<p>The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supports the strengthening of civil society and independent media outlets in Belarus. Of the extra £1.5m in additional funds to be spent over two years, we have so far contracted £1m of extra media support this financial year, which is being implemented to ensure that independent media outlets and civil society organisations in Belarus can continue to operate. UK funding will help train journalists, provide support to those who have been detained by the authorities and also help replace equipment that has been destroyed or confiscated. The operating environment for civil society and independent media in Belarus remains difficult and we are unable to disclose details of the specific organisations in receipt of UK aid, as this information could then be used to actively attempt to disrupt support and endanger the safety of their staff.</p>