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Political Prisoners in Belarus: the Perspective of Civil Society

24.11.2020

Ahead of International Human Rights Day, the European Delegation to the United Nations in New York, together with Belarusian civil society organisations, will host a virtual side event to showcase the role of civil society actors in Belarus.

Wednesday, 2 December at 10:00 ET

The event will bring together representatives of the UN system, Member States and civil society and will focus on the situation of political prisoners. It will provide a platform for members of the Belarusian civil society to give a first– hand account of the systematic political repressions perpetrated by the Belarusian authorities since the 9 August elections.

Welcoming remarks by Ambassador Olof Skoog, Head of the EU Delegation to the UN in New York

Keynote addresses

  • Mr Eamon Gilmore, EU Special Representative for Human Rights
  • Ms Ilze Brands Kehris, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights

Moderated by Mr Ilya Nuzov, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk Director at International Federation for Human Rights FIDH

Panellists

  • Mr Valiantsin Stefanovic, Vice-Chairman of Viasna Human Rights Centre
  • Ms Volha Siakhovich, Belarusian Association of Journalists
  • Ms Alena Aharelysheva , Member of the Coordination Council Feminist Group
  • Mr Aleh Hulak, Chairman Belarusian Helsinki Committee

Discussion topics will include:

  • Assessment of the repression following the unfair 9 August elections;
  • Situation of political prisoners, in particular media workers, women and human rights defenders;
  • Rehabilitation and compensations for people illegally detained;
  • The way forward for effective investigations, justice and accountability.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OVERVIEW
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Virtual Event, New York