Memorial to the prisoners of the Ozarichi death camp

The “Ozarichi” Memorial Complex is located in the Kalinkovichi District of the Gomel Region and stands as one of the most tragic places of remembrance in Belarus. Here, amid swamps and pine forests, the Nazis established a unique form of death camp in March 1944, using the inhumane tactic of mass infection of civilians. The memorial serves as a stark reminder of the scale of the atrocities and the immense suffering endured by peaceful citizens caught in the epicenter of a bacteriological war.

History

In the spring of 1944, the Nazi command created a chain of concentration camps in southern Belarus under the collective name «Ozarichi» (camps in the villages of Dert, Ozarichi, and Podosinnik). More than 50,000 people were forcibly relocated here — residents of Belarus and Russia, mostly women, children, the elderly, and the seriously ill. For the first time in history, the Nazis employed biological warfare against civilians: people were deliberately infected with typhus to serve as a living biological barrier against the advancing Red Army.

The prisoners were held under the open sky, without water, food, or medical assistance. In just 10 days of operation, the camp claimed the lives of over 20,000 people. On March 19, 1944, the 65th Army, commanded by General Pavel Batov, liberated the camp, rescuing more than 33,000 people, including 16,000 children under the age of 13.

Architecture and Memorial Features

The memorial complex consists of several significant structures. The central monument is located on the site of the former camp and symbolizes the victims’ suffering. A particularly important element is the commemorative sign unveiled in December 2023 in honor of the Red Army medical personnel who fought the typhus epidemic and saved the lives of survivors. This is the first monument in Belarus dedicated to military doctors and infectious disease specialists. The sculptural composition conveys the spirit of selflessness and heroism that deserves eternal remembrance.

Excursions

The “Ozarichi” Memorial Complex can be visited as part of an individual excursion from Minsk organized by our team. We offer two themed itineraries — «Places of Memory of Belarusian Lands» and «Tribute to the Victims of Fascism» — during which you will not only see the memorial but also gain a deeper understanding of the history of resistance and tragedy of the Belarusian people. These journeys help visitors comprehend the scale of the catastrophe and the importance of preserving historical truth. Our excursions from Minsk are guided by experienced professionals and can be tailored to individual interests.