HRC57 - NB8 statement -Belarus

Human Rights Council – 57th session
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Group of independent experts on Belarus
Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
23 September 2024

Mr. President,

On behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, I thank the independent experts for this update. We highly respect his vital work in collecting evidence of human rights violations and abuses in Belarus.

We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation and strongly condemn the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society.

We stand with the people of Belarus in their demand for democracy. We support the determined and courageous work of Viasna and other civil society organisations, despite brutal repressions.

We urge the State to immediately cease the systemic oppression. We condemn torture and other ill-treatment of political prisoners and call for their immediate and unconditional release, and effective rehabilitation.

We strongly condemn Belarus’ continued support to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. We call for Belarus to end its complicity in the illegal deportation, forcible transfer and re-education of Ukrainian children by Russia.

As the situation keeps deteriorating, what avenues do you see for accountability and reparation for victims?

I thank you.