Bilateral relations

The Australian Government has limited all bilateral cooperation with Belarus due to its support for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Australia only engages bilaterally with Belarus when it is critical to delivering on our national interests.

The Australian Government has asked all state, territory and local governments and public universities to put on hold existing bilateral cooperation with the Belarusian governments, including Belarusian subnational government entities, and to reconsider new engagement.

From 4 December 2024, new rules under the Foreign Arrangements Scheme require that any new arrangements between Australian sub-national governments or universities, and universities in Belarus (or Russia), must be notified.

For more information see the Foreign Arrangements Scheme or contact the Foreign Arrangements Taskforce in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at foreignarrangements@dfat.gov.au.

Sanctions

Australia has imposed costs on Belarus, including trade measures and targeted sanctions, in response to its support for Russia’s invasion on Ukraine.

Media releases and statements

• Joint Statement on Belarus Presidential Election, 28 January 2025
• Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, 3 July 2024
• Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath, 19 March 2024 
• National Statement during the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner Report on Belarus, 22 March 2023
• Interim oral update of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Belarus, 23 September 2022
• Interactive Dialogue OHCHR Report on Belarus, 17 March 2022