OSCE human rights head voices serious concerns over continued rights violations in Belarus, offers monitoring

WARSAW, 6 April 2021 – The numerous credible reports of criminal charges, administrative detention, intimidation and harassment targeting Belarusian citizens and human rights defenders simply for going about their lives or carrying out their work that have reached the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in recent months, are of increasing concern amid the ongoing human rights violations in the country.

“I am very concerned by the continued reports of human rights violations that have targeted thousands of people for taking part in peaceful protests since last August,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “The authorities have committed to respecting the right to gather peacefully and voice their views. Unfortunately, the reality points clearly to the use of mass arrests, excessive use of force, and unjustified and disproportionate penalties. All those who have been illegally detained should be released without delay.”

Since the August 2020 presidential election, thousands of Belarusians have been arrested, and hundreds detained or imprisoned for participating in peaceful protests. There have also been worrying reports of discrimination and attacks by the authorities on members of national minorities, most recently on the Polish community.

At the same time, ODIHR is deeply troubled by reports of the violation of the right to a fair trial, including closed court proceedings, as well as severe and excessive sentences handed down to peaceful demonstrators. In addition, recent proposals to amend the law governing work in the legal profession would prohibit both individual lawyers and law firms from defending people charged with criminal and administrative offences, resulting in infringements of the right to legal assistance and representation. 

“I am alarmed by the absence of investigations into the many allegations of torture and other ill-treatment and the impunity of those responsible, despite the thousands of complaints filed by alleged victims,” Mr Mecacci said. “At the same time, I’d like to emphasise that we remain ready to assist Belarus in increasing respect for human rights and strengthening democratic institutions in line with the commitments the country has made, for example by monitoring trials and reviewing legislation.”

ODIHR reminds the Belarusian authorities of their international obligations and OSCE commitments to respect human rights and the rule of law, uphold the absolute prohibition of all forms of torture and other cruel or degrading treatment, and to hold all perpetrators of human rights violations to account. ODIHR continues to offer its expertise and tools to help in these efforts, for the benefit of all citizens.