GENEVA, 5 July (BelTA) – At the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Belarus drew attention to human rights violations in Ukraine and the persecution of ethnic Belarusians in a speech delivered by a Belarusian representative, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.
On 3 July, during the session, the Permanent Mission of Belarus participated in the discussion on the situation in Ukraine in the context of reports by the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“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. Once again, we see them as tools of pressure and attempts to discredit a sovereign state. We must reiterate that accusing reports do not contribute to peace. 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,” the statement stressed.
The Belarusian representative stated that politically motivated repression continues in Ukraine. A striking example, he noted, is the persecution of the Kononovich brothers, ethnic Belarusians, imprisoned solely for expressing their views. Belarus demands their immediate release, as well as the release of all individuals imprisoned by the Ukrainian authorities for voicing their civic positions.
The statement emphasized that many of these issues continue to be on the periphery of attention for human rights institutions. So far, they have not received a principled, objective, and impartial assessment, which hinders the development of a long-term resolution. “Belarus consistently supports initiatives to reduce military and political tensions in the region. 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,” the Belarusian representative said.
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