UN: Human rights situation in Belarus ‘catastrophic’
The human rights situation in Belarus, according to the UN, is “catastrophic” and is only getting worse. The regime of Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko is purposefully fighting the last dissidents in civil society, said Anais Maren, UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus, on Tuesday, July 4, presenting her new report at the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) of the UN. in Geneva. .
“The situation remains catastrophic. Unfortunately, it continues to deteriorate,” Maren said. According to her, the changes made to Belarusian legislation have led to a sharp increase in politically motivated prosecutions and sentences. “The lack of accountability for human rights violations creates an atmosphere of fear among victims and their families,” said the French expert.
“General impunity and climate of fear”
Maren recalled that two years ago she warned the HRC of a “totalitarian turn” in Minsk, evidenced by “disrespect for human life and dignity” during the crackdown on protests in 2020. More than 1,500 people remain in detention on politically motivated charges. Since 2020, there have been an average of 17 arbitrary arrests a day, she said in an annual report.
“In Belarus, no one has been held accountable for the arbitrary detention of tens of thousands of peaceful protesters in 2020, as well as for the violence or torture to which many of them were subjected,” said Anaïs Maren. of Belarusians into exile.
Source: DW
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