UN HRC54: UK Statement on Belarus

It’s now three years since the fraudulent August 2020 presidential elections in Belarus. Three years of brutal repression – of civil society groups, political opponents, journalists and ordinary citizens.

Repression that continues to intensify with the introduction of further legislation to restrict freedoms, punish dissent and neutralise democratic opposition.

There are now over 1,500 political prisoners in Belarus, often held in appalling conditions, denied access to basic medical care, starved of contact with their families, and subject to degrading treatment, including torture. Let me highlight the recent tragic death of Ales Pushkin, a prominent Belarusian activist arrested for his political artwork, who died in detention in unclear circumstances.

Once again, we call on the Belarusian authorities to put an end to their policy of repression and immediately to release political prisoners. While they are it, they should also end their support to Russia’s illegal war against their Ukrainian neighbours.

High Commissioner,

Three years on from the flawed and fraudulent elections, how can the international community best support human rights defenders and ensure Belarusian officials are held to account for their crimes?

Thank you.