Speech by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the United Nations at the UNGA 80 side-event "Time for Accountability and Justice: Rule of Law under Threat in Belarus"
New York, 25 September 2025
Dear Exellencies! Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends of democratic Belarus,
It is an honour to be here in the presence of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
August 2020 marked a turning point in Belarusian history. Nationwide mass protests against stolen elections were faced with a brutal crackdown of Lukashenka’s regime. The country remains a prison to many of its freedom and democracy loving people.
Moreover, Lukashenka’s regime is broadening transnational repressions, targeting also diaspora communities. Infiltration of regime’s agents into the territory of other states, as well as actions against the Belarusian diaspora pose a threat. We must remain vigilant and determined to expose and counter such hybrid activities.
The regime is involved in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine by permitting Russian armed forces to use Belarusian territory, and by providing support to the aggressor’s war machine. This is why sanctions against Russia are closely tied to the Belarusian regime.
Lukashenka’s regime also continues hybrid attacks against the West by instrumentalizing migrants, pushing them towards the EU’s Eastern border.
All these acts fully display regime’s disregard for human rights, the rule of law and international law.
Dear friends,
We appreciate the efforts led by the US to free political and foreign prisoners, including our own citizens. We all saw the videos of the moving reunion of Sviatlana and Siarhei Tsikhanousky.
Still so many remain in prison in abhorrent conditions. The stories of political prisoners must be heard and justice must be served.
Today’s event demonstrates, that we remain united in support of a free, peaceful and democratic Belarus, our neighbouring country and its people.
First, at the international level, steps toward accountability are underway. We welcome Lithuania’s application to the International Court of Justice and its referral to the International Criminal Court in order to address the regime’s violations. Latvia supports these efforts and believes that they demonstrate the determination of the international community to hold Lukashenka’s regime accountable.
Second, Latvia is and will remain a staunch supporter of the democratic forces of Belarus and Ms Tsikhanouskaya as their legitimate leader. We provide support to political prisoners and their families, advocate for continuous international pressure against Lukashenka’s regime, including stronger sanctions, and call for international accountability.
Last but not least, the path to justice for Belarus and its people leads through constant pressure on Lukashenka’s regime. This pressure should not stop until there is a systemic change of behaviour and all political prisoners are freed. Moreover, the sanctions will continue, as long as human rights are violated and the support to Russian aggression in Ukraine remains.
We call on the international community to support all Belarusians who strive for a free and democratic Belarus.
The day will come when Belarus will be free.