HRC59: The Erosion of Human Rights in Belarus
The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council
16 June - 09 July 2025
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Belarus
26 June 2025
By Lorenzo Bersellini / GICJ
Executive Summary
Freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly are completely denied. Forms of domestic and transnational repression of every critical voice that speaks up against the regime are the norm. Ill-treatment of more than 1,200 political prisoners, including death in custody, torture and prolonged incommunicado detention, are systematically recorded. These are only some of the violations that the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus, Mr. Nils Muižnieks, highlighted during the interactive dialogue on 26 June 2025 during the 59th Human Rights Council Session.
During the dialogue, multiple delegations delivered their statements on the basis of the last report published by the Special Rapporteur (A/HRC/59/59), in which he documented the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, focusing in particular on the ill-treatment of people detained on political grounds and on the severe restrictions to civil and political rights. Because of this, various delegations criticised Belarus’ lack of compliance with their international obligation and the total denial of the freedom of assembly, expression, and opinion. Delegates also showed concern for the transnational repression targeting Belarusians in exile and living abroad, as well as for the fate of the more than thousand still unlawfully detained prisoners.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) stands with all victims of repression in Belarus and around the world, and denounces the gross violations suffered by political prisoners in penitentiary facilities. We call on the Council to continue monitoring the human rights situation in Belarus. We also advocate for the unconditional release of all political prisoners and for the protection and respect of human rights in the country.
Background
Belarusian politics have been dominated by the figure of Aleksandr Lukashenko, who has served as the country’s president since 1994. After being elected, Lukashenko quickly moved to terminate the powers of Parliament and appoint key judicial officials with two referenda in 1995 and 1996. In 2004, he then abolished presidential term limits after a constitutional referendum. According to Freedom House, the Belarusian political system has since then established itself as a consolidated authoritarian regime, scoring 7 out of 100 in terms of civil liberties and political rights and being the 15th worst performing country in this regard [1].
The United Nations and independent experts have repeatedly warned the international community of the widespread human rights violations committed in the country. On 28 June 2012, the Human Rights Council created the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Belarus, after recognizing the existence of a systematic pattern of human rights violations and “intensified restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of association, assembly, opinion and expression as well as allegations of torture and ill-treatment in custody, impunity of perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, harassment of civil society organizations and human rights defenders, violations of due process and fair trial safeguards, and pressure on defence lawyers” [2]. The mandate has since then been renewed every year.
The Council’s resolution 55/27 mandated the creation of a Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus to investigate and establish the facts and circumstances of the brutal repression that violently confronted the anti-government protests of 2020.
Episodes of violent repression of demonstrations against fraudulent or illegitimate elections are not new in Belarus. Peaceful protests were met with force by the government in both 2006 and 2010. Following the elections of 19 December 2010, the Human Rights Council expressed deep concern through resolution 17/24 for “credible allegations of torture, arbitrary detention, and increasing harassment of opposition leaders, representatives of civil society, human rights defenders, lawyers, independent media, students and those defending them” [3].
In 2020, protesters took the streets across the country to dispute the result of the election, which saw Lukashenko victorious with more than 80% of the vote. Protests were fueled by allegations of electoral fraud, dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy, and of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government responded once more with force. The High Commissioner reported that more than 13,500 people had been detained across Belarus in the six days following the announcement of Lukashenko’s victory. Moreover, the High Commissioner found evidence of systematic use of torture and ill-treatment against individuals connected with the protests. [4] Respect for and protection of human rights in the country were further eroded after the events of 2020, which led the Group of Independent Experts to conclude that sufficient evidence hinted at crimes against humanity committed by the authorities in Belarus [5].
Summary of the Special Rapporteur’s Report
Mr. Nils Muižnieks, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, submitted his first report (A/HRC/59/59) as mandate holder on 22 April 2025, covering the human rights development in Belarus in the period between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Mr. Muižniek joined his predecessor, Ms. Anaïs Marin, and other international bodies and mechanisms, such as the Human Rights Committee, the Committee against Torture, the Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus and other Special Rapporteurs, in reporting the alarming deterioration of human rights in Belarus, intensified after the post-2020 elections crackdown on dissent and opposition.
As the Special Rapporteur vividly expressed in his report, the labeling of more organisations, individuals, and materials as “extremist” through the abuse of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism laws has served as a weapon against all forms of activism perceived to erode Lukashenko’s firm grip on power ahead of the 2025 elections. Crimes considered to be of an extremist nature include participation in unauthorized events and in mass disorders, funding extremist activities and insulting the authorities.
This strict legal code has sunk the country, and those who advocate from abroad for justice and democracy in Belarus, into a climate of fear and repression, marked by continuous human rights violations.
Violations of Detainees’ Rights and Arbitrary Detentions
Mr. Muižniek devoted most of his report to the violations faced by the more than 1,200 current estimated political prisoners and by those that try to support them.
He first disclosed that two deaths in custody were registered during the reporting period, including the case of a Belarusian citizen who had been charged under Article 368 of the Criminal Code, which criminalises insulting the president.
He then shifted his focus on the widespread abuses perpetrated with total impunity in detention centers, to which political prisoners, minors and elders included, are particularly vulnerable. Frequent and arbitrary use of harsh disciplinary measures as punishment for minor or fabricated transgressions, denial of prompt and adequate medical care, prolonged solitary confinement and incommunicado detention, forced labour, tolerance and incitement by penitentiary authorities of inter-prisoner violence are some of the examples of ill-treatment suffered by detainees.
Women detained in relation to the 2020 protests are disproportionately subject to multiple forms of gender-based violence, including strip searches by male staff even during menstrual periods, denial of hygiene products and painkillers, and harsh compulsory physical labour during menstruation.
Potential instances of enforced disappearance of political prisoners have also been documented, as multiple prisoners convicted in relation to the protests were held with no contact with the outside world for more than two years. Sergei Tsikhanouski, an opposition leader in 2020, was released from prison on 21 June 2025 after five years of constant solitary isolation in inhumane conditions. Images of these detainees only appeared online in state-sponsored communication channels or in propaganda advertisements. Ihar Losik, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk and almost other 700 recognized political prisoners featured in "penance videos” recorded while deprived of liberty, where they were forced to ask for forgiveness to the state or to blame foreign interference for the 2020 protests.
The Special Rapporteur welcomed some positive developments registered over the reporting period, as the authorities extended amnesties and pardons to over 200 recognized political prisoners as a consequence of diplomatic engagement with Western States. Although Mr. Muižniek identified this is a positive step, he maintained in the report that such action cannot be seen as sufficient to solve the issue of incarceration and deprivation of liberty on politically-motivated grounds, as hundreds of other journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers and activists remain behind bars. Moreover, some of the released people were then forced to make some propaganda videos. At the same time, authorities have been adopting more often non-custodial measures in line with international standards. Nevertheless, people charged with “extremism”, often for expressing alternative political views, do not enjoy the same treatment.
Prison terms are often arbitrarily extended for “malicious disobedience” to penitentiary authority. Considering that no independent monitoring is in place, penitentiary personnel abuse their position by ill-treating prisoners and imposing sanctions that might lead to extended prison sentences. Furthermore, former prisoners also face further restrictions, including not being able to leave the country and report regularly to either police stations or in home visits by police.
Absence of Free Trial
The Special Rapporteur mentioned in his report that at least 6,550 people had been criminally convicted on politically motivated charges since 2020, and 1,721 in 2024 alone.
Moreover, detainees held incommunicado cannot effectively have access to legal counsel, as it is granted only following an official request on paper from the inmate. Without any form of communication available, families are prevented from referring the name of the hired counsel to their relatives in prison. Moreover, in some cases political prisoners are not provided with paper where they would have to write the counsel’s name.
In addition to these barriers, lawyers themselves often avoid defending detainees charged on politically-motivated grounds, as they could face legal and criminal repercussions. In fact, in January 2025, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers expressed alarm over the deterioration in independence and safety of legal professionals in Belarus. At the time of the report, at least nine lawyers had been imprisoned for doing their work.
Another worrying aspect emerging from the Special Rapporteur’s report is the emergence of criminal proceedings in absentia against Belarusian citizens either in exile or leaving abroad. This tactic has been used by state authorities to attempt to quash any sign of opposition to the government from abroad, as Belarusian citizens might be either laid down a death sentence, be expropriated or deprived of their citizenships. In 2024, 110 people were tried in absentia, compared to 18 in 2023, and they include journalists, NGO members and human rights defenders. Additionally, state authorities pressure citizens abroad by threatening their families back home. An example of such practice was provided by President Lukashenko, who threatened families of Belarusians in exile, stating: “Don’t forget you are doing a lot of harm to your relatives (...) don’t put your relatives at risk” - referring to activities that are perceived to be challenging the status quo.
Civil and Political Rights
The Special Rapporteur has then analyzed the situation in regards to civil and political rights in the country, including the right to vote and to hold genuine periodic elections, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of association in Belarus.
In regards to elections, three were held during the reporting period, including those for President. On 26 January 2025, Lukashenko secured his seventh term in power with 86% of the votes and 85% voter turnout. Nevertheless, Mr. Muižniek emphasised how elections were marked by repression and human rights violations, which led him to the conclusion that they were conducted in violation of article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, recognising the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs and the right to vote and to be elected at genuine periodic elections.
Observer elections were hand-picked by the government, whereas independent human rights organisations were prohibited to operate due to lack of access to the polling stations, limited public information and fear of repression. Repression was particularly harsh for those found to be sharing information on the elections with human rights associations abroad or in exile. Former political prisoners and their families also suffered multiple “preventive raids” by police in light of their present or past activism.
Moreover, new restrictions were implemented to bar potential candidates from running for elections. The age limit was raised to 40 years and citizens who had lived abroad for the past 20 years, had ever possessed a foreign citizenship, a foreign residence permit or “another document of a foreign State entitling them to benefits or other advantages” were also prevented from presenting their candidacy.
Eventually, only 4 candidates were formally allowed to “run against” the incumbent Lukashenko, although all of them expressed support for the current president. Other potential candidates - such Yuras Hubarevich, Aliaxandar Drazdou, Diana Kovaleva and Victor Kulesh - were disqualified due to their potential to challenge Lukashenko.
At the same time, freedom of opinion and expression have been curtailed by the current authorities, as they crack down on the media and on journalists. At least 39 journalists remained in prison at the end of January 2025 and harassment against them took place in different forms, including by recording “penance video” discrediting the coverage of 2020 protests.
Publishing, commenting on or liking “extremist materials” - a list of almost 7,000 items such as reports by independent media and critical statements on the government's alliance with Russia in the war against Ukraine - was also prosecuted. In particular, the Special Rapporteur noted with concern that a criminal case was instructed for the first time in May 2024 with the charge of sharing “extremist” information on messaging platforms.
Internet crackdowns were also recurrent. In April 2024, a directive was passed allowing the disconnection of extremist websites, which was used to disable YouTube before exile leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s message on 1 January 2025.
Finally, the Special Rapporteur noted how freedom of association and assembly are non-existent in Belarus. More than 100 civil society representatives remained in jail in January 2025 and more than 1,100 organisations were forcibly liquidated between 2021 and 2024. Religious organisations and trade unions have also been targeted by the state.
Recommendations
The Special Rapporteur concluded his report by issuing multiple recommendations to the government of Belarus, which include calls for investigation into ill-treatment in detention and deaths in custody, the establishment of cooperation with special procedures and mandate holders, the halting of political persecution and incommunicado detentions and the abolishment of repressive laws.
Interactive Dialogue
Opening Remarks
The Interactive DIalogue was opened by the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Muižniek, who reiterated the main findings of his report. He underlined how repression of dissidents and violations of human rights are on the rise in Belarus, as old and new tactics are deployed by the authorities. As he did in the report, he welcomed the release of over 200 recognised political prisoners, followed by the release of 14 others, including opposition leader Sergei Tsikhanouski, on 21 June 2025. Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur demanded that all other unjustly detained prisoners be freed immediately, as their situation remains precarious.
Mr. Muižniek highlighted the main findings of his report on the ill-treatment of prisoners, especially those charged with political-related offenses, and the crackdown against human rights defenders, opposition members, civil society activists, lawyers and other groups in and outside Belarus. Interestingly, he noted that “the closer the elections come, the greater the repression”, referring to waves of harassment and violations that have preceded and followed the 2020 and 2025 presidential elections.
He finally thanked other mandate holders and independent experts that have supported him in communicating with the government and called on Belarusian authorities to provide meaningful answers to the inquiries submitted to them.
Statement of the concerned country
No statement was delivered by the delegate of Belarus, as the delegation was not present in the room during the meeting.
Statements by other countries and groups
The delegate of Latvia, speaking on behalf of the Nordic Group, took the floor first to denounce the systemic oppression suffered by Belarusian citizens at the hands of the national authorities. They focused the attention on the forcible closure of almost 2,000 NGOs in the last years and on the fraudulent elections that took place at the beginning of 2025 and that did not meet international standards. Moreover, the group expressed alarm for arbitrary arrests, sexual violence and trials in absentia, while also denouncing the imposition of psychiatric treatment for political reasons. These, in addition to other violations reported by the Special Rapporteur, may amount to crimes against humanity. Finally, they called on the government to cease its support for Russia in their war against Ukraine and its practice of weaponisation of migrants at EU borders.
The delegate of the European Union (EU) delivered a statement next, opposing the “ongoing gross and systematic violations amounting to crimes against humanity” in Belarus. The EU echoed the Special Rapporteur’s call for accountability and called on the Belarusian government to respect its international obligations. The delegate also welcomed the release on 21 June 2025 of 14 political prisoners, including Sergei Tsikhanouski. Finally, the EU also urged Belarus to stop its support to Russia’s war in Ukraine and to ensure the release of all unlawfully abducted Ukrainian children in Belarusian soil.
The delegate of the Netherlands, speaking on behalf of his country, Belgium, and Luxembourg, began by appreciating the vital work conducted by the Special Rapporteur in Belarus. They underscored the Special Rapporteur’s findings related to the complete absence of freedom of association, expression and opinion in Belarus amid the persistent brutal repression perpetrated by the government. The delegate also welcomed the release of 14 prisoners on 21 June 2025, although he noted with worry the visible signs of malnutrition and torture carried by the freed inmates. The statement was concluded calling for the release of all other political prisoners.
The delegate of Poland opened his statement thanking the Special Rapporteur for his work and also welcoming the release of 14 prisoners, which included three Polish citizens. He still noted with regret the high number of remaining political prisoners and the crackdown on freedom of assembly, expression and opinion. The delegate reminded the Council of the negative impacts that the repression has on Belarusian leaving abroad or in exile, who are stripped of their citizenship, expropriated and face threats to their and their family’s lives. Poland also denounced Belarusian alignment with Russia in the war against Ukraine and the weaponisation of migrants at the EU borders.
The delegate of Ukraine evoked the climate of fear and repression felt within Belarus to denounce the violations committed by the government. Although Ukraine noted the recent release of 14 prisoners, the delegate stated how that could not compensate for the fact that thousand others remain unlawfully detained. He also insisted that Belarus ceases its support for Russia, while he denounced the transfer of prisoners of war to Russia through Belarus and the abduction of Ukrainian children who unlawfully remain in the country.
The delegate of the Republic of Korea was the first non-european state to take the floor and did so by thanking the Special Rapporteur for his work. He noted with alarm the campaign to liquidate existing NGOs in the country and he also expressed concern for the last elections that were conducted in violation of the freedom of assembly, opinion and expression. The delegate not only was worried for the ill-treatment of prisoners in detention, but also for the lack of psychological support for those inmates contemplating suicide.
The delegate of the United Kingdom stressed that her government is concerned about the persistent and worsening human rights situation in the country. They joined others in calling for the release of all political prisoners and in the condemnation of the ill treatment of detainees, focusing in particular on the violations to women and girls’ rights. The delegate also stated that the United Kingdom is closely following the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children to Belarus.
The delegate of Australia deplored the Belarusian government’s denial of civil and political rights and stated that the Australian government supported the aspirations of Belarusians for democracy and justice. They also reiterated condemnation for the status of political prisoners, for elections held in breach of international standard and without essential freedoms guaranteed, and for the authorities’ support to Russia.
Statements by NGOs and Civil Society
Representatives of NGOs echoed the remarks made by states’ delegation in condemning Belarusian violations of human rights. They lamented the state of more than 7 prisoners who are still held incommunicado detention and they regretted the complete subordination of the judicial system and professionals of the law to the executive power. Some NGOs focused on the obstacles to justice imposed on Belarusians abroad, who are required to go back to their country for any bureaucratic procedure (including the renewal of their passport) and thus risk restrictions to their liberties.
It needs to be noted that the last video statement for NGOs was delivered by Sergei Tsikhanouski, the opposition leader released on 21 June 2025 after he was held for five years in solitary confinement for his participation in the protests of 2020. He stated that “what is happening in Belarusian prisons is not law enforcement; it is torture, abuse, and the destruction of human beings”. He urged the UN, the Council and everyone listening to take concrete action to free the other more than thousand prisoners and to hold the Belarusian government accountable for the violation it commits. He also thanked the diplomats, in particular the US counterparts, for their active role in his liberation and he called on his fellow countrymen and women to continue fighting for their freedom.
Concluding Remarks
The Special Rapporteur concluded the interactive dialogue by thanking every delegation who delivered a statement and that expressed support for his mandate. However, he noted with regret that only two non-European countries - the Republic of Korea and Australia - took the floor during the meeting and that no delegate, including that of Belarus, spoke critically of the mandate or uttered some criticism. Mr. Muižnieks thus said that he remains open for confrontation with any delegation that wishes to express their view on his work and on the situation of human rights in Belarus.
The Special Rapporteur then moved on to address some of the questions asked during the meeting. He stressed the importance of avoiding collaboration with the Belarusian government in their repression of people abroad, including by not sending Belarusian who are being persecuted for political reasons back to their country where they would face repercussions. He also stated that more support should be given to the Belarusian exiled community, for instance by giving more visibility to their independent media.
Mr. Muižnieks emphasised as well the importance to hold the Belarusian government accountable, including through international jurisdiction. For this reason, he welcomed the referral of the situation on the violations of human rights in Belarus to the International Criminal Court by Lithuania.
He finally urged members of the Council to hold the authorities accountable for their lack of implementation of the recommendations made by them in the following UPR session.
Position of GICJ
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) thanks the Special Rapporteur for his insightful report on the human rights situation in Belarus. We urge the Council to take concrete steps to hold Belarus accountable for the violations committed in penitentiary institutions, which may amount to crimes against humanity.
We deplore the resort to violent repression of legitimate protests and the repression that has ensued in Belarus. Everyone has the right to express their opinions, even if those do not align with the government’s view. It is indicative that Belarus is the only European country that still has not abolished the death penalty, and we urge them to do so to ensure respect for the human right to life.
We also stand with the victims of state violence and with those who have been illegally detained. Although we welcome the release of some prisoners, there are still more than a thousand others waiting to be freed. We stand in solidarity with them and we urge the Council to take a stance on the matter and call for their immediate liberation.
Sources
[1] https://freedomhouse.org/country/belarus
[2] https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/g12/153/60/pdf/g1215360.pdf
[3] https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/ltd/g11/141/66/pdf/g1114166.pdf
[4] https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/49/71
[5]https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/ohchrbelarus/a-hrc-58-68-aev.pdf
