Speech

36th Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on Belarus

The UK delivers statement on Belarus at the 36th Session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), sharing recommendations to improve their human rights record.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Julian Braithwaite
Published
2 November 2020
Location:
Geneva, Switzerland
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Julian Braithwaite

Thank you Madam President.

The United Kingdom acknowledges Belarus’ engagement in the UPR, but remains deeply concerned that systematic human rights violations continue in Belarus.

We condemn the arbitrary detentions, violence and intimidation against peaceful protestors, independent journalists and members of the opposition.

We recommend that Belarus:

  1. Immediately lift restrictions on freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression, including on independent media and the Internet.

  2. Release those arbitrarily detained, and investigate all allegations of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, particularly related to people in detention.

  3. Implement the recommendations in the OSCE Rapporteur’s Report under the Moscow Mechanism.

Thank you.

Published 2 November 2020