'People Of Belarus Deserve Their Own Independent and Democratic State'
- 17.11.2023, 17:02
The UK, Canada and a number of European countries have called for the immediate release of all political prisoners.
On 16 November, the UK, Canada and other countries made a statement to the OSCE Permanent Council on the human rights situation in Belarus. They called for free elections and the immediate release of all political prisoners.
The statement, timed to coincide with the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus on 12 November, was read by Canadian Ambassador to the UK Jocelyn Keener. She spoke on behalf of her country, as well as the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
In her speech, the Ambassador recalled that the repression of civil society, independent media and human rights defenders in Belarus has been ongoing for more than three years. At least 1,500 people are behind bars for political reasons (the number is actually many times higher - ed.).
Legislation adopted by the authorities has further restricted political rights, freedom of assembly, association and expression, and increased the use of the death penalty.
In addition, Russia used the territory of Belarus as a springboard to invade Ukraine in February 2022, and the Belarusian regime is carrying out repression against those who express their opposition to the war or support for the Ukrainian people, the statement said.
"None of these political decisions seem to take into account the wishes or interests of the Belarusian people. The people of Belarus deserve their own independent, democratic state, free from Russian interference and subordination," the authors argue.
They recalled that parliamentary elections in Belarus are scheduled for 25 February 2024, while the next presidential elections will be held in 2025.
"We call for free and fair elections in Belarus, without interference, intimidation and fear of prosecution, in full compliance with international standards. Freedom of expression and association, including independent media and political parties, must be respected. All potential candidates should be able to stand without fear of arrest or reprisals. International observers should be invited. Civil society should be allowed to play its role in holding governments and politicians to account," the statement said.
The authors also called for the immediate release of political prisoners, an end to human rights abuses and a dialogue "that respects the will and human rights". They said they "stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Belarus and will continue to call on Belarus to fulfill its OSCE commitments and international obligations, including the protection of the human rights and democratic freedoms of its people".