Civil society organizations urge ICC state parties to support Lithuania’s referral requesting the investigation of alleged crimes against humanity committed by Belarusian authorities since May 2020. Lithuania’s lead in this initiative underlines the importance of international cooperation in combating impunity. By joining the referral, state parties can bolster the message against human rights violations and strengthen support for victims and human rights defenders.
An open letter drives a poignant message from civil society organizations urging state parties of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to endorse Lithuania’s recent referral, which calls for an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity by Belarusian authorities. This appeal emerged in the wake of credible allegations against senior officials in Belarus since May 2020, amid a backdrop of illegal actions like deportation and persecution. Although Belarus is not a state party to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s jurisdiction can still be invoked based on the territoriality principle, as evidenced by precedents involving Myanmar and Bangladesh. Lithuania has spearheaded this critical initiative, underscoring the need for international cooperation in the fight against impunity. By rallying behind this referral, other state parties can amplify the call for justice and send an unmistakable message that transgressions against human rights will not go unchecked. This collective stance reassures victims and survivors of ongoing violations in Belarus, serving as a beacon of hope throughout their harrowing ordeal. Furthermore, it recognizes the relentless efforts of human rights defenders documenting these crimes while denouncing the ongoing systemic repression. Several Belarusian residents have sought refuge in various state parties, including Lithuania, making their testimonies invaluable. States that join Lithuania’s referral could enhance the preliminary examination process by contributing evidence and crucial information gathered from witnesses. This collaboration could be pivotal in initiating an investigation into the reported atrocities, shining a light on the corruption of power and laying the groundwork for accountability.
The context of this open letter revolves around the alarming human rights situation in Belarus, particularly following the government’s harsh crackdowns starting in May 2020. These events led to widespread allegations of crimes against humanity, prompting Lithuania to take the lead by referring the situation to the ICC. Although Belarus is not a signatory to the ICC’s Rome Statute, mechanisms exist that allow the ICC to investigate crimes committed on the territory of state parties. Thus, Lithuania’s strategic move aims not just to seek justice for victims but to inspire other countries to join forcefully. This collaborative effort highlights the urgency to address systemic abuses in Belarus and the importance of international support for human rights defenders.
In conclusion, this open letter is a significant call to action for state parties of the ICC, emphasizing the need to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in Belarus. The support for Lithuania’s referral is critical in the quest for accountability and justice in the face of egregious violations. By standing together, the international community can show that it will no longer turn a blind eye to atrocities committed by oppressive regimes, offering hope and support to the suffering victims and advocates of human rights.
Original Source: www.omct.org
