Belarus is increasingly threatening and intimidating its citizens abroad, forcing them to renew expired passports in their home country, where many face the risk of detention. These findings were presented by a group of independent UN experts.
UN Experts Report
A three-member expert group appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2024 presented its report on the human rights situation in Belarus to the council on Tuesday. This report examines the status of political opponents and the impacts on their families within the country.
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Monika Platk, one of the members of this group, stated that released opposition figures continue to be targeted. Some have been expelled abroad without documentation, while their families in Belarus are under surveillance and harassment.
Platk said in a press statement: "The freedoms for those who have been imprisoned are important, but they should not be seen as the end of suppression." These words reflect the ongoing repression and pressure on political opponents in Belarus.
Status of Prisoners and International Community Response
The experts also concluded that the number of prisoners in jails appears to remain stable. As soon as a group of prisoners is released, citizens are arbitrarily detained in the streets without clear reasons. Platk stated: "The international community should not overlook this issue. Those responsible for serious human rights violations must understand that immunity is not a permanent shield, and victims must know that their rights have not been forgotten."
Karina Moskalenko, the head of the group, emphasized that the Belarusian government has refused any cooperation with this expert group and has responded negatively to all their requests.
This group's report is based on interviews conducted with individuals who have been released from detention and human rights organizations. The report clearly indicates the fundamental challenges regarding human rights in Belarus and highlights the need for serious attention from the global community.
