HRC52 – Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath
Geneva, 22 March 2023
 
National statement
delivered by
 
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
 
 
Mr. President,
 
Almost three years since the 2020 fraudulent presidential election in Belarus, the Lukashenka regime continues its campaign of violence and repression, intentionally directed at those who express opposition to the regime, to the systematic human rights violations, or to the regime’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The cruel, politically-motivated verdicts against opposition leaders, human rights defenders and journalists are another attempt to intimidate and silence those who stand up in defense of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people in Belarus.
 
The scale of persecution of human rights defenders, activists and journalists is shocking. Freedom of speech no longer exists in Belarus. The number of political prisoners has passed 1450 and continues to grow. People representing the breadth of Belarusian society are the target of an active policy of mass repression to prevent truth, justice and accountability for the violations committed.
 
Multiple credible reports have noted the scale and patterns of the violations in Belarus, as well as their widespread and systematic nature. This latest report of the High Commissioner concludes that some of the violations may also amount to crimes against humanity. And despite all, people in Belarus continue to stand up for a sovereign, free and democratic Belarus, risking their freedom and their lives.
 
Albania thanks the High Commissioner and his Office for the continuous efforts to document human rights abuses, with a view to assisting future accountability processes, and we reaffirm our strong support for the mandate.
 
I thank you.