Australia thanks the Acting High Commissioner for her interim oral update which maintains the necessary global focus on Belarus’ human rights violations.

We are struck by Belarus’ lack of cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and the impunity of those who have violated or abused human rights.

Australia notes with regret the recent second anniversary of the flawed Presidential elections and subsequent crackdown on those who protested the alleged result.

Australia calls for the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their legitimate rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of association.

Australia not only condemns the Belarusian Government’s repression of its own citizens but also its aiding of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

We are concerned that Belarus’ Criminal Code has been amended to allow the death penalty for attempted acts of terrorism. Australia reiterates its longstanding call for the Belarusian Government to abolish the death penalty.

What levers can the global community use to nudge Belarus towards reassessing its position on human rights?