Belarus Cites Ukraine Rights Issues at UN

At the UN Human Rights Council’s 59th session in Geneva, **Belarus** spotlighted alleged human rights abuses in Ukraine, particularly those targeting ethnic Belarusians. The Belarusian representative addressed the council, urging international attention to these concerns.

Belarusian Concerns Regarding UN Report

During a session on July 3, the Permanent Mission of **Belarus** engaged in a discussion regarding Ukraine, examining reports from both the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Belarusian delegation voiced strong objections to the UN’s reporting.

“The recently released report by the Secretary-General and the oral update from the High Commissioner once again display imbalance, bias and one-sided accusations against the Russian Federation.” According to the **Belarusian** statement, these reports serve as “tools of pressure and attempts to discredit a sovereign state.”

The statement emphasized that “accusing reports do not contribute to peace” and that “numerous human rights violations by the Ukrainian authorities, widespread Anti-Russian sentiment, hate-filled rhetoric, and the incitement of interethnic hostility continue to fuel the conflict.”

Demanding Justice for Ethnic Belarusians

The **Belarusian** representative highlighted what they consider to be ongoing politically motivated repression in Ukraine. Specifically, they mentioned the case of the **Kononovich** brothers, who they claim were imprisoned solely for expressing their views as ethnic Belarusians.

**Belarus** is demanding “their immediate release, as well as the release of all individuals imprisoned by the Ukrainian authorities for voicing their civic positions.” As of 2024, there are over 400 political prisoners in Ukraine, according to the Human Rights Watch report.

Call for Impartial Assessment and Peaceful Resolution

The statement conveyed concerns that numerous critical issues remain on the periphery of the attention of human rights institutions. It stated that these issues have not yet received a principled, objective, and impartial assessment, impeding prospects for a lasting resolution.

“Belarus consistently supports initiatives to reduce military and political tensions in the region,” the representative stated. “We provide every possible assistance to maintain humanitarian contacts between parties. We encourage other countries and international organizations to work towards de-escalation and the swift establishment of peace.”