Situation of human rights in Belarus

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• The resolution condemns “the widespread and systematic violations of international human rights law” in Belarus. Serious violations ranging from denial of fundamental freedoms to arbitrary arrest and torture are directly attributed to the government. In addition, the resolution criticizes the government for failing to fulfill its obligation to hold free and fair elections.
• Belarus strongly objected to the resolution. Belarus’s ally, China, voted against the resolution.
• Moreover, the resolution was adopted under Item 4, the primary framework for addressing country-specific human rights situations, signaling criticism.

Main Sponsors

European Union

Vote

Yes - 25, No - 5, Abstain - 17, Absent - 0

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Deploring the continuing discrimination affecting women and girls and individuals in vulnerable situations…"
• "Expressing profound regret that, yet again, the Belarusian authorities have not fulfilled their obligations with regard to the right of every citizen to vote and to be elected in free and fair periodic elections…"
• "Strongly condemns the widespread and systematic violations of international human rights law, among them arbitrary deprivation of the right to life and to liberty, with mass unlawful detentions and arrests of individuals on politically motivated grounds or for exercising their human rights, enforced disappearance, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including sexual and gender-based violence, denial of due process and the right to a fair trial…"
• "Condemns the actions of the Belarusian authorities in committing an act of unlawful interference that deliberately endangered the safety and security of a commercial passenger aircraft and the lives of all those on board in May 2021…"
• "Strongly urges the Belarusian authorities to comply fully with all their obligations under international human rights law…"
• "Decides to extend the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus for a further period of one year…"
• "Also decides to extend the mandate of the Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus for a further period of one year…"