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 arrests 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 - 28, No - 4, Abstain - 15, Absent - 0

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Deeply concerned in this respect by the incarceration of almost 900 political prisoners and other persons for having exercised their human rights…"
• "Deploring the continuing lack of independence and impartiality of the judiciary, the systematic denial of due process and violations of fair trial guarantees under international human rights law…"
• "Seriously concerned about ongoing oppressive restrictions on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression, both online and offline…"
• "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…"
• "Expressing deep concern at the continued use of the death penalty in Belarus, especially in a context where fair trial guarantees are not upheld…"
• "Strongly condemns the widespread and systematic violations of international human rights law, among them arbitrary deprivation of the right to life and to liberty, arbitrary detentions and arrests, including incommunicado detention 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…"