An online, side event at the UN Human Rights Council’s 50th session, aimed at updating states on
the human rights crisis in Belarus, particularly with respect to the most serious violations occurring
in the country, and analysing the main trends on the developments pertaining to human rights in
Belarus, especially after the Constitutional Referendum. This event will also include a focus on the
deterioration of freedom of expression, and social and cultural rights in Belarus.

MODERATOR
Polina Sadovskaya, Eurasia Program Director at PEN America
OPENING STATEMENTS
Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania
Eamon Gilmore, EU Special Representative for Human Rights
Michele Taylor, US Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council
SPEAKERS
Anaïs Marin, UN Special Rapporteur on situation of human rights in Belarus
Taciana Niadbaj, Vice-president of PEN Belarus
Aleh Aheyeu, Deputy Director of Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ)
Svetlana Alexievich (recorded message)
Olga Tokarczuk (recorded message)
Margaret Atwood (recorded message)
RESPONDENT
Valery Kavaleuski, Head of Cabinet, Belarus Opposition Leader S. Tsikhanouskaya
Matthew Jones, International Advocacy Officer of the Human Rights House Foundation