In Geneva, political prisoners presented human rights violations committed by the Belarusian authorities
On 20 March, in the margins of the 58th Human Rights Council session, the Permanent Missions of Lithuania, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Poland organized a side-event to discuss the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus. The focus was on political prisoners, restrictions on trade union activity, restrictions on the media, harassment of journalists and restrictions on women's rights.
Ambassador Darius Staniulis, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations (UN) Office at Geneva, noted that the human rights situation in Belarus was deteriorating significantly and encouraged states to listen to the testimonies of those who have suffered human rights violations.
Among speakers were Mr. Siarhei Antusevich, Vice-Chairman of the Congress of Democratic Trade Unions of Belarus, political prisoner, Ms. Volha Harbunova, women's rights activist, political prisoner, Ms. Antanina Maslyka, representative of Article 19. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Vytis Jurkonis, political scientist, Freedom House project manager, VU IIRPS.
During the event, former political prisoners shared their personal experiences and what kind of oppression and persecution they faced after serving their sentences and after returning home or leaving for exile. It was highlighted that there is no freedom of assembly and association in Belarus, it is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, and that women face nothing but bullying and violence in prisons. All NGOs that defended women's rights have been closed down.
States have been urged to pay attention to political prisoners, who should be released on humanitarian grounds. In any discussions with the Belarusian authorities, it is important to demand the release of political prisoners and to provide evidence of prisoners held in solitary confinement, who are denied access to their families and whose condition is unknown. The international community was urged to continue its support for Belarusians fighting against the oppression of the regime, both at home and in exile.
The side-event was co-sponsored by Albania, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of), North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine.
