The 54th Session of the Human Rights Council

11 September - 13 October 2023

Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the Interim Oral Update of the High Commissioner on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus

25th September 2023

By Teboho Mosebo/ GICJ

The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif stated that the human rights situation in Belarus since the Presidential elections in August 2020 has worsened. Ms. Al-Nashif presented her oral update on the Interactive Dialogue for the human rights situation during the 20th meeting of the 54th Regular  Session of the Human Rights Council on the 22nd of September 2023.

She stated that they are witnessing the further shrinking of civic space,continued lack of respect for fundamental freedoms, and evidence to buy campaigns of violence and repression against individuals who oppose the government or who are perceived to be doing so, such as those expressing critical or independent views.

Furthermore, the Deputy High Commissioner highlighted that the systematic impunity continues to allow those who are responsible for gross human rights violation to evade accountability for their actions. In her report, she discussed the documentation of OHCHR, revealing the ongoing arbitrary arrests and targeting of various segments of society, including government critics, academics’ trade unions, religious figures, members of the minority, lawyers and others who seek to exercise fundamental rights.

As of September 2023, the Belarus authorities crackdown on those critical or perceived to be critical of the government, which has resulted in over 3750 individuals being in criminal trials, characterised by severe and disproportionate prison sentences, with little regard for due process or right to a fair trial. Ms. Al-Nashif added that inside Belarus, 1500 individuals are currently detained on charges their office believe are politically motivated. She further expressed her concerns regarding politically motivated charges. Detainees- both men and women- are subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including beatings, overcrowdings, sleep deprivation and denial of access to medical care. Some detainees were subjected to severe psychological violence, including death threats, rape threats, sexually abusive comments and other forms of abuse.

Ms. Al-Nahif concluded by stressing deep regrets on the ongoing lack of cooperation from Belarus’ government and called on the government to engage constructively with their office and other human rights defenders. She emphasised that urgent actions are needed, including the prompt release of detainees charged on politically motivated grounds. In her report, Ms. Al-Nashif urged Belarus to uphold human rights and protect all individuals within its borders. She lastly called for prompt, effective, independent and impartial and transparent investigations into human rights violations, ensuring appropriate remedies and holding those responsible accountable

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) condemns the human rights violations in Belarus. GICJ calls for the international community at large to intervene and urge Belarus to respect the fundamental rights and refrain from violation of human rights. We lastly recommend the government of Belarus to implement effective and fair legal systems that aligns with the international standards.

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