Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for her latest report. Australia remains deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Belarus.

The recent commemoration of World Day Against the Death Penalty is a reminder that Belarus remains the only country in Europe that retains and applies the death penalty for certain serious crimes.

We note 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.

Australia also 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 arbitrarily detained people for exercising their legitimate rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of association.

Australia condemns not only Belarus’ repression of its own citizens but also its aiding Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, which has had devastating humanitarian consequences.

Australia asks what can be done to hold Belarus to account for its human rights violations?