Statement of Lithuania on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath
17 March 2022, Interactive Dialogue on the OHCHR report on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath Delivered by the Permanent Representative Ambassador Darius Staniulis
Lithuania aligns itself with the statements delivered by the EU and the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the High Commissioner for the report and express our sincere gratitude to the independent experts, investigators and members of the OHCHR office.
Lithuania fully supports the High Commissioner’s mandate and strongly encourages to renew it.
We are deeply concerned by the conclusions of the report, that human rights violations have been widespread and systematic, and directed by State authorities. In our view, these serious human rights violations amount to crimes against humanity and those persons responsible must be held accountable.
The impunity for human rights violations must end.
Lithuania has started investigations applying the principle of universal criminal jurisdiction. We encourage countries to consider this as an option to support people of Belarus in their fight for justice.
We repeatedly urge Belarus to fully cooperate with all UN Special Procedures and human rights mechanisms.
We repeatedly call on Belarus to immediately cease all repressions against civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and media actors, and to release all political prisoners.
Lithuania condemns actions of Belarus, enabling Russia’s war against Ukraine. We urge Belarus to stop repressions against its own citizens, who peacefully express their support to Ukraine.
Madam High Commissioner,
What could be done more to strengthen our efforts in seeking justice for victims and accountability of perpetrators?
I thank you.
