills and diplomatic leadership have been instrumental in advancing the dialogue that led to significant releases throughout 2025.
The call for this Nobel Peace Prize nomination is viewed as a vital tool to guarantee that the situation in Belarus remains a priority for U.S. foreign policy. We are convinced that recognizing the successes achieved thus far will provide a new impulse for the release of all those remaining in prison, the cessation of political persecution, and the dismissal of criminal cases. Realizing this scenario will pave the way for 500,000 forced exiles to return home safely, effectively ending the largest humanitarian crisis in the heart of Europe.
The Belarus Democratic Forum is a global civic network advocating for democratic freedoms, justice for political prisoners, and a peaceful transition to democracy in Belarus. The Forum promotes international solidarity, diplomatic engagement, and strategic advocacy to protect fundamental human rights and support Belarusian civil society.