We thank the High Commissioner for his report and condemn in the strongest terms those responsible for systematic violations of human rights in Belarus.

We are disturbed by the inadequate response of the Belarusian authorities to the recommendations of international human rights mechanisms.

Australia condemns the denial of civil and political rights, including the recent sentencing of human rights defenders from the Viasna Human Rights Center and of opposition leaders without a fair trial.

We call for the immediate release of all people arbitrarily detained for exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of expression and association. We also condemn the shocking accounts of repression and abuse of dissenting voices in Belarus, resulting in the erosion of civil society.

Australia commends the courageous advocacy of civil society organisations, human rights defenders and others who continue to carry out essential human rights work in difficult circumstances.

We recognise that many Belarusian nationals have had to leave their country due to unrelenting harassment and persecution.

Australia asks: what more can the Council do to demand Belarus end its policy of repression?