Twelve human rights organizations have united to call for international support of Lithuania’s referral to the ICC regarding investigations into crimes committed by the Lukashenko regime, emphasizing the need for accountability for various human rights violations. They are prepared to provide evidence to support this cause, urging member states to conduct their own investigations and prosecutions under universal jurisdiction principles.
In a resolute call to action, twelve prominent human rights organizations have banded together to urge international support for an ongoing investigation into the heinous crimes perpetrated by Belarus’s Lukashenko regime. Their collective voice, echoing through an open letter, emphasizes the necessity for accountability and justice, spotlighting Lithuania’s referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a crucial step in addressing these atrocities. These organizations stand ready to submit evidence to the ICC, reinforcing their commitment to uphold human dignity worldwide. They implore ICC member states to employ every possible measure to ensure justice for victims of arbitrary detentions, unlawful killings, and myriad human rights abuses under Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule. The urgent plea culminates in a powerful reminder that national investigations adhering to universal jurisdiction principles are vital in bringing perpetrators to justice. Evidence compiled by the Human Rights Center Viasna, revealing the unsettling extent of violence and persecution, bolsters this call for action. Among the endorsers of the letter are respected bodies such as the International Federation for Human Rights, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, and the World Organization Against Torture, each lending their weight to this crusade for human rights and dignity.
The landscape of human rights in Belarus has been fraught with turmoil, particularly since the repressive measures escalated under President Lukashenko. Following contested elections, a wave of protests was met with state-sanctioned violence, resulting in a troubling narrative of arbitrary arrests, unlawful killings, and systemic torture. Human rights organizations are working tirelessly to document these abuses and seek justice through international courts, aiming to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable for its actions. Lithuania’s referral to the ICC is seen as a pivotal moment, highlighting the urgent need for a global response to these crimes.
The united call from twelve human rights organizations marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Lukashenko regime, urging international accountability for crimes against humanity. By supporting Lithuania’s call to action to the ICC, these organizations shed light on the pervasive human rights violations in Belarus and encourage member states to act decisively in holding perpetrators accountable. This concerted effort embodies hope for a future where justice triumphs over tyranny and the voices of the oppressed are heard.
Original Source: spring96.org
