In its latest report submitted to the Human Rights Council, the Group of Independent Experts highlights the alarming state of human rights in Belarus. They identify the violent crackdown on protests following the 2020 presidential election as a critical moment in a lengthy history of oppressive governance. The issue has expanded, with violations escalating against a growing number of citizens through 2023 and 2024, as authorities tighten control ahead of the 2025 election.
The report underscores a disturbing trend: the Belarusian government employs arbitrary arrests and detentions as primary tools to stifle dissent, often inflicting torture during these detentions. It reveals that thousands arrested for political reasons suffer under an intentionally harsh detention regime designed to humiliate and punish. Such oppressive measures force individuals into exile, where they grapple with the looming threat of criminal charges in absentia.
Building upon previous investigations, the Group presents evidence of crimes against humanity, documenting systematic imprisonment and persecution based on political beliefs. Given the severity of these violations, they call upon the Belarusian government to engage with human rights experts and the United Nations, advocating for the release of politically detained individuals and urging substantial reforms to tackle the systemic issues that have led to these abuses since May 2020.
The report from the Group of Independent Experts on Belarus details ongoing human rights violations since May 2020, linked to violent government responses to protests. Arbitrary arrests and harsh treatment dominate their findings, with thousands suffering persecution based on political views. The experts recommend that the Belarusian government engage with human rights mechanisms, release detained individuals for political reasons, and implement vital reforms to halt these abuses.
The report by the Group of Independent Experts provides a sobering reflection on the state of human rights in Belarus, revealing a regime characterised by arbitrary arrests, political persecution, and a systematic effort to silence dissent. Their recommendations urge meaningful dialogue and action from the Belarusian government, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that address underlying human rights violations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
