50th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
Statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Belarus
3 November 2025
Delivered by Ambassador Vasilika Hysi, Permanent Representative
Mr. President,
Albania thanks the Belarusian delegation for presenting its fourth national report.
Albania expresses its concern about the overall situation of civil and political rights in Belarus, as largely reflected in United Nations and stakeholder reports. International reports document severe restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, the closure of a large number of civil society organizations, and the use of anti-extremism and counterterrorism legislation to punish political dissent.
We are also concerned by reports of torture, inhumane treatment of detainees, and deaths in custody, particularly in cases related to the 2020 protests.
Albania emphasizes the importance of respecting the principles of justice and the right to a fair trial. The independence of the judiciary and the protection of lawyers, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders are fundamental for any state seeking to ensure the rule of law.
We urge the Belarusian authorities to fully resume cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus.
Albania recommends that Belarus:
- Reconsider its decision to withdraw from the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
- Establish a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its complete abolition.
- Guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, allowing the independent functioning of the media and civil society organizations.
- Release all those detained for the peaceful exercise of these rights.
Thank you.
