UN Human Rights Council 47th Session – Item 4 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus - Statement by H.E. Ambassador Bahtijors Hasans

05.07.2021. 18:19

Thank you, Madam President,

Latvia aligns with the EU and Nordic-Baltic statements.

We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus and reiterate our call for the Belorussian authorities to comply with its international human rights obligations and to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and the OHCHR in a genuine and meaningful manner.

Latvia is alarmed by the credible reports of systematic and widespread torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment of detainees, including women and children. We call on Belorussian authorities to hold all perpetrators accountable, and align with the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations in this regard.

Latvia condemns reported restrictions of the right to peaceful assembly, narrowing of civil society space and the gradual erosion of independent media in the country, including by imposing criminal or administrative charges against medical workers, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders solely for performing their duties.

We are also concerned by violations of the right to education, including by expelling students and firing teachers and staff for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

Madam Special Rapporteur, what more can the UN and its Member States do to support you in fulfilling your mandate?

In conclusion, I wish to express Latvia’s strong support for the renewal of Special Rapporteur’s mandate and encourage other States to support it as well.

I thank you!