STATEMENT BY MINISTER COUNCELLOR MR. ARTŪRAS GAILIŪNAS, CHARGE D'AFFAIRS AT THE 20TH SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN BELARUS
Statement by Mr. Artūras Gailiūnas, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Lithuania at the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva 20th Session of the Human Rights Council Geneva, 27 June, 2012 Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the human rights situation in Belarus Thank you, Madam President. We have looked very closely into the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Belarus. Chronological placing of the facts in the High Commissioner’s report has recognized our repeatedly expressed serious concerns in respect of the human rights abuses in Belarus and our calls on the Belarusian side to engage in a constructive dialogue with international organizations. By saying this, we can only express our great disappointment on the fact that the Office of the High Commissioner was not allowed access to Belarus while preparing the above mentioned report.
The High Commissioner has made a number of recommendations aimed at addressing systemic challenges, as well as urgent human rights issues. Belarus was recommended in association with international experts to initiate a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation of reported human rights abuses and to establish cooperation with the UN Special Procedures as soon as possible.
Lithuania welcomes and fully supports the High Commissioner for Human Rights conclusions and recommendations contained in the report. We would appreciate hearing from the High Commissioner about the possible future ways of interacting with the Belarusian authorities.
We would strongly encourage the Human Rights Council to use the momentum to highlight human rights situation in Belarus by adopting the country-specific resolution and appointing a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights. This move by the Council will send a clear message that this forum is addressing the violations of human rights in Belarus; this will be a message of support to human rights defenders and ordinary citizens in Belarus showing that they are not forgotten.
We commend the High Commissioner for her efforts in this very challenging task and strongly support very well prepared report.
I thank you.
