HRC55 - Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath - EU Statement
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
55th Session
Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath
19 March 2024
EU Statement
Mr President,
The EU welcomes the High Commissioner’s sobering report depicting unprecedented and yet intensifying repression in Belarus against all segments of society, with violations that may amount to crimes against humanity.
While the Belarusian authorities are tightening control by further oppressive legislation and eradicating the residual dissent, perpetrators enjoy impunity. The ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions on politically motivated charges and denial of fair trial guarantees is alarming. We deplore reported torture of detainees and the inhumane and degrading conditions they are held in without access to appropriate medical care and legal assistance.
Robust investigation is essential to ensure accountability and bring justice and reparations to victims.
Time and again we urge Belarus to comply with its international obligations, put an end to its policy of repression and fear and uphold human rights. All political prisoners must be released and rehabilitated unconditionally without delay, including Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Andrzej Poczobut. We reiterate also our call on Belarus to immediately cease its support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including assisting the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. Safe return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported Ukrainian children must be ensured. Furthermore, we condemn the instrumentalization of migrants by the Belarusian authorities, in complicity with Russia, for political purposes.
Mme Deputy High Commissioner,
could you provide more details on the current situation of political prisoners in Belarus, including those in incommunicado detentions?
Finally, we express our appreciation for the hard invaluable work by the OHCHR examination and the Special Rapporteur, carried out despite the regrettable continued lack of cooperation by the Belarusian authorities.
Thank you.