Belarus Review - 50th Session of Universal Periodic Review

Excellencies,

distinguished colleagues, I have the honour of calling to order the 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group. This morning, we will begin our session with the review of Belarus, followed by that of Liberia this afternoon. I'd like to begin by underscoring the importance and the impact of the Universal Periodic Review since its inception. This mechanism continues to build on the proactive participation of UN member states. As we are making good headway in the last phase of the fourth cycle, it is our joint responsibility to make the most together of this universal multilateral tool by placing a particular emphasis on implementation of recommendations made. I would now like to draw your attention to the reviews that will take place during this session of the working group. Before beginning the first review, I invite all delegations to abide by the established speaking time and to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace so as to ensure the quality of interpretation. All delegations are also invited to upload their oral statements via the online platform that is used for signing up to the speakers list event before the beginning of the review during which they wish to speak. The timely availability of oral statements in a written format will greatly facilitate the work of the interpreters as well as the work of the troikas and the secretariats in the preparation of the working groups' reports two and a half days after each review. Furthermore, all delegations should ensure that their statements are uploaded in Word format so that they are accessible for persons with disabilities. Speakers are also kindly reminded that recommendations will not be included in the recommendations section of the report unless they are specifically identified as recommendations by the speaker. The reports by the working group will provide a factual summary of our discussions. They will only reflect the statements made by delegations in the framework of the speaking time that is given. All speakers are therefore highly encouraged to make their recommendations at the start of their statements so as to ensure that they are taken into account. We would also like to remind all delegations that issues of a political, bilateral and territorial nature should be excluded from our discussions, and that United Nations terminology must be used when referring to States and territories. I would also like to recall that resolution 16/21 of the Human Rights Council firmly condemns any act of intimidation or reprisals against individuals and groups who cooperate or who have cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and human rights mechanisms. I therefore strongly urge all States to prevent any such acts and to ensure adequate protection against them. Finally, I would like to underscore that the delegates of the five States under review have received financial support to take part in this session through the Voluntary Trust Fund for Participation in the UPR that was established by the Council in 2007. This fund, as well as the Voluntary Contributions Fund for technical and financial assistance for the implementation of the UPR, provide significant support to States, contributing to more inclusive participation and to capacity building at the national level. Let me remind you that in its resolution 51/30, the Human Rights Council encourages States to contribute to these funds. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, before we begin the first review, I would also like to recall that States under review may be represented in person in the Assembly Hall, or they may participate remotely via pre-recorded video messages. Also, The States making recommendations also have the possibility to make their recommendations either in person in the Assembly Hall or via pre-recorded video message. Also, because of the liquidity crisis affecting UNOG's operation, the Palais des Nations' opening hours are set from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and we must leave the premises at 7 p.m. Given the great interest generated by the UPR process, and in order to ensure inclusiveness and participation, the Secretariat has ensured that the webcast will be available in all six UN official languages throughout the 50th session of the UPR. Excellencies, colleagues, we will now proceed with the review of Belarus. In accordance with resolution 5/1 of the Human Rights Council, this review is based on the national report prepared by the State under review and the compilation of information of the United Nations and the summary of information provided by other stakeholders, both reports being prepared by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Office. It is now my honour to give the floor to Mr. Igor Siketa, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, to introduce the delegation and the national report. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, President, distinguished participants. On behalf of the delegation of the Republic of Belarus, I am pleased to greet you as part of Belarus's participation in the fourth UPR cycle. We have set up a representative delegation for this dialogue, including the Commission for Religious and National Affairs, the representative of the Prosecutor's Office, the National Statistics Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Justice. The members of our delegation seek constructive cooperation and are ready to give exhaustive answers and look forward to an efficient dialogue. Distinguished President, participants, Belarus is a socially oriented state where the human being and their interests and needs are at the heart of our attention. Belarus fulfills its obligations in good faith pursuant to the international instruments it is a participant to. We regularly provide reports to the treaty bodies and are up to date with this. Since the third UPR cycle to present, Belarus has successfully presented its periodic reports to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. We look forward to questions from the Human Rights Committee. on our report under the simplified procedure. We have also been through the third voluntary review on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, which took place on the margins of the Sustainable Development Political Forum in July 2025 in New York. Belarus has a successfully developed system of specialized state public institutions for the protection and promotion of various categories of human rights. We continue to enhance our institutional system for the protection of human rights, and in 2022, we set up a new permanent collegial body, the National Interdepartmental Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, headed up by the Deputy Prime Minister. In the reporting period, we have conducted constitutional reform, which has ushered in broad-scale political modernization in our country. The constitutional reform was preceded by open and inclusive civic discussion, which saw participation by all those who so wished. As a result of the national referendum in 2022, the state governance system now includes the supreme representative body of people's power, the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Through this mechanism, citizens can directly participate in developing strategic solutions and have genuine influence on government policy. The convening of the second session of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly is planned for December this year. As a result of amendments to the Constitution, there is now direct access by citizens to constitutional justice. The Constitution now includes additional guarantees for the most vulnerable categories of citizens. due to their age, illnesses, or other circumstances, for instance, older persons, persons with disabilities, children, orphans, and young people. There have been positive legislative changes in terms of enhancing cooperation with civil society and building a national dialogue. The social protection system rightly remains the pride of our country. Thanks to consistent efforts by our state, we have a sustainable level of social protection for the public. An accessible and effective health care system is the utmost priority of government policy in Belarus. Each citizen, let me underscore, each citizen, irrespective of their economic situation or their social situation, has the opportunity to receive free of charge any type of medical assistance, including the highest tech types. Far from every country, even in Europe, can boast such a thing. Significant successes have been achieved in maternal and child medicine, cardio surgery, neurosurgery, cancer treatment, and others. By many measures, Belarus is ahead of other European countries. And medical services are also in demand among foreign nationals. And this is enabled by a visa-free entry system for more than 82 countries. Quality and accessible education in our country is a source of growth in terms of the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual development of our people. And free of charge education is guaranteed, a key component of Belarus is fulfilling its obligations is ensuring gender equality. There is a lasting trend of active involvement by women in political and public life. The share of women in the Belarusian Parliament exceeds 40%. With support from the state, we are actively developing women's entrepreneurship. Government family policy includes a raft of measures to support and provide dignified conditions for family life, including families with children. The government provides significant material assistance to families. We have taken measures as well to increase fathers' involvement. Developing the capacities and potential of the young generation is another priority of government policy. In the renewed constitution, alongside protecting the interests of all segments of society, particular attention is devoted to the youth. The state facilitates the spiritual, intellectual and physical development of young people, creating the necessary conditions for their free and effective participation in public life. Older persons are playing an increased role in society as well. The pension system is operating stably and there is a real growth in pensions. We are implementing the National Strategy for Active Longevity 2030. The necessary conditions have been created for the social involvement of older persons and their fully fledged participation in society. The adoption of new legislation has also given impetus to the protection of persons with disabilities. The law adopted in 2022 in our country determined guarantees for the rights of persons with disabilities and ensured equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of disabilities. There is an innovation in terms of enjoyment by persons with disabilities of their rights, and this is a system of quota, a quota for jobs. There is a consistent policy to increase the income and social guarantees of the most vulnerable categories of society. Over the last five years, there has been a growth in real disposable income of almost 115%. There is a steady decrease in unemployment. The level of unemployment according to the ILO methodology in 2024 was 3.1%, which is one of the lowest ever recorded. Our legislation on combating domestic violence has been enhanced. We have streamlined the procedure for restraining orders to be issued, and a new preventive measure has been introduced, the correctional program. There is also a register on cases of domestic violence that has been introduced. The effectiveness and justification of our country's strategy can be seen in our results in the international ratings. Let me give you some examples. We have a high level of progress in achieving sustainable development, more than 80%. Belarus holds 32nd place of 167 states. We continue to hold a stable position as a country with a high level of development, taking 65th place of 193 countries in the Global Human Development Index. According to the Gender Inequality Index, Belarus took 27th place in a rating of 172 countries. And according to the World Economic Forum, gender equality in Belarus has been achieved to 73.6%. This is a better figure than in 94 other countries. Belarus has one of the lowest level of maternal, infant and child mortality in the world and is one of the top 25 countries for maternity. These figures could have been even better if not for the unilateral coercive measures, which are willfully introduced by several Western countries against Belarus. This policy of sanctions pressure by these countries undermines the economic and social rights not only of Belarusian citizens, but also those of citizens of other countries. For instance, the ban on the use of Belarusian airspace makes civil aviation unsafe and calls into question the EU's Green Deal. The West in many cases, has closed land crossing borders, including in Lithuania. As a result of this abuse by its neighbours, Belarus, of Belarus' geographic position, we have clear humanitarian economic consequences. We call on the EU to return to dialogue, to remove the unlawful restrictions because there is no space for this in a modern, civilized world, Belarus intends to continue to adhering to the highest standards of human rights, ensuring social protection, economic stability, and political unity for Belarusian citizens. Distinguished President, distinguished participants, our country is going through today's process with a full sense of responsibility, and we view the UPR as a system that allows us, on an equitable basis, to share experience and best practices and to build dialogue on human rights. The recommendations arising from this process are viewed as important guidance by our country for further enhancing our national system for the promotion and protection of human rights. As a result of this review, we intend to work on the recommendations, and this will be helpful for guiding our national efforts to develop Belarusian society. Thank you.

I thank you. We will now begin our interactive dialogue. Before giving the floor to delegations for their questions and comments, I would like to recall that the speaking time will be one minute and 10 seconds for all. I would also like to remind you that bilateral and territorial issues of a political nature must not be part of our discussions and UN terminology must be used to name states and territories. Furthermore, allow me to remind you that the use of the terms "recommend" or "recommendation" will guarantee the inclusion of the relevant parts of your statements in the recommendations section of the working group's report. I will turn now to the list of speakers and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. Not in the room. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Thank you, President. We extend a welcome to the friendly Republic of Belarus. We read with interest the report and we commend the efforts deployed by Belarus to improve the human rights situation, especially in terms of social protection and support for families. President, my delegation would like to make the following recommendations: Continue active work with the treaty bodies and the special procedures and UN mechanisms on human rights in accordance with the country's obligations; and second, continue efforts to ensure broadened opportunities for women and equal access to education, as well as participation in economic and political life. Thank you, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan.

Thank you, Mr. President. Kyrgyzstan extends a warm welcome to the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Belarus, headed by His Excellency Mr. Igor Siketa,

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

We highly commend Belarus for its constructive engagement and unwavering commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process, which remains a cornerstone of global cooperation in advancing human rights for all. In this spirit, Kyrgyzstan would like to submit the following recommendations: Continue measures to prevent and combat domestic violence and provide assistance to victims of domestic violence. develop and effectively implement new national policy documents on combating organized crime and corruption, and take measures to expand access to medical services for residents of rural areas. We wish the Republic of Belarus continued progress and every success in the implementation of its human rights obligations. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Latvia.

Latvia is gravely concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus. The systematic use of torture, denial of basic rights and freedoms, eradication of civil society, politically motivated sentences, gross human rights violations that may constitute crimes against humanity. Latvia strongly recommends to cease immediately the instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes, to ensure respect for the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations and justice for all victims, to release all political prisoners and stop repressions, to establish a moratorium on the death penalty, to ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC and fully align national legislation with the Statute, to stop involvement in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and to return all unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. I thank you.

I give the floor to Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein welcomes the distinguished delegation of Belarus and thanks for the information provided. In a constructive spirit, Liechtenstein recommends that Belarus: 1. Ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC; 2. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and re-ratify the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; 3. Immediately establish an official moratorium on executions and commute all death sentences with a view to abolishing the death penalty; 4. Release immediately and unconditionally human rights defenders, lawyers, trade union members, opposition politicians, journalists and others convicted for exercising their civil and political rights and guarantee that they can carry out their work without the fear of reprisal. Five, take immediate measures to prevent all torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment or punishment and investigate promptly, effectively and impartially all allegations of such and holding all perpetrators accountable. We wish Belarus a successful UPR. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lithuania.

Thank you, Mr. President. Lithuania is very concerned about the human rights situation in Belarus. Lithuania would like to make the following recommendations. One, immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, ensure their full rehabilitation, and stop their forceful deportations abroad. Two, stop prosecutions and other acts of repression against journalists, activists in exile, and their family members. Three, prohibit use of torture and gender-based violence, inhuman treatment in detention, bringing perpetrators to account. Four, stop the instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes. do not put their lives and well-being in danger attempting to push them into the EU. Five, guarantee freedom of assembly and expression, both in law and in practice. Six, stop involvement in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, ensure the safe return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported Ukrainian children. Seven, establish moratorium of executions as first step towards abolition of death penalty. Eight, ensure freedom of association. Nine, cooperate with the UN special procedures by granting them free, full, and unhindered access. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg.

President, we thank the Republic of Belarus for the presentation of its national report. Luxembourg remains deeply concerned at the continued deterioration of human rights in Belarus, which is a worrying trend of repression and increased trampling of fundamental freedoms in the civic space. Luxembourg recommends, first, removing all obstacles to freedom of expression, association and the press, ensuring that journalists and civil society can freely carry out their activities. freely and safely, both within the country and outside it. Third, release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners and refrain from any new imprisonments. Fourth, ratify the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court. Fifth, combat any act of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, especially by law enforcement officers. Fifth, Establish a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to its abolition. And sixth, eliminate all forms of forced labor. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Thank you Mr. president malaysia commands belarus for presenting its national report and for undertaking various initiative to promote and protect human rights since the last upr cycle in the spirit of constructive engagement malaysia recommends the following first strengthen vocational training and promote inclusive education policies for children with disabilities and minority groups second promote rural and small town enterprise support schemes including microcredit and women-led entrepreneurship initiative. And third, enhance community health outreach services and early screening programs for older persons and persons with disabilities. We wish Belarus a successful review. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. President.

The Maldives warmly welcomes the high-level delegation from Belarus to this fourth cycle review and thanks the delegation for their presentation today. The MOLDIS commends Belarus for its continued efforts to promote gender equality through implementation of the sixth national action plan on gender equality and for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities by implementing.

Steps to improve disability inclusion and accessibility under domestic law and through policy programmes.

We also recognised measures taken to improve national framework for social protection. In constructive spirit, the MOLDIS makes the following recommendations.

One, continue to take measures to ensure that inclusive participation of persons with.

Disabilities in various spheres and to take their voices into account in the process of developing national policy and decision-making.

Two, continue to support women entrepreneurship, including in rural areas. We wish Belarus a successful review.

I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Malta remains concerned about the human rights situation in the country, in particular the shrinking civic space and restrictions on the exercise of human rights, such as peaceful protests and free elections.

As well as the expanded use of the death penalty.

The recent liberation of some political prisoners is a notable step.

We strongly urge Belarus to free the remaining political prisoners still deprived of liberty.

Malta is also seriously concerned about the recently announced draft law amending the Code of Administrative Responsibility, whose Article 19.16 is intended to target LGBTIQ+ persons and punishes so-called LGBTIQ propaganda. We would like to make the following recommendations: 1. Release all persons deprived of liberty on the basis of their political beliefs.

2.

Take steps to effectively stop all instances of torture and other degrading forms of punishment to persons at all places of detention. ratified the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, ratified the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Malta wishes Belarus a successful review.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the delegation of Mauritius by video.

Thank you, Chair.

Mauritius extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Belarus during this fourth cycle of the UPR.

We take this opportunity.

To congratulate Belarus on the measures and policies.

Taken for development and support for families, as well as being ranked eighth globally for lowest infant mortality rate.

According to the latest report of the UNICEF. We also commend Belarus for the social protection and social inclusion.

Measures which are being afforded to the elderly, the disabled and other vulnerable groups. In a constructive spirit, we recommend that Belarus accelerates its efforts towards the establishment of an independent national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles and accedes to ILO conventions, including Convention 156 relating to workers with family responsibilities and Convention 190 relating to violence and harassment. We wish Belarus a successful review and we thank you, Chair.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Mexico.

We'd like to thank Belarus for its report, and we recognize the amnesty granted in 2024 for some persons who were deprived of their liberty following the 2020 protests. In a constructive and respectful spirit, Mexico recommends, firstly, to resume its cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms, especially the special procedures and treaty bodies. Secondly, to continue to release all those persons who have been detained in an arbitrary fashion following the 2020 protests, and to ensure the peaceful exercise of freedom of expression, assembly and association. Thirdly, to establish a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition, and to ensure full transparency in cases of the death penalty. We wish Belarus a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Mongolia.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the delegation of Belarus for its presentation and express our appreciation for its engagement in the UPR process. We commend Belarus's efforts to strengthen its social protection, education, and national strategy on gender equality and the rights of the disabilities. We also welcome Belarus's participation in treaty body review and encourage continued engagement with international mechanism. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Mongolia would like to offer the following recommendation. One, to further strengthen its efforts to increase representation of women in decision making in political and public life. Two, consider establishing an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles, free to move towards abolition of the death penalty. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I call Montenegro.

Thanks, the delegation of Belarus for presenting the national report and engaging in the UPR process. We remain deeply concerned by the findings of the High Commissioner and other UN human rights mechanisms that indicate the persistence of a repressive system targeting civil society activists, human rights defenders, political opponents, journalists, and other Belarusians perceived as critical of the government. As stated, some documented violations may amount to crimes under international law committed deliberately as a part of a systemic policy to silence dissent, shield perpetrators, and prevent accountability. We urge the Belarusian authorities to end these violations, release all arbitrarily detained persons, and ensure accountability and justice for victims. Montenegro recommends that Belarus: 1. Conduct independent, impartial, effective, and transparent investigation into all past human rights violations. in particular those that may amount to crimes under international law, ensuring accountability, and to adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation explicitly prohibiting all forms of discrimination against women and girls, including intersecting forms. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Namibia.

Mr. President, Namibia extends a warm welcome to the esteemed delegation of Belarus and thanks them for their comprehensive report. We commend Belarus for its continued cooperation with the UPR Working Group. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we wish to respectfully offer the following recommendation. One, consider re-ratifying the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights following withdrawal in 2023. Two, consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. and 3. Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We wish Belarus a successful fourth review. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I call on Nepal.

Mr. President, Nepal warmly welcomes the delegation of Belarus to the fourth cycle of UPR and thanks them for presenting the national report. We appreciate Belarus for its constructive engagement with the human rights mechanism.

Nepal takes note of the visit of Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants to Belarus in July 2022.

The measures taken by Belarus to ensure quality and accessible health care for all is appreciable. In a constructive spirit, Nepal recommends Belarus the following: 1. Redouble efforts to combat gender-based violence and to promote gender equality. Two, scale up efforts to ensure quality education for all without discrimination. Three, consider establishing an independent national human rights institution in line with the Paris principle.

We wish Belarus a successful UPR.

Thank you.

Thank you. I now call on the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President. While the Kingdom of the Netherlands acknowledges the recent release of a limited number of political prisoners, we remain deeply concerned about the broader human rights situation in Belarus. The ongoing arbitrary detention of thousands of individuals is unacceptable, as is the widespread and systemic use of torture, which has been documented by a group of independent experts on Belarus, and which may constitute a crime against humanity. We therefore recommend Belarus to, one, immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained, including journalists and trade union members, and refrain from detaining new individuals on political grounds. Recommendation 2, cease all forms of repression against civil society, independent media and opposition actors, and guarantee free, fair and democratic elections in accordance with international standards. I thank you.

Thank you. I'd like to now give the floor to New Zealand.

Thank you, Mr. President. We welcome the participation of Belarus in today's UPR. New Zealand regrets the lack of progress on the recommendations from Belarus' last review in 2020, and we call on Belarus to act with urgency to address ongoing violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms. New Zealand recommends that Belarus, one, act immediately to release all political prisoners. Two, bring conditions in detention facilities in line with international standards. Three, ratify the optional protocol to the Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

And 4.

Ratify the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.

Mr. President, we make these recommendations to ensure rights to life, liberty and security of person and the right to freedom from torture for Belarusians. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Nigeria.

Thank you, Mr. President. Nigeria welcomes delegation of Belarus and thanks it for the presentation of its national report under the fourth UPR cycle. Nigeria notes the progress made in strengthening protections for vulnerable persons through the 2022 constitutional amendments, and which expands the guard for old persons, persons with disability, children, and youth. We further note Belarus's efforts to domesticate international human rights treaties and align national laws with its global obligations. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Nigeria wishes to recommend that Belarus continue cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN mechanisms, continue efforts to align national legislation with international obligations for the protection of migrant workers and their families, and strengthen measures to prevent and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination in line with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Finally, we wish Belarus every success in its review process. I thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you. I call on Norway, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. While we acknowledge Belarus' release of many political prisoners over the last year, We remain deeply concerned that little effort has been made to end the systematic denial of human rights to its citizens. 1. Immediately and unconditionally release those who have been arbitrarily detained or otherwise unlawfully deprived of their liberty. 2. End systemic repression and politically motivated prosecutions, including detentions, torture, and persecution of political opponents and their families. Three, cease media censorship, remove extremist labels on independent media, and end transnational repression of reporters in exile. Four, strengthen civil rights protections, including measures to combat domestic violence and promote gender equality, with particular attention to the rights of women and LGBTQI+ persons. Five, impose a moratorium on the death penalty with the view to abolish it. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Oman.

Mr. President, we welcome the delegation of the friendly state of Belarus, and we highly commend the efforts exerted in preparing its national report in accordance with a comprehensive participatory methodology and its positive interaction with the UPR in its fourth cycle. We have viewed the national report of Belarus, and we commend its efforts in the promotion and support of low-income families, especially through governmental social assistance, as well as monthly allowances and providing nutrition for free to children. And we recommend, first, to pursue efforts to integrate the persons with disabilities in education and the labor market. Second, to improve national measures to put an end to domestic violence and to provide protection to victims. Third, to expand support to entrepreneurs, especially women and female-owned projects. In conclusion, we wish Belarus all success.

Thank you.

Thank you. I now call on Pakistan.

Mr. President, Pakistan welcomes Belarus to its fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and thanks the head of the delegation for the comprehensive presentation of the country's national report. We appreciate Belarus's continued engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms, including this working group, treaty bodies, special procedures, mandate holders, and other mandates. My delegation notes that Belarus has taken steps to implement agreed recommendations from its third cycle UPR. We commend the special focus on upholding the rights of persons with disabilities and progress towards more inclusive education and incentives for employment. We note also with appreciation progress in upholding the right to healthcare, especially Belarus's indicators on maternal and infant mortality. Mr. President, my delegation would like to make the following recommendations. One, continue to support families, particularly those with newborn or young children, with social protection and special benefits, and consider steps to further strengthen the national human rights institutions. We wish Belarus every success. Thank you.

Thank you. I now call on Paraguay.

Thank you. A greeting to the delegation of Belarus. We thank them for the report. Pursuant to the recommendations from the third cycle, we welcome the progress made in terms of the organic law against human trafficking and exploitation. We respectfully recommend to consider ratifying the second optional protocol to the ICCPR on the abolition of the death penalty and on the CRPD. Secondly, to join efforts so as to develop a national strategy to address violence against children, especially sexual violence, including repressive measures and response and prevention measures. Thirdly, to strengthen measures against trafficking so as to ensure early and effective detection and good protection and prevention services and the adequate referral of victims. And fourthly, consider receiving international cooperation so as to establish mechanism, permanent mechanism that would help ensure full and effective implementation of human rights recommendations. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Philippines warmly welcomes the delegation of Belarus and appreciates the presentation of its national report for the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. My delegation appreciates the constructive participation of Belarus in this important mechanism, which plays a vital role in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, the Philippines offers the following recommendations: 1. Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families; 2. Consider establishing an independent national human rights institution in full alignment with the Paris Principles; And three, adopt a comprehensive anti-trafficking strategy that incorporates effective victim identification, thorough criminal investigation and prosecution of trafficking offences, and robust support for victims. Finally, the Philippines wishes Belarus a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. I now call on Poland.

Mr. President, Poland is deeply concerned about the ongoing violent campaign of repression in Belarus. While a number of political prisoners have been released, more than 1,000 remain unjustly imprisoned, facing torture and ill-treatment. 1. Ensure the holding of free and fair elections in line with international standards and in the presence of the OSCE observers. Two, engage in a meaningful dialogue with independent civil society. Three, immediately and unconditionally release of political prisoners, including Andrzej Poczobut, and ensure their full and effective rehabilitation. Four, ensure that all national minorities, including Polish national minority, are able to fully exercise their rights in line with Belarus' international obligations. Five, immediately cease instrumentalization of migrants. Six, initiate independent and effective investigations into all human rights violations and to ensure their perpetrators are held to account. Seven, cease any support to Russia in its aggression against Ukraine and secure the return of all Ukrainian children to Ukraine. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Qatar.

Thank you, Mr. President.

We welcome the delegation of Belarus and especially His Excellency, the Vice Foreign Minister, and we thank them for the updates in this respect.

We commend the efforts exerted in order to implement the sustainable development plan for 2030 by developing strategies for sustainable development up to 2040 and the adoption of.

Laws and the legislation in this respect, especially the action plan to better integrate children and protect them. And we put forward the following recommendations to include organizations that are concerned with the right of persons with disabilities and to pursue efforts to enhance family values and to provide social protection to the family and all its members. And we wish.

Thank you. I call on the Republic of Korea.

Mr. President, the Republic of Korea appreciates the participation of the delegation of Belarus and values its comprehensive presentation on its national report. My delegation welcomes the recent release of over 200 prisoners by Belarus who are identified by civil society as political prisoners. Nevertheless, remain concerned over reports of continued arbitrary arrest and detention and restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. In this respect, my government would like to recommend the following: One, taking effective measures to ensure freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly in accordance with international obligation standards and ceasing the use of counterterrorism and counterextremism laws to silence dissent. Two, enhancing cooperation and engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, in particular with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. Three, taking concrete steps to establish an independent national human rights institution. We look forward to a successful and constructive review of Belarus.

Thank you. I'd like to call on the Republic of Moldova.

Mr. President, we would like to thank the delegation of Belarus for its presentation.

We welcome the ongoing preparations and look forward to the accession of Belarus to the conventions relating to the.

Status of stateless persons and on the reduction of statelessness. The measures for social services, including related to universal access to education and healthcare, are commendable. Also, we note with concern the findings of UN special procedures on restrictions on several fundamental freedoms and call on Belarus to engage fully in cooperation with all the UN mechanisms.

Moldova would like to recommend, one, to put a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its full abolition. Two, ensure that all alleged.

Human rights abuses are promptly and effectively investigated in a transparent and independent manner and ensure accountability for any violation. Three, take measures to guarantee freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and to continue.

The release of all those unlawfully or arbitrarily detained on political grounds.

We wish Belarus a successful review session. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on the distinguished representative of Romania.

Thank you, Mr. President. Romania acknowledges the participation of the delegation of Belarus to this UPR cycle and trusts it will approach this review with the necessary commitment. Romania constructively recommends the following: 1. Proceed with the re-ratification of the Optional Protocol to the ICCPR and take steps towards the full abolition of the death penalty. 2. Release all political prisoners, conduct timely, impartial investigations into all allegations of extrajudicial killings. and torture in prison and ensuring accountability. Three, uphold the freedom of expression and of the media and the rights to peaceful assembly and associations by assisting systematic purging of civil and political actors. Four, cease all systematic pressure, including prosecution against the Belarusian clergy, members, and believers, as well as raids on places of worship. Five, cease all intimidation and repression directed at its citizens at home and abroad and initiate an inclusive, transparent, dialogue with the political opposition; and sixth, engage fully with the OHCHR and all special procedure mandate holders, including the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Belarus. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on the Russian Federation.

Thank you very much, President. We would like to welcome the constructive cooperation of Belarus with the UPR process, and we thank the national delegation for the presentation of the report, which reflects an objective picture regarding human rights in the country. We express concern about the politicised approach of a number of Western countries regarding the situation in Belarus and the whipping up of hysteria surrounding the so-called political prisoners. There are people who have been convicted of extremist acts, and Western sponsors are interested in destabilizing the situation within Belarus. At the same time, the presidential elections that took place have clearly shown the stable situation in the country. There were many external observers who saw that the elections were free and transparent and met all international legislative requirements. We recommend to continue efforts to preserve the historic rights and combat the glorification or propaganda of Nazis and to also preserve the memorials for the victims of fascism, and to ensure the good working of the all-Belarusian National Assembly, to continue to address any measures that have a negative impact on human rights. We would like to wish Belarus a successful PR. Thank you.

I now call on Serbia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Republic of Serbia welcomes the delegation of Belarus at the UPR session and thanks it for presenting its national report. Serbia recommends that Belarus, one, continues developing comprehensive strategies to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including against women, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups; two, considers adopting new strategies to combat gender-based and domestic violence; and three, strengthen measures for reducing child poverty with a stronger focus on supporting parents. Serbia wishes Belarus a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on China.

The Chinese delegation appreciate the Government of Belarus in promoting and protecting human rights efforts and achievements made. We welcome the Government of Belarus in promoting economic, social development, protect the rights of vulnerable groups. We would like to recommend to Belarus One, continue to promote economic and sustainable development, promoting the livelihood of the people. Two, continue to work with other countries subject to UCM to cooperate to lessen and reduce the impact of such measures. Three, continue to promote South-South cooperation, promote and protect human rights in common effort. We hope Belarus's success, complete success in this UPR. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Slovenia.

Mr. President, Slovenia notes with appreciation the engagement of Belarus in this UPR mechanism. Slovenia acknowledges Belarus' recent releases of several political prisoners. Nevertheless, we recommend the immediate and unconditional release and effective rehabilitation of all those who remain arbitrarily detained, with full respect for their rights. We also recommend Belarus to ensure absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment, and to bring detention conditions in line with international standards. Slovenia urges the Belarusian authorities to stop enabling Russia's illegal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, including the safe and immediate return of all deported and transferred Ukrainian children. We urge Belarus to respect its international obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on Spain.

Thank you very much, President. Spain would like to welcome the delegation of Belarus and we'd like to thank them for participation in this event. We note the liberation of a number of political prisoners and human rights defenders. However, we would like to express our deep concern about the more than 1,000 political prisoners who continue to be subjected to torture and are held incommunicado, as well as about the systematic violations of civil and political in Belarus. In the context of this very difficult backdrop, Spain would like to recommend to Belarus to establish a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its ultimate abolition and to ratify the second optional protocol of the ICCPR. Also, to end the repression and persecution against demonstrators, human rights defenders, political opponents, journalists and NGOs, which try to exercise their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association. Thirdly, to revise national legislation so as to show it is in line with the free trial international standards and also to ensure due guarantees. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Sri Lanka.

Mr. President, Sri Lanka welcomes the delegation of Belarus and appreciates the presentation made. Sri Lanka commends the wide-ranging interactions with human rights mechanisms that Belarus has undertaken during recent years, such as continuous engagement with treaty bodies and special procedure mandate holders, and appreciates measures taken to create conditions for sustainable economic and social development in Belarus. In a constructive spirit, Sri Lanka recommends that Belarus, one, continue efforts to ensure gender equality in education, especially in technical and vocational education and training. Two, continue ongoing efforts to improve the primary healthcare system. Three, continue work done to prevent domestic violence and assist victims. Four, ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. We wish Belarus success in its UPR engagement.

Thank you. Thank you. I would now like to give the floor back to the delegation so that they can respond to comments and observations that have been made thus far. The delegation has the floor.

Thank you, President, distinguished participants. Thank you very much for your statements and your comments. I would like, in order to respond to the comments and questions, to give the floor to the Commissioner on Religion of Belarus.

Distinguished President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Belarus is a multi-confessional and multi-ethnic state, and it does not have any problems with regarding religious conflict or inter-ethnic strife. We have favourable conditions for ensuring the rights of our citizens to freedom of conscience and religion, and for the work of religious organisations and national associations. In our country, there are people who belong to 25 different religious confessions and denominations. In Belarus, we have representatives of the world's largest religion, Orthodoxy and Catholicism, as well as 13 denominations of evangelical Protestant churches, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Krishna, and others. Belarusian legislation ensures a legal framework in which citizens are guaranteed their right to freedom of conscience and faith, and religious organizations are able to carry out their work in full. Our constitution enshrines the principle of equality of religions, the right to choose one's faith and to disseminate one's religious convictions, as well as to take part in religious cults, rituals and rites that are not prohibited by law. Obstructing the right to freedom of conscience and religion, as well as the establishment of any advantages or restrictions on the rights of citizens regarding their relations to religion, are not permitted, and they are punishable by law. Our legislation provides a legal framework in which religious organisations can act and develop. The Government does not interfere in matters of private practice of one's faith, of any religion, nor does it require of religious organisations the carrying out of any state functions. But at the same time, our state is open for cooperation on addressing social issues within society. Belarus has created an institutional mechanisms for constant dialogue with all religious associations, regardless of their number of faithful. We have an advisory interfaith council which is under the penitentiary on religion and ethnicities and this includes representatives of most of the largest confessions the better Russian Orthodox Church the Roman Catholic Church the United Christian Church of even Jericho's and also a number of smaller associations of Muslims Jews and seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah Witnesses and the government The representatives of each of these associations has an equal voice within the council, and they address mutual relations with the state and religious confessions within the council. We have a law on freedom of conscience and religious organizations, and religious organizations have state registration. and this is not unique to our country; it exists in legislation in many states. In 2023, there were amendments brought to the law, and a Bill was available for public discussion, and it was also discussed during a meeting of the Interfaith Advisory Council. The amendments that were made to the law did not lead to a worsening of conditions for religious communities. The law foresees a possibility to provide assistance by the state to religious organizations regarding the restoration and preservation of cultural sites which have historical and cultural value, as well as joint work with social institutions for social support of elderly citizens and persons with disabilities and rehabilitation of citizens suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction. The legislation prohibits It's the dissemination of texts and representations that are aimed at stirring up religious hatred and enmity, or which may offend the religious feelings of citizens. As a result, according to our law in Belarus, a number of organizations have been re-registered and have retained their activities from all confessions. There are As a result of demographic processes, fewer people are practising religions, but many areas where this is the case are not left without any religious activities, because, according to the law, a citizen living in remote areas can join a religious organisation from a different region. Thus, at the legislative level, we have measures in place to ensure the protection of rights and freedom of our faithful, preventing any religious exclusiveness or disrespect towards religious feelings. According to the 2019 census, in Belarus, there are more than 150 ethnicities, including people from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. And our constitution guarantees the right for every person to retain their nationality and ethnicity. The law on national minorities in Belarus guarantees the right to all citizens who belong to ethnic minorities equal political, economic and social rights and freedoms, which are exercised in the framework provided by law. There are no direct or indirect restrictions on the rights and freedoms of citizens of Belarus because they belong to an ethnic minority that are permitted, nor are they assimilated against their will. Every person has the right to use their mother tongue and to choose their language of communication. We have an advisory inter-ethnic council which comprises 20 representatives of registered national, ethnic and cultural associations. Budgetary funds are allocated to the council, and it is symbolic that, since the council was established in 2006, it has constantly been headed by an Armenian, and the deputy chair is a Ukrainian. In our country, there are no manifestations of racism or anti-Semitism. Roma benefit from the same rights and social guarantees as all other citizens. All Roma children are included in the educational system, and one in 10 Roma has higher education. This is the best evidence of the fact that in Belarus, in law and in practice, the rights of all citizens are respected regardless of their ethnicity. Thank you very much. I'd now like to give the floor to the next speaker from our delegation, the representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thank you, Chair. Distinguished participants, I'd like to respond to a number of questions regarding migration amongst other things. In Belarus, illegal migration is not a new issue compared with previous years. Responding to this question, Belarus has to do it by itself without any support from the EU. The EU has undermined all of the agreements with Belarus and cut off all funding regarding cross-border projects. Belarus would like to underscore that it This is not a reasonable approach. There was only 0.5% of migrants that come through our borders of the EU, and Belarus has not instrumentalized its immigration law. That is what we are being accused of by the West today. But we value our stability and the security of our borders. Our borders with the EU states had never posed a problem before. We have practically normalised the current situation. We have fully closed air connections with those states where potential migrants were coming from, and we have minimalised the number of tourist agencies. And in Belarus, we have also created temporary shelters for migrants who were stuck at the border with EU states. Today, the issue regarding immigrants and our borders with the EU remains an actual, a current issue. So that is why we have invited the special mandate holder on migrants to visit Belarus, and he did visit Belarus, and then he made recommendations. to Belarus along with the to establish a dialogue with the EU and Poland. Unfortunately, this recommendation is still pending despite our multiple efforts to engage in dialogue. And in 2024, there was an international conference that we organized on illegal immigration that was Also, on the sidelines of the third Minsk Conference on Eurasian Security, we held an international roundtable on the topic. And we would like to underscore that we are seriously interested in ensuring appropriate and normal relations with the EU. And we do hope very much that our relations with our neighboring countries will be normalized very soon, including through the lines of the relevant ministries. Regarding national human rights mechanisms, the legal framework currently in force in Belarus provides citizens with sufficient mechanisms to address individual cases and their own specific situations in accordance with the law on the right of citizens to appeal and the right of legal entities as well. Currently, There is the leadership of state bodies that consider these petitions. Human rights institutions, when they are established, do not always prove effective. But the question is still on the agenda, public discussions ongoing. We are continuing to monitor the functioning of these mechanisms in other countries. We are working within the CIS regarding an ombuds person for the rights of the child and also with the SCIS ombuds person on human rights and Belarus will take over the chairmanship of that mechanism next year. Regarding the optional protocol to the ICCPR, we have been compelled in 2024 to denounce this protocol in connection with the systematic deviation by the Human Rights Committee from its mandate, and it's constantly overstepping its mandate. However, I'd like to underscore that that is a temporary measure, and we are determined to return to the protocol once the issues that prevent Belarusian participation in it have been addressed. We do value full cooperation with the ICCPR mechanisms. Regarding the joining by Belarus of the Convention on Statelessness, I'd like to underscore that we continue to believe that participation in this international document is important from the perspective of our national interests. We have prepared a draft for acceding to that convention. However, in light of changes in both external and domestic affairs, which pose a threat to Belarus's national security, for instance, the sanctions against our country, the discreditation of us at the international level, now we need additional time to fine-tune the law. And once the situation improves, we would be happy to resume our efforts to join that convention. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. I would like to add a couple of words regarding migration, because here in this room, we have heard concerns. Migration, like any other issue, requires broad international efforts. by closing ourselves off from each other and accusing each other of things, we are not going to get anything done. Also, it is very important to work with the countries of origin of migration. And I believe that states who are here present must work more actively in this regard. Belarus is doing its part. And if you look at the geography of the visits of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then you will have seen that we have in recent years significantly stepped up our work in Africa, Asia, and other states in other regions of the world, which are home to countries of origin of irregular migration. This is leading to the creation of missions and the provision of necessary food and equipment so as to try and ensure that the conditions in home countries are good enough to stop people from trying to seek better fortunes abroad and head to countries which are not always open to migrants, to put it mildly. Now, I would like to give the floor to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations in Geneva and other organizations in Geneva.

Thank you. Thank you, dear colleagues, distinguished participants of the UPR. I'd like to respond to a number of issues that were raised during our discussions. The death penalty. The constitutional reform in Belarus has not changed the exclusive and temporary nature of the application of the death penalty. In 2023 and 2024, there was no use of the death penalty that was made in 2022. There was one case of the death penalty, which was applied against a person who had murdered two defenseless victims. The death penalty is used for deliberate murder with aggravating circumstances, as well as for crimes related to terrorism. crimes against peace and security and also war crimes. This highest measure of punishment is not used against minors or women or men who have reached the age of 65. In 1960, more than 90% of the people of Belarus voted in favor of keeping the death penalty. This was following a referendum. The level of support of this punishment today remains very high, and we do not agree with the view that there is a political solution to the question of the death penalty. We believe that this question has to be addressed taking into account the views of of our public opinion and also in light of the proportionality of punishment, which must be commensurate to a crime. The EU's policy regarding Belarus, which manifests itself in militarised threats, sanctions, restrictions on the movement of Belarusian citizens and other discriminatory measures, well, in that backdrop, we feel that a discussion regarding the death penalty is simply not required in Belarus today. Regarding anti-discrimination laws, Belarus is committed to ensuring the right to equality and non-discrimination. The principle of equality is enshrined in our constitution, and it is broadly reflected in sector-specific legislation as well. There are measures that are in place either to specifically prohibit discrimination or to promote equal rights. In our labor code, discrimination is specifically prohibited. We also have legislation on foreign labor migration, which also sets out the inadmissibility of discrimination regarding migrant workers. In 2021, a law was adopted on the protection of personal data, and it provides for a special regime for processing personal data which relate to race or ethnicity or political views or membership of a trade union and other points and this is a category of special personal data which cannot be processed without the agreement of the person concerned. We have achieved before the deadline SDG 10 reducing inequality and this shows that The work against discrimination can effectively be carried out on the basis of a legal system when this one is designed in a way that takes account of national and historic and cultural specificities. We would like to say that a number of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that are recommended by the UN system still need to prove their worth. We are monitoring the situation regarding them. I'd also like to comment on human trafficking. Belarusian law enforcement effectively combats, uh, crimes related to human trafficking, and we take all necessary preventive measures in our country. We have for 12 years now had a national mechanism for referral of victims of human trafficking. This is done in cooperation with staff from medical and other institutions. It makes it possible to detect victims, refer them, ensure their protection, ensure they receive comprehensive support. We have an electronic data bank on victims of human trafficking and citizens who may have suffered from this crime. There are also legal mechanisms in place to release or free victims of human trafficking from administrative or criminal liability for crimes or offences committed under duress or due to exploitation and coercion. The number of crimes linked to human trafficking in Belarus has fallen by 4.2% between 2020 and 2024. human trafficking, victims of human trafficking who are taken abroad has fallen by 33.3%. We have seen an increase in child *********** online. And in Belarus, the number of cases of circulation of child *********** has increased by a factor of 4.2. We are determined to take action on this in cooperation with UN agencies to prevent human trafficking. We have hotlines that are up and running. There are information campaigns, trainings and seminars. We greatly value the work and support of the IOM in terms of our efforts to crack down on human trafficking. And we also value UNICEF's informational resources, which are aimed at ensuring safe behavior for children online. In 2006, we initiated a resolution within the United Nations so as to join efforts in order to combat human trafficking, and we work in this format and others. We believe that protecting victims and punishing perpetrators is something that must be tackled, and we need to give due attention to countries where there is a lot of sexual exploitation. Thank you.

Thank you. We will now move to the next speaker, and I'd like to give the floor to the representative of the Procurator's Office, Mr. Kirill Uchuk.

Distinguished participants, we are consistently liberalizing the principles In this area, we have reduced penalties and provided for alternatives to custodial sentence. We have decriminalized 20 former criminal categories and changed sentences. We've also set up a mediation institution. There are also alternative administrative penalties if individuals express remorse following commission of certain non-serious crimes. Over five years, there have been three amnesty laws. The head of state has also set up a commission under the prosecutor general, which deals with issues of Belarusians abroad if they are under criminal administrative procedures. We especially value protection of the rights of children. We use audio and video recordings during participation of minors in the justice system, and we have also set up child-friendly rooms. Also, there are modalities for recordings without the participation of children. Our legislation has reduced also the terms served by minors. Additional measures have been taken to prevent actions harmful to the family, to identify in a timely fashion violation of children's rights, and also to transfer them to the custody of the state or to another family. There is a constitutional priority on children living with their family. In 2025, we made changes to the law on children's rights to protect children from unlawful actions online and from sexual violence. We have set up a national mechanism to assist children who have suffered sexual violence. including medical, psychological, legal, and other assistance, and also rehabilitation in all regions of the country. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of glorification of Nazism in some countries, and false information has been spread about the Great Patriotic War. Belarus has taken action to curb these trends and to implement the UN Convention on genocide and prevention thereof. In 2021, a case was opened in Belarus regarding Nazi criminals and their accomplices. There have been, according to recent estimates, much greater losses due to the actions of the Nazis than was previously thought. 3 million people, one in three people in our country. This is about 11 more than was previously thought, 11 million. There were death camps in the Belarusian territory and various punitive campaigns. Against the Belarusian people, all forms of genocide were employed as provided for under the Genocide Convention. As part of this case, Several individuals have been accused who had previously enjoyed impunity and had fled to the territory of other countries. There is a continued trend over the last 30 years of decriminalization. In 2024, the number of crimes was down by 23% compared to 2020. Currently, we have one of the lowest crime levels since our independence. Grievous bodily harm, robbery, and other violent crimes have decreased. Since 2022, there has been a significant reduction in the number of crimes relating to domestic violence. There is an annual reduction of about 20%. This has allowed the -- this has been enabled, rather, by measures taken by the Prosecutor and other offices to counter domestic violence. The Prosecutor can make public accusations in some cases. In accordance with the law, there is constant and unhindered access by citizens to the relevant government entities to ensure their rights are protected. Between 2022 and 2025, the authorities considered more than 1,000 claims from various entities, and the appropriate measures were taken. There were meetings with 126 citizens following this. From 2021 to 2025, the prosecutors sent to court various suits on behalf of citizens who, for various reasons, were not able independently to realize their right to justice. Furthermore, to ensure the rights of persons in custody and detainees, the prosecutor's office takes comprehensive measures There are checks on correctional institutions. In recent years, the prosecutor's office carried out more than 8,700 such visits, and prompt action was taken following these. There are regular personal meetings with persons who are serving sentences. This is applicable to more than 8,000 people. The purpose is to achieve information from them about possible unlawful conduct by the staff of penitentiary institutions. There is a telephone hotline to protect the rights of citizens. The prosecutor's office can also intervene in various other procedures, such as economic ones. The The success of the process is about 90%, which shows that the measures taken are effective. Thank you.

We're going to continue with the interactive dialogue. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.

Thank you, President. We welcome the delegation of Belarus, led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Zakreta. We commend the progress made in terms of the implementation of recommendations from the last UPR. We also hail the adoption of a sustainable development strategy 2030 and a strategy for developing state policy. on youth and the plan of action for gender equality. We commend the positive direction. We encourage them to continue efforts for socio-economic development and reduction of poverty and to continue the programme to support households and families and the social programme 3 to continue with the reform of institutions in connection with human rights. We wish the country the best of success. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden.

President, we remain deeply concerned about the situation for human rights in Belarus, which has continued to deteriorate since the last review. Violations include, but are not limited to, undue restrictions on the freedom of assembly and expression, continued detentions on political grounds, as well as credible reports of torture and ill-treatment against persons detained. We are especially concerned that OHCHR has reported that it has reasonable grounds to believe that the crime of persecution, a crime against humanity, may have been committed in Belarus. Sweden would like, therefore, to make the following recommendations. Guarantee the right to freedom of assembly and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained on political grounds. Guarantee the right to freedom of expression and media freedom by ensuring the safety of journalists and other media and cultural workers and refrain from interference and censorship. Introduce a national moratorium on the use of the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

President, Switzerland welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Belarus and thanks it for its report. We would like to make the four following recommendations. One, improve detention conditions and guarantee access to care for all detainees, in particular the most vulnerable, including older persons, those who are seriously ill, and those with disabilities, as well as women. Two, ratify the optional protocol on the Convention against Torture and set up a national preventive mechanism. Three, set up a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty. 4. Establish a comprehensive system for data collection on violence against women and girls and adopt comprehensive legislation on all forms of violence against them, as well as domestic violence, in step with international standards. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tajikistan.

Mr. President, we welcome the delegation of Belarus and presentation of its Universal Periodic Review report. We recognize Belarus' cooperation with UN human rights mechanism and appreciate its continued progress on human rights issues. Tajikistan also welcomes the measures taken by Belarus to strengthen development programs, inequality, and discrimination. And we recommend Belarus the following. First, to continue to take measures to protect the rights of migrants and asylum seekers in cooperation with UN human rights mechanism. The second, further support and develop the national SDGs architecture for implementation of the 2030 agenda and to ensure that Sustainable Development Council pays attention to the implementation of international human rights obligations. Third, to continue efforts to promote initiatives to combat trafficking in persons at the national and international levels, including in close cooperation with the Interagency Coordination Group.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Togo.

Delegation of Belarus, a successful review. I thank you.

Togo.

Togo, please. Thank you, President. The delegation of Togo warmly welcomes the delegation of Belarus and congratulates it for its report. Togo hails the progress made by Belarus on human rights in the areas of education, healthcare and social protection, in particular in favour of children, women and persons with disabilities. However, in a constructive spirit, Togo recommends that Belarus ratify the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with a view to abolishing the death penalty, and ratify the optional protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. To conclude, my delegation wishes Belarus success in implementing the recommendations from this review. I thank you.

To the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

Thank you. The Tunisian delegation welcomes the delegation of Belarus and we thank it for the presentation of the report. We hailed the progress made for implementation of the recommendations from the last cycle of the UPR and we welcome positively the cooperation with UN mechanisms and human rights. We also commend the adoption of the social economic strategy 2021 to 2025 and the state program to promote the employment market. We would put forward the following recommendations to continue efforts to improve the education system and combat school dropout and continue efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Mr. President, we welcome the distinguished delegation of Belarus headed by Mr. Igor Sekreta, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and thank them for their presentation. We appreciate the progress achieved since the previous cycle, particularly in promoting the rights of families, children, and persons with disabilities. We note with appreciation the measures to reinforce family welfare and support for young and large families, and families raising children with disabilities, as well as the ongoing implementation of the National Action Plan for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also commend efforts to strengthen the child protection and justice systems, including child-friendly procedures and mechanisms. We further note Belarus' constructive interaction with the UN human rights mechanisms, including the UPR, which remains an important platform for dialogue and cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights. In a constructive spirit, we recommend Belarus to continue its efforts to reinforce support for families, promote disability inclusion, and strengthen child protection systems. In conclusion, we wish Belarus every success during its fourth UPR. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkmenistan.

Thank you, Mr. President. Turkmenistan welcomes the distinguished delegation of Belarus and thanks for the comprehensive presentation of its national report. While noting Belarus's efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights, including legislative measures in the areas of social protection, education, and healthcare, Turkmenistan would like to offer the following recommendations. Continue enhancing access to inclusive education and vocational opportunities for persons with disabilities. Second, further promote equal participation of women and men in the public and professional life. Third, strengthen social support measures for families with a view to fostering child welfare and preserving cultural and moral values. In conclusion, Turkmenistan wishes to Belarus every success in the implementation of its human rights commitments and the fruitful outcome of this UPR review. Thank you.

Thank you. I do not see the delegation of Uganda in the room. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. President. Numerous reports by UN mechanisms and civil society organizations clearly contradict the information presented in the national report of Belarus. We particularly note the section on interaction with civil society, which is entirely detached from reality. Last year alone, 228 civil society organizations were dissolved and over 1,000 individuals labeled as extremists. Belarus' complicity in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine further deepens its human rights crisis. Since 2022, Lukashenko has provided the Russian occupiers with the territory of Belarus and its airspace to attack our state and also continues political, military, informational, and other types of support for Russia in its provoked and criminal war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine recommends to Belarus to ratify the second optional protocol to ICCPR, to ratify the ICPED, to ensure genuine cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms and the ILO, and to release all political prisoners with regular urgency, with particular urgency for vulnerable groups. Thanks.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates.

Thank you, President. First, we would like to welcome the delegation of Belarus in this session, and we'd like to welcome the effective measures that it has undertaken to protect women and children with disabilities, as well as its efforts to combat human trafficking. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, my country would like to make the following recommendations as follows. First, continue the adoption of inclusive measures to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to promote the protection of this social group. Second, to continue the implementation of purposeful policies in support of the family and to develop sustainable social programs that guarantee the stability and the cohesion of the family. We wish every success to Belarus in this UPR.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the continued erosion of human rights in Belarus. Since the 2020 presidential elections, we have observed widespread repression of civil society, independent media and political opposition. The use of arbitrary detention, politically motivated prosecutions and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must end.

We recommend that the Chinese government:.

Release all political prisoners and halt the use of arbitrary detention and politically motivated charges. Establish an official moratorium on executions, in line with international human rights standards and the global trend towards abolition. Revise restrictive laws such as the 1997 Mass Events Act and the Law on Associations, which impose burdensome requirements for public gatherings and civil society registration, to align with international human rights standards. The UK calls on Belarus to engage constructively with civil society and international partners to restore and uphold fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly and association. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.

Thank you very much, President. Uruguay welcomes the delegation of Belarus and thanks them for the presentation of the report. In a constructive spirit, we recommend that they ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, to join conventions on the the Convention on Statelessness of 1954 and the Convention to Reduce Cases of Statelessness of 1961 and adopt all measures necessary for implementation; provide access to nationality for all children born in the country, regardless of the status of their parents; and adopt and apply comprehensive legislation against discrimination that covers sexual orientation and gender identity and establishes appropriate penalties against all forms of discrimination and violence. Uruguay wishes Belarus success in this fourth UPR cycle. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uzbekistan for a video statement.

Thank you, Chair. Uzbekistan warmly welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Belarus and thanks for the presentation of the comprehensive national report. We commend the measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Belarus to promote and protect human rights, Since its last review, a noted appreciation the constructive cooperation with the relevant UN treaty bodies and special procedures. Uzbekistan makes the following recommendations. First, to take further targeted measures to prevent and combat discrimination in all its forms. Second, to continue to provide comprehensive social support to the people with disabilities. Third, to further develop the quality of medical service and their accessibility to the population. We wish the delegation of the Republic of Belarus every success in its review. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of.

Venezuela.

Thank you, President. We bid a fraternal welcome to the delegation of Belarus, and particularly the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Igor Sakuraita, and we thank him for the valuable presentation. We would highlight Belarus' cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and the implementation of national policies to promote and protect and enjoy human rights. in spite of the imposition of UCMs. In a constructive spirit, we make the following recommendations: 1. To continue implementing measures to guarantee safety and protection for human rights, of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Two, ensure that education promotes active patriotism amongst the youth and provides incentives to participate in decision-making processes and to be involved actively in public life. Three, strengthen capacity of national institutions to work with adolescents to provide education assistance to people living in crisis situations. Four, provide practical social support and improvement of welfare and well-being for older persons. And five, strengthen measures to combat trafficking in persons, particularly women and children. We wish Belarus success. Thank you, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.

Thank you, Mr. President. Vietnam commends Belarus for its significant achievements in healthcare and social protection, particularly ranking among the 10 countries with the lowest infant mortality rate. We also welcome the reduction of the poverty rate, the progress in advancing gender equality, and the adoption of the Act on the Rights and Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities. In a constructive spirit, Vietnam recommends that Belarus: 1. Further enhance the implementation of domestic violence prevention measures and support services for victims of gender-based violence. Two, strengthen efforts to close the gender pay gap and ensure equal remuneration for work of equal value across all sectors. Three, continue improving accessibility and inclusive education for persons with disabilities in public spaces, educational institutions, and community support systems. We wish Belarus every success in its DPI process. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.

Thank you, Mr. President. Zimbabwe welcomes the delegation of Belarus to the review and commends the Government of Belarus for its untiring efforts towards strengthening its institutional and legal human rights frameworks, despite huge challenges compounded by imposition of unilateral coercive measures. In the spirit of dialogue, Zimbabwe recommends the following: One, that Belarus ensures continued implementation of its national plan of action on the rights of persons living with disabilities in developing inclusive education, equality and non-discrimination. And two, that the country ensures that the gender.

Equality national policy prioritizes women advancement, especially women from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities.

We wish Belarus a successful review.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative Albania.

Thank you, Mr. President. Albania thanks the delegation of Belarus for presenting its fourth Nation report. Albania expresses its concern about the overall situation of civil and political rights in Belarus, particularly about severe restriction on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, the closure of large number of civil society organization, and the use of the anti-extremism and counter-terrorism legislation to punish political dissent. We are also concerned about the torture, inhuman treatment of detainee and death in custody, particularly in case related to the 2020 protests. Albania recommends that Belarus, one, reconsider its decision to withdraw from the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; two, establish a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its complete abolishing; three, guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, allowing the independent functioning of the media and civil society organization; four, release all those detained for the peaceful exercise of these rights. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. President. We welcome delegation of Belarus and thank them for the presentation of their national report. We commend the constitutional amendments adopted in 2022, which introduced additional guarantees for vulnerable groups and reinforced the social orientation of state policy. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we would like to make the following recommendations. First, continue implementing the National Action Plan on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and further promote inclusive education. Second, strengthen ongoing measures to prevent and combat domestic violence, with particular attention to awareness raising and victim support services. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Thank you, President.

Australia is deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus.

There is clear evidence the Belarusian government has systematically suppressed all forms of organised opposition and independent media. We are appalled by reports of ill-treatment, torture, and deaths of those arbitrarily detained. Australia recommends Belarus, one, release all political prisoners arbitrarily detained for exercising their legitimate rights.

To freedom of opinion and belief, expression, and association.

And commit to guaranteeing conditions for a free, democratic, and independent Belarus. Two, repeal so-called extremist, terrorist, and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation to protect all human rights, including freedom of expression. Three, cease its support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including its involvement in the forcible transport.

And deportation of Ukrainian children.

Four, implement a formal moratorium on the death penalty and move towards full abolition. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Austria thanks the delegation of Belarus for the presentation of the national report. While we take note of repeated releases and, in several.

Cases, extradition of people imprisoned for exercising their democratic rights, we regret that Belarus continues to further distance itself.

From global human rights norms.

OSCE recommends that Belarus 1) fully re-engages with the human rights system; re-access to human rights treaties denounced over the last five years and ratifies outstanding human rights treaties.

Two, reverts its support to nuclear rearmament by signing and ratifying the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. Three, reviews its constitution in line with the opinion of the Venice Commission.

Four, abolishes the death penalty. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Mr. President, We welcome the delegation of Belarus and we commend Belarus for its continued engagement with the universal periodic review process. We note with appreciation the efforts of Belarus to strengthen its national human rights framework, enhance social protection systems, and improve living standards for all citizens. We recognize the ongoing measures to modernize public administration, expand the use of digital technologies, and strengthen the provision of social and health services. In a spirit of constructive cooperation, we would like to make the following recommendations. One, ensure effective implementation of the National Sustainable Development Strategy of Belarus for the period up to 2040. Two, continue developing digital tools to improve the quality of social services for the population. Three, continue the practice of social support and improving the welfare of older persons. We wish the delegation of Belarus a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.

Thank you, President. At the outset, we'd like to welcome the delegation of the Republic of Belarus, and we looked with interest at the fourth report. And in the spirit of constructive dialogue, we'd like to recommend what follows. First, intensify national efforts to promote legislation combating human trafficking through building capacities within law enforcement agencies and benefiting from best practices. Secondly, to promote efforts to combat hate speech and discrimination and ensure awareness in this topic and support victims and raise the value system of peaceful coexistence. Thirdly, to further empower women in various domains, including political and economic participation, and to combat all forms of gender-based violence. In conclusion, we'd like to wish the Republic of Belarus a successful UPR session. Thank you, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Bangladesh, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Bangladesh welcomes the distinguished delegation of Belarus to its fourth cycle of UPR. We take note of the constitutional amendments adopted by Belarus, introducing additional guarantees for the most vulnerable categories of citizens, in particular older persons, persons with disabilities, children, orphans, and youth. In the spirit of constructive cooperation, Bangladesh recommends the following: First, ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. Second, enhance efforts to develop more services and care programs for persons with disabilities with a focus on improving their educational and employment opportunities.

Third, intensify efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly in the realization of economic.

Social, and cultural rights of the people. We wish Belarus success in its review. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium.

Thank you, Mr. President. Belgium welcomes the delegation of Belarus. We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing repression of dissent and the serious deterioration of human rights in Belarus. This is evidenced by the systematic crackdown on civil society, human rights defenders, independent media and journalists. enabled by repressive legislation, the dismantling of the human rights legal framework, and the political misuse of the judiciary. We are also alarmed by the continued use and recent expansion of the death penalty. While we note the recent release of some political prisoners, over 1,200 remain detained. Belgium therefore formulates the following recommendations: 1. Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and, as an interim measure, establish a moratorium on executions; 2. Immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, starting with those on the humanitarian list; 3. Guarantee the right to freedom of association and expression by reversing the forced liquidation of civil society organizations and refraining from intimidation, harassment or arbitrary arrests of those exercising these rights. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bolivia.

Thank you, President. We welcome the distinguished delegation of Belarus and thank them for the presentation of the national report, as well as their constructive involvement with the UPR. We commend the progress made since the previous review, such as the implementation of the socio-economic development programme, and we are grateful for the description made of the cooperation with UN mechanisms. In a constructive spirit, the Plurinational State of Bolivia presents the following recommendations: work on developing a comprehensive framework for the promotion of gender equality with an intersecting approach; consider broadening the national programme for parents in rural areas that offers support and mentoring for early childhood; continue studies to ratify the protection ratify the protocol on protection for all migrant workers and members of their families. Bolivia wishes better success. Thank you, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Mr. President, Brazil welcomes the delegation of Belarus. Brazil commands the continued efforts of Belarus to combat trafficking in persons, as well as its cooperation with regional and international partners in this regard. We encourage the country to strengthen legal and institutional protections for children and families, particularly to support victims of violence, including sexual violence, with focus on vulnerable families. In a constructive spirit, Brazil recommends that Belarus, one, declare a moratorium on the application of the death penalty and consider acceding to the second optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; 2. revise domestic legislation regulating public assemblies, associations and the media, including anti-terrorism laws, with a view to ensuring its compatibility with international human rights standards and safeguarding civic space;

Thank you.

We wish Belarus a constructive and successful review.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of.

Burkina Faso.

Thank you, President. President, Burkina Faso welcomes the delegation of Belarus and congratulates it on the presentation of its report. Burkina Faso welcomes Belarus's progress in implementing recommendations from the previous cycle relating inter alia to family protection and improving economic cooperation and protecting human rights. While encouraging Belarus to continue this trend, Burkina Faso recommends in a constructive spirit, first, creating a national human rights institution in keeping with the Paris Principles; two, setting up a national mechanism for the preparation of reports and monitoring of implementation of recommendations from the UPR and treaty bodies, taking into account civil society and stakeholders. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi.

Thank you, President. We welcome the delegation of Belarus and wish it a successful review. We particularly appreciate the attention given to persons with disabilities, through the setting up of the inter-institutional council on the rights of persons with disabilities, to strengthen women's representation in all areas of the country, including through action plans for gender equality. This is also action that Belarus has taken. We welcome the setting up of a national assistance mechanism for minors who are victims of sexual violence. and the adoption of instructions on the procedure to be followed by educational staff to prevent and detect violence and exploitation of minors. My delegation finally would like to make the following recommendation: continue the implementation of national programs and action plans to promote and protect human rights. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Cambodia welcomes the distinguished delegation of Belarus and thanks for the presentation of its national report. Cambodia acknowledges Belarus for its continued engagement with the UPR process and its ongoing efforts in social development, justice reform, and cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms. We encourage Belarus to further strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks in support of the promotion and protection of human rights. In the spirit of constructive engagement, Cambodia wishes to make the following recommendations: 1. Continue advancing efforts to reinforce judicial independence and ensure fair and equal access to justice for all citizens; and 2. Further enhance inclusive policies aimed at supporting women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, with the goal of preventing all forms of discrimination. Lastly, Cambodia wishes Belarus a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Thank you, President. Cameroon congratulates Belarus on the presentation of its national report. My delegation welcomes constitutional and institutional reforms that have taken place recently to bolster economic and social rights, especially efforts undertaken to modernize the national legal framework. strengthen the protection of persons with disabilities and improve access by families and children to social services. In a spirit of constructive dialogue, Cameroon would like to make the following recommendations. First, continue the implementation of inclusive social policies, ensuring that all vulnerable groups are taken into account in national development programs. Second, continue to strengthen the institutional framework for the promotion and protection of human rights. by considering the creation of a national human rights institution in keeping with the Paris Principles. Cameroon wishes Belarus every success in its review. Thank you.

Thank you. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Canada thanks Belarus for its participation in this universal periodic review and welcomes the recent release of political prisoners. The human rights situation, however, remains very concerning. and Belarus remains complicit in a war of aggression against Ukraine, where Russia is committing grave violations. Canada recommends that Belarus, first, abolish the death penalty. Second, release all arbitrarily detained persons and respect the right to freedom of peaceful association. Third, Immediately prohibit the use of torture and ill treatment of prisoners, including all cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment. And swiftly investigate all allegations of such treatment to ensure that perpetrators are brought to account. Fourth, repeal the list of so-called extremist content compiled by the Ministry of Information. and withdraw the label of "extremist" assigned to independent media associations. Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative.

Of Chile.

Thank you, President. Chile thanks Bellerus for the participation, and we take note of the work they're doing to promote gender equality and for protecting victims of inter-family violence. In a constructive spirit, we recommend, first, that it join the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; secondly, that it guarantee the complete prohibition of torture and ill-treatment; thirdly, that it adapt detention conditions to international standards, putting an end to incommunicado detention, the holding of political prisoners and psychiatric coercive measures; and 3. To guarantee effective separation of powers and promote transparency and accountability in all State institutions; and 5. Establish an independent national institution of human rights in keeping with the Paris Principles. We wish Belarus success in this UPR cycle. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.

Mr. President, Singapore welcomes the participation of the Republic of Belarus in the UPR process. Singapore welcomes Belarus' efforts in supporting family units.

We note that nearly 2 billion rubles of the state benefits system is earmarked.

For childcare for children up to three years old, and a new policy was introduced in 2024 which allows parents.

To take time off work for childcare purposes. Singapore recommends that Belarus continue its efforts to strengthen its support for families and to improve the welfare of children.

Singapore also welcomes Belarus' efforts to combat domestic violence, including through the Domestic Violence Information Register and the establishment of orange safe spaces.

For vulnerable groups, including women, youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Singapore recommends that Belarus continues its efforts to prevent domestic violence. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.

Thank you, President. Colombia welcomes the distinguished delegation of Belarus at this fourth UPR cycle. In a constructive spirit, we recommend that: 1. It ratify the first optional protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and join the second optional protocol of that covenant; 2. Join the International Convention against Enforced Disappearance and the conventions on statelessness from 1954 and 1961; 3. Adopt a comprehensive act that provides a framework to promote gender equality and repeal any provisions that criminalise HIV transmission. 4. Reconsidering the option of establishing an NHRI that is in step with Paris principles. 5. Conduct public awareness-raising campaigns to combat stereotypes, stigmatization and discrimination against lesbians, bisexual, transgender and intersex people; and, thirdly, drive forward legislative initiatives to ensure that pre-primary education be free and mandatory for one year at least. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Costa Rica.

Thank you, President. Costa Rica, thanks Belarus for the presentation and preparation of its national report. Costa Rica recommends, one, that it reform national legislation to guarantee an effective access to the right to conscientious objection to military service for all persons, regardless of the nature of their beliefs and at any stage, including during active service. Two, define and sanction all acts of torture in step with the Convention against Torture. 3. Guarantee the rights of students to peaceful assembly and eradicate all restrictions to protests on campuses and avoiding any forced participation of pro-government organisations. 4. Promote equal opportunities in the processes for admission and academic training, guaranteeing equal access without distinction on the basis of gender or any other grounds. 5. Guarantee the independence of the judiciary, establishing procedures for appointment and dismissal of judges that are transparent, merit-based and free of all political interference. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on Croatia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Croatia welcomes the delegation of Belarus and notes with appreciation their participation in the UPR process. We regret, however, the lack of implementation of recommendations from the previous cycles. Croatia recommends the following: 1. Establish a moratorium as a step towards the abolition of the death penalty and ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR. 2. Engage with the ILO in good faith with a view to fully implement all outstanding recommendations of the ILO Commission of Inquiry, repeal the laws dismantling independent trade unions and stop persecution of unionists. Three, stop forced labor in prisons and medical labor centers. Four, adopt specific legislation that defines and addresses domestic violence as a distinct offense and ensure that all assistance and services for victims of domestic violence are victim-centered, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Cuba.

Thank you, President. A warm welcome to the delegation of the Republic of Belarus. We commend the country's commitment to the UPR and the adoption of national action plans and organisational measures to implement recommendations accepted under previous cycles. We acknowledge the Government's efforts to improve living conditions for citizens, modernise the economy and protect human rights. We condemn and demand the immediate cease of unilateral coercive measures imposed against Belarus, which are causing tremendous harm and suffering for the Belarusian people and undermine their human rights. In a constructive spirit, we recommend, firstly, to continue developing the institutional and legal framework at the national level for the protection and promotion of all human rights, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups. Secondly, to broaden participation by civil society organisations in decision-making processes in accordance with national legislation. Thirdly, to continue to improve access to routine medical care in rural areas. We wish Belarus every success for this review and for the implementation of the recommendations that will be accepted. Thank you.

Thank you. I now call on Cyprus.

Thank you, Mr. President. Cyprus thanks the delegation for the presentation of its report. While we welcome the recent release of several political prisoners, new arrests and re-arrests continue, with many persons arbitrarily detained forcibly deported. We express our concerns regarding the high numbers of political prisoners and the reports of dramatic conditions of detention. We urge Belarus to withdraw from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, ensure the safe return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian children, and halt the instrumentalisation of migrants for political purposes. At the same time, we remain concerned by the backsliding from existing commitments and the absence of implementations of norms and standards as contained in international human rights treaties. Cyprus recommends that Belarus, one, re-ratifies the optional protocol to the ICCPR; two, prohibits all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination; three, releases persons unlawfully and arbitrarily detained for the peaceful exercise of their freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly; Four, establishes a moratorium on the death penalty aimed at its permanent abolition. And five, respects its international obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.

Thank you. I call on Czechia.

Thank you, President.

The delegation of Belarus to the UPR. We remain deeply concerned about the persistent pattern of serious human rights violations in Belarus, five years after the fraudulent 2020 presidential election. Despite isolated gestures, repression and lawlessness continue. Given Belarus' failure to implement key UPR commitments, we urge the authorities to take immediate action, and we offer the following recommendations: 1.

End all forms of repression and uphold fundamental freedoms, especially freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association. 2.

Ensure full accountability for law enforcement officers involved in human rights violations. 3. release all political prisoners, and stop the practice of arbitrary detention. Four, cease harassment of critics, the misuse of anti-extremist legislation, and the persecution of opposition figures, human rights defenders, and independent media, including transnational repression targeting exiled journalists. Czechia reaffirms its support for the Belarusian people in their pursuit of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We wish Belarus a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Not now.

Now.

Thank you, Mr. President. The delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea warmly welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Belarus in this UPR cycle. We highly commend the Government of Belarus for its continued efforts to strengthen the constitutional and legal framework for the promotion and protection of human rights and for the adoption of measures that enhance social welfare, healthcare, education and the protection of vulnerable groups, including children, women and persons with disabilities. In the spirit of constructive engagement, my delegation recommends the following: One, continue to advance the socially oriented model of this development, including a system of social support for vulnerable groups. Two, continue efforts to fulfill international obligations by further developing and implementing national programs. We wish the Republic of Belarus every success in this UPR process. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Denmark.

Thank you, President. We welcome the delegation of Belarus and thank it for its presentation. While Denmark takes note of the recent releases of political prisoners, we are by the continued systematic persecution on political grounds, including arbitrary arrests, and we condemn the use of torture and ill-treatment of political prisoners, including sexual and gender-based violence. Furthermore, we deplore the continued intensifying repression of the LGBTQ+ community. Denmark recommends Belarus to: 1. Immediately cease persecution in retaliation for legitimate exercise of civil and political rights; and release and rehabilitate all persons convicted on politically motivated charges. Two, refrain from adopting the draft article 19/19.16, criminalizing the promotion of non-traditional family relations. And three, ratify the optional protocol on the Convention against Torture. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, President. The Dominican Republic would like to extend a cordial greeting to the distinguished delegation of Belarus. We thank them for the presentation of the national report, and we acknowledge the adoption of measures such as the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the National Register on Information on Domestic Violence. In a spirit of constructive dialogue, we would like to recommend, first of all, to promote a comprehensive law on gender-based violence, which includes the criminalization of marital rape and strengthens protection and victim assistance mechanisms. Secondly, to adopt comprehensive legislation to combat discrimination that prohibits all forms of discrimination against women and girls. Thirdly, to ensure conditions of detention that are in keeping with international standards. Fourthly, to strengthen coordination with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations, including the Special Rapporteur on Belarus, and also to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment in educational settings. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ecuador.

President, Ecuador would like to thank Belarus for its report. We highlight the development of a national strategy for sustainable development up to 2040. We recommend to ratify again the first optional protocol to the ICCPR. Secondly, to adopt measures to ensure a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders, trade unionists, journalists and lawyers. Thirdly, to adopt legislation that encompasses all forms of gender-based violence and to recognize domestic violence as an aggravating factor for perpetrators of physical and sexual violence. Fourthly, to fully cooperate with international human rights mechanisms. Ecuador like to wish better a successful fourth review. Thank you.

Thank you. I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank you, President. We would like to commend the measures

taken by Belarus to improve the human rights situation and efforts to... abide by the main international human rights instruments. In particular, we recommend considering ratifying the Optional Protocol or the Convention on the Protection of All Migrant Workers. We'd like to recommend to continue efforts to strengthen the right to education, in particular through the development of the educational system up to 2030. Secondly, to continue efforts to promote the rights of the child, in particular through the National Action Plan for the Improvement of the Situation of Children and Protection of their Rights for 2022-2026. To conclude, we would like to wish every success to Belarus. Thank you.

Thank you. I would now like to give the floor back to the delegation so that they can respond to the observations and comments made so far.

President, distinguished participants, we'd like to thank you for your statements and recommendations. In order to respond to a few points which in our view are very important, I'd like to give the floor to the representative of the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus, Ms. Viktaryia Miarushka.

In Belarus, We fully ensure the exercise of citizens' right to receive and impart information. This is enshrined in our constitution. The work of the media is regulated by the law on the media, under which freedom of opinion, conviction and freedom of expression are guaranteed, and the monopolisation of the media is not permitted. Belarus is information space is open and diverse in terms of ownership and in terms of content. As of the 1st of October 2025, over 1,121 media outlets were registered on our state register. Out of the total number of print media, 386 are state-run, 508 are not. There are seven news agencies, two of which are state-run, five are non-state. And out of the total number of TV broadcasters, 75 are state-run and 71 are not. The law on the media gives internet resources the opportunity to register as online publications, and the registration as a media gives internet resources the advantages that are foreseen by law for the media, and it also offers them the same guarantees as journalists. Free and independent professional journalism is guaranteed by the law. It is not permitted to persecute a citizen or to force them to impart or refuse to impart information. Access by journalists to reliable and verified information is facilitated by the work of our National Press Center, as well as the press center of the House of the Media. These communication platforms ensure direct contact with government officials for journalists without any additional accreditation being required. It is important to underscore that the leaders of state bodies and organizations pursuant to a presidential decree adopted in 2024, are obliged to provide editorial offices with comments on key issues and to respond in a timely way to significant public information and to inform about measures taken on a number of highlighted problems. In order to ensure freedom of expression, we have a Belarusian Union of Journalists. Since 2020, following a recommendation made by the OSCE Special Representative on the Media, we have a Committee on the Protection of Journalists. This works with the participation of the Union, the Ombudsperson, journalists and deputies, and the Committee and the Ombudsperson provide advisory, legal and other forms of support to journalists who are in a difficult situation. It is worth noting that since 1994, not a single Belarusian journalist has died during duty. Belarus's journalist community and individual journalists face systematic and unlawful restrictions which undermine the fundamental right to freedom of expression and contradict international law and obligations under the UN and the OSCE. More than 40 of the most famous media leaders, as well as Belarusian journalists and media managers, are under disproportionate sanctions by the US, the Great Britain, the EU, and a number of EU countries. Because of the political pressure being brought on members of the Belarusian Journalists Union, This Union stopped its participation in the International Federation of Journalists in 2021. Despite the decision by the European Court in Luxembourg that the sanctions against Belarusian journalists are unlawful, the sanctions are ongoing, violating not only the rights of journalists but the principle of the rule of law. In addition, it is worth underscoring that information technologies may enhance access to information, but the internet is also used for criminal ends. including waging information wars and manipulating public opinion. In these conditions, to protect the health and life of our citizens, we have created conditions for the safe development of children and youth on a permanent basis. There is information work that is carried out like this. We have a number of national programs, such as preventing drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, reducing the level of alcohol addiction in the population, and fostering a healthy life, among others. Belarus directly faces targeted information practice aimed at destabilizing the government system and situation in the country with the use of international communication systems. According to our law, access to internet resources that contain information such as incitement to suicide, information about the sale of drugs, psychotropic substances, the propaganda of *********** violence and cruelty, or human trafficking, propaganda of extremism, There are restrictions against these media, and these measures are aimed at curbing lawbreaking and cannot be assimilated with infringements upon freedom of expression. The list of requirements for issuing editorial officers, media founders and internet resource owners with warnings or orders to address a particular violation, as well as the grounds for making decisions about restricting access, are comprehensive, and they are contained in our law on the media. When access is cut off to an internet resource, once the violation has been addressed, the owner may apply for access to be restored. In light of all this, it is important to note that the law on the media is aimed at protecting the rights and legitimate interests of our citizens and also protecting them from unlawful information in the media and the internet. Belarus' law therefore took into account the ICCPR's Article 19 on the right to seek, receive and impart information. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I would now like to give the floor for a comment to the representative of the Ministry of Justice of Belarus, Ms. Kirichenko. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Distinguished members of the UPR. The right to association is an indivisible human right, and it is enshrined in the Constitution of Belarus. It is guaranteed in law and in practice, taking into account the importance of state and public security, law and order, public health and public morals, protecting the rights and freedoms of all persons, as foreseen by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Between the two review cycles, there have been changes to our legislation regulating this sphere of public relations. These amendments are aimed at streamlining the registration procedure and expanding participation by civil society in decision-making processes and monitoring their implementation. In February 2023, the law on the foundations of civil society was adopted. This I mean, under this law, all citizens of Belarus belong to civil society, as do foreign citizens and stateless persons who reside permanently in Belarus and who express their civic views through participation in public associations and institutions that are not prohibited by law. All representatives of civil society may take part in the shaping and implementation of state policy and in ensuring public oversight and the formulation and implementation of government social procurement and other forms of cooperation with government bodies. The largest organizations are given the opportunity to participate within the highest body of people's power of Belarus, namely the All-Belarusian National Assembly, which sets the strategic direction for the development of society and our state. Also in 2023, a law on political parties was amended. All parties that were registered at the time when the law was adopted were given the opportunity to re-register. A number of associations did not use that procedure, and therefore they cannot continue to work as a political party. The law on voluntary associations was also updated, and the conditions for the work of voluntary associations have been greatly facilitated. Now associations may work across our entire territory. We have also simplified the procedure for obtaining a legal address, and the legal address can be provided based on the workplace of the organisation's leader without there being a signed agreement or him or her being remunerated. Regarding the liquidation of a number of NGOs, including organisations comprising people of different ethnicities, it is worth noting that these liquidations were not linked to the goals contained in the NGOs' charters. They were liquidated because of gross and repeated violations of our law. Regarding the recommendation from the Financial Action Task Force, the Ministry for Justice has determined the volume of information that NGOs must provide and make publicly available. We believe that enhancing the openness and transparency of voluntary associations' work strengthens trust in their activities and will stimulate greater participation in their work. We also ensure that measures are taken regarding organisations that work in and with people who are deprived of their liberty. There is a public monitoring commission that is set up for this end, or rather several, and these commissions are independent in their work. They take their own decisions regarding visiting this or that establishment, this correctional establishment, and When they visit correctional establishments, they look at the conditions of detention and the medical and sanitary conditions, as well as the organisation of leisure and training. There are also confidential interviews that take place. The commissions also have the right to carry out questionnaires among the inmates. If a problem is detected following a visit regarding the conditions of detention, the relevant information is sent to the Department for Sentence Execution of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Also, where relevant, such information is sent to other state bodies. The monitoring commissions have visited on several occasions penal colonies for women, and there were no complaints received from women detainees linked to gender-based violence. In Belarus, we feel that comments that are made regarding our conditions do not correspond to reality. especially regarding torture. In the particular attention of the public monitoring commissions, Particular attention is given to the rehabilitative or educational colonies where you have minor inmates and work is done with teenage detainees in order to ensure their re-education. Disciplinary measures taken against lawyers is the exclusive competency of the Council and the Belarusian Republican Bar Association. The Councils of Bar Associations and the Ministry of Justice take make a principled assessment of the actions of such lawyers and take substantiated measures in order to respond to any issues.

Thank you very much. I would like to give the floor now to another member of our delegation, the representative of the Ministry for Labour of Belarus, Ms. Olga Chumerka.

Thank you. Distinguished participants of the UPR, Belarus is a social state. The right of citizens to decent work and social protection and government support is given particular attention. Our legislation and practice are in line with international standards. We have created the necessary legal basis, which is constantly perfected. Additional guarantees are contained in collective agreements. The right to labour is guaranteed by our constitution. Citizens are free to choose their profession and how they work. There is a strict prohibition on any discrimination at the workplace, and forced labour is strictly prohibited. We ensure safe and healthy working conditions. We have a system for occupational health and Also, there is compulsory insurance against occupational accidents and occupational illnesses. In our country, we have an effective mechanism for defending labour rights, including a commission on labour disputes and a state labour inspectorate, trade unions and courts. We also ensure that full and effective employment is supported. The state employment service offers services free of charge, and it has been working for five years, and more than 600,000 people have found jobs thanks to their support. We also have a level of unemployment among working-age citizens which, according to the ILO methodology, stands at 2.5%. The right to a decent standard of living is ensured by income growth and an increase in wages. the right to fair pay for decent work is guaranteed and over the last five years the average wage has increased by a factor of 2.1. We also have a system of social protection. Citizens who are unable to work are guaranteed a pension. There are labour, social and professional pensions. Labour pensions raised at least once a year, and social pensions and any supplements to pensions are raised quarterly. Over the course of five years, the old age pension has increased twice. Since 2022, we have introduced a voluntary contributory top-up pension scheme with state co-financing. We also have a targeted system of government social support. It is also important to ensure that families are supported, in particular for large families. We ensure that there is leave guaranteed for people to care for a child up to the age of three, with a benefit that is paid to the tune of 35% to 45% of the average monthly wage. Over the past five years, the amount of that benefit has increased by a factor of 2.1. We also have a family capital program, which is a one-off lump sum payment to the tune of $11,000, which is awarded upon the birth or adoption of a third or subsequent child. Also, particular attention is given to people with disabilities. They are guaranteed support in the form of monetary benefits and technical assistive equipment and social rehabilitation. We also have a number of social benefits in place. and their support for job finding. The state participates in the funding of their salaries and creates jobs for them. To implement the CRPD, we have a national plan of action, and in 2023, a new act on the rights of persons with disabilities entered into force to ensure their full and equal participation in public life. To ensure that older persons and people with disabilities have the necessary support, we have a state social assistance system. In order to ensure that older persons can live a fulfilling life, we have a national strategy on active old age. We also of a gender policy that is based on compliance with our national interests in light of international law requirements, values, and also the structure of the Belarusian society. Every five years, measures are taken under the National Action Plan to ensure gender equality. Particular attention is given to spheres where stereotypes and discrimination may occur. At the heart of our attention is the matter of women's empowerment and we are working hard to eradicate gender stereotypes. The proportion of women in local self-government around 80 percent. We also have 66 percent of judges who are women. According to the Gender Inequality Index, gender equality in Belarus stands at 73.6 percent. Belarus is a member of the ILO and we have ratified 51 ILO conventions. The principles and standards of the ILO are a guide for us when developing our labour policy and social protection policy. We also have an effective system of of social partnership up and running. Trade unions and employers associations work as full-fledged partners of the government. We also have workers who freely exercise their right to join a trade union, and we have the Federation of Trade Unions, which combines 15 trade unions and they represent the interests of more than 4 million workers.

Thank you very much. I'd like also to give the floor to the representative of the National Statistics Committee Belarus. You have the floor, Madam.

Distinguished UPR participants, Belarusian statistics is an important component of the country's information infrastructure and a tool for government management. The main purpose of the statistics entity is meeting as fully as possible the information needs of all categories of users. Statistical data are broadly used by parliament, the government, central and local government bodies, business, academia, the media, and NGOs and international organizations. Statistics takes into account issues such as human rights, a decent level of living, gender equality, gender stereotypes, employment and unemployment, domestic violence, vulnerable groups, migration, and many other issues. The official statistics are a sign of an open society, and this is confirmed internationally. We provide information for international comparisons and ratings, including progress in the SDGs. In adopting in 2015 the sustainable development agenda, the international community affirmed its commitment to this extremely important topic. The National Statistical Committee of Belarus acts as a national coordinating center for monitoring the achievement of the SDGs in our country and plays a key role in creating cooperation mechanisms nationally and internationally to integrate global indicators in our national statistical system. Belstat, the statistics committee, has cooperated with the UN system to develop the most transparent possible methodology for indicators. Thanks to this work, harmonization of national and global lists exceeds 70%. The availability level of SDG indicators is about 95%. The level of literacy of 15, aged 15 and over is almost 100%. We have achieved a progress rate of more than 80% on SDG indicators, and we hold 32nd place in the SDG rating. Progress here means progress in achieving human rights. In the area of gender equality, Belarus has set up, with international support, a web portal called Gender Statistics. This contains 179 indicators. and provides open access to data on gender aspects, which allows for fact-based decisions to be taken. Belarus is one of 100 countries which has achieved the target for women in decision-making. In Parliament, previously, the share of women was only 14 per cent, and now this is up by a factor of 2.5. As part of the implementation of the 2030 agenda, we achieved gender parity for women in decision-making posts. A key component of the statistical system is the sample households survey, which is carried out by our statistics office. Everyone's voice is important, and we hear this voice specifically through this survey. Statistics show indicators that demonstrate not only economic growth and prosperity, but also subjective assessments by the public of their needs being met and their attitude to various issues. This information allows us to visualise and analyse the socioeconomic situation and political initiatives and how they influence people, how they are perceived and viewed by the public. Currently, the majority of Belarusian families view themselves as middle and upper middle income. When they assess their lives in 2024, more than 93% of households stated that they were happy with their lives. In Belarus, there is increasingly an attitude of respect towards women. Responding to Switzerland, I would like to state that last year, the Statistics Office carried out a sample survey on domestic violence, the results showed that the measures taken to prevent various forms of violence are effective, and currently violence in the family is rated as low risk for women. The share of women who have suffered physical and sexual violence by a partner in the last 12 months was only 1%. Furthermore, we are the first country in our region, SPECA, which has successfully integrated digital indicators on this. I would like to note in conclusion that Belarusian statistics is a powerful and objective tool for monitoring real changes in people's lives. Thank you.

Thank you very much. By way of comment, I would like now to give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Belarus to the United Nations, Ms. Belskaya, please.

Thank you. I wanted to comment on two topics. First, the deportation of Ukrainian children. There have been statements in this room about supposed participation by Belarus in the deportation of Ukrainian children, and this is absurd. We regret that humanitarian activities by the Belarusian state and public organizations is subject to speculation. All children who have come to our country for leisure and recovery from the war zone have returned home. There was sufficient support provided to their parents and legal guardians. Belarus takes part in international efforts to reunify Ukrainian families. Unfortunately, the authors of the statements about deportation did not deign to give one specific case or a name of a child who was forcibly removed to Belarus. Now, turning to another topic, LGBT. In Belarusian legislation, we are gender neutral. No one is persecuted for a non-traditional sexual orientation. Yes, in our society, we very much lean towards traditional values, but we do not carry out crusades in the name of conservatism. We are against aggressive imposition of LGBT propaganda. This is not supported by the majority of the population, for whom the priority values remain the traditional family. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Belskaya, and I give the floor to the next speaker.

Thank you. We'll now continue with the interactive dialogue, and I call on Equatorial Guinea.

Thank you very much. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea would like to extend a greeting to the distinguished delegation of Belarus, and we thank them for the report presented to this working group during the 50th session of the UPR. We commend the country on its improvements in human rights at the national level, guaranteeing civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Our country recognizes the efforts made by Belarus in accordance with the amended constitution following the national referendum of the 27th of February 2022 in order to guarantee the protection of the most vulnerable citizens, older persons, persons with disabilities, children, young persons and orphans, as well as the adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty. We recommend to continue strengthening measures against domestic violence and secondly to continue working on draft legislation to accede to the Convention on the State of Stateless Persons of 1954 and Convention on Reducing Statelessness of 1961. We wish the delegation of Belarus every success in its review. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Eritrea.

Thank you, Mr. President.

We warmly welcome the delegation of the Republic of Belarus, headed by His Excellency the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. We commend Belarus for its ongoing efforts to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. We note with appreciation the initiatives ensuring educational inclusion, where children with disabilities enjoy the same rights as all students. Educational institutions are being equipped with special facilities, free transportation is provided for those in need, and resource centers for inclusive education are being established. We humbly submit the following recommendations: One, ensuring the effective functioning of national instruments for protection against all forms of discrimination. Two, continuing active cooperation with the thematic special procedures of the Human Rights Council, including on issues such as the protection of migrants' rights and countering the use of unilateral coercive measures. Three, strengthening the capacity of institutions to combat corruption and continuing to train government officials to improve their skills in combating human trafficking, identifying victims, and providing necessary assistance. We thank Belarus for its UPR presentation and wish continued success in all its efforts moving forward. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Estonia.

Estonia expresses deep concern about ongoing repressions and the broad crackdown of human rights in Belarus, whereas the number of political prisoners remains alarmingly high.

Encourage Belarus to engage meaningfully with all UN human rights bodies and mechanisms. Estonia recommends Belarus to: 1.

Stop prosecutions for participation in peaceful protests, release and rehabilitate all individuals arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned. 2. Ensure freedom of expression, including access to information and media freedom without arbitrary censorship, including online, and refrain from blocking and filtering of content and services.

3.

Ensure absolute prohibition of.

Torture and other ill treatment.

Four, ratify the second optional protocol of the ICCPR on the abolition of death penalty. Five, stop instrumentalizing migrants and end their ill treatment at the border. And six, end the support for the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

We wish Belarus a useful review.

I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on Eswatini.

President. Thank you, Mr. President. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the delegation of BERAARUS and thank them for their comprehensive report. We commend BERAARUS for the progress made in reviewing the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to the published work for the persons who are living with blind and visually impaired. We In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend to Belarus to consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrants and their Families. Consider enacting comprehensive legislation to address all forms of gender-based violence, including the criminalization of marital rape. Wishing Belarus a successful review. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you. I now call on Ethiopia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia warmly welcomes the distinguished high-level delegation of Belarus and expresses its appreciation for the comprehensive national report and informative presentation. Ethiopia commends Belarus for the 2022 constitutional amendments that enhance protection for vulnerable groups and encourages continued efforts to ensure their effective implementation and support for all. In the spirit of constructive engagement and dialogue, Ethiopia offers the following recommendations to Belarus. One, continue strengthening efforts to ensure inclusive and accessible education for all, particularly for children from vulnerable groups and persons in correctional institutions. Two, continue efforts to promote full and productive employment for all and further strengthen occupational safety and health in line with international labor standards. Three, continue efforts to advance gender equality, including by reducing the gender pay gap and promoting gender-responsive policies and programmes. Finally, Ethiopia wishes every success to the delegation of Belarus in its engagement with the UPR working group. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Finland.

Mr. President, Finland welcomes the engagement of Belarus in the UPR. Finland recommends, one, to ratify the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and, as a first step, establish an official moratorium on executions. Two, to release all political prisoners and end new arrests, stop the torture and ill-treatment of prisoners and activists, and protect democratic rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association of individuals. to ensure the safe return of the Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred to Belarus back to their families and homes. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, President. France welcomed the recent releases of political prisoners in Belarus, but we do hope that more such releases will take place soon, and we call for all political prisoners to be released, especially the most vulnerable. We recommend, first of all, to end repression against opponents, to ensure decent conditions of detention and to provide all necessary medical care and ensure access to lawyers and families, and above all, to speed up the pace of liberation of political prisoners. Secondly, to implement the necessary conditions for the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by enabling lawyers, independent journalists and NGOs to carry out their work freely and in full security. Thirdly, to ensure equitable and humane treatment of prisoners; fourthly, to institute a moratorium on executions and to ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR; fifthly, to ratify the Convention of the Council of Europe on the combat against violence against women and to make it a specific criminal offence for domestic violence.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Gambia.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Belarus and appreciates the presentation of its national report. We acknowledge Belarus' efforts to enhance social protection, support families, and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, the Gambia offers the following recommendations. One, establish an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles to strengthen national human rights protection mechanisms. 2. Re-accede to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and engage fully with United Nations human rights mechanisms. 3. Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation to ensure equal protection and access to justice for all, particularly women and vulnerable groups. Four, take measures to enhance the protection of the human rights of migrants and asylum seekers without discrimination. We wish the delegation of Belarus a successful review. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia.

Mr. President, Georgia thanks the delegation of Belarus for the presentation of the national report. We acknowledge the submission of a number of periodic reports through treaty bodies during the reporting period. as well as the visit of Special Rapporteur on Migrants and invitations extended to Special Representatives for Children in Armed Conflict and Violence Against Children. While positively noting the introduction of the National Interdepartmental Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, my delegation urges Belarus to take further measures towards protection of disabled persons. With this, Georgia would like to recommend to Belarus: First, to further engage in dialogue with the UN Special Procedures and treaty bodies, and second, to develop a national action plan related to the implementation of the CRPD aimed at eliminating the stigma and promoting positive values. We wish the delegation of Belarus a successful review.

Thank you. Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.

Thank you, Mr. President. Germany welcomes recent steps by Belarus towards strengthening women's rights and invites Belarus to take further such measures, including specific legislation to combat gender-based violence. However, Germany remains deeply concerned about the massive restrictions on civil society and the devastating conditions of political prisoners. Germany is moreover alarmed by the expansion of the scope of the death penalty. Germany therefore recommends that Belarus: 1. Immediately release all political prisoners and ensure their full rehabilitation, and to improve detention conditions for all prisoners, especially women. This includes ending incommunicado detention, guaranteeing communication with families and lawyers, and providing appropriate access to healthcare and sanitation. Two, review all anti-extremist legislation and ensure it does not restrict freedom of expression in the media and does not apply to persecute dissent. and 3) review the latest expansion of the scope of the death penalty, establish a moratorium and ensure transparency and fair trials, and to ratify the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana.

Mr. President, Ghana takes a positive note of Belarus' stated commitment to improve the human rights situation in the country by building on the successes of its third UPR in 2020. In this regard, Ghana commends Belarus' initiatives to expand its education system, particularly in relation to making access to secondary vocational and technical education free for all. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Ghana recommends the following to Belarus: 1. to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture; 2. to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; and 3. to develop a national action plan to eliminate the stigma and stereotypes about persons with disabilities. In closing, Ghana wishes Belarus a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece.

President, Greece welcomes the delegation of Belarus to the fourth UPR cycle. We are deeply concerned by the deterioration of the human rights situation in the country and the continuous regression of civil and political freedoms. Greece would like to recommend that Belarus, one, release all those unlawfully or arbitrarily detained for the peaceful exercise of their freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, including human rights defenders, journalists, and lawyers. Two, take steps to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty with a view to its abolition. Three, take measures to combat gender stereotypes and ensure equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making in political and public life. Four, adopt measures for the prevention and identification of and response to all forms of violence against children. Five, establish an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. Six, re-engage in a cooperative manner with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus and other UN human rights mechanisms. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland.

Iceland welcomes the delegation of Belarus and its national report. In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following: 1.

Ensure full respect for democratic principles by guaranteeing free and fair elections, safeguarding the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and releasing all political prisoners immediately.

Two, abolish the death penalty and ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR.

Three, adopt specific legislation that addresses all forms of GBV.

Four, criminalize marital rape.

Five, provide comprehensive access to quality sexual and reproductive health services across the country.

Six, develop, enact, and enforce comprehensive legislation that criminalizes all forms of discrimination against persons of diverse SOGIESC. Seven, ensure the protection of defenders of human rights of SOGIESC persons from persecution and reverse the policy of liquidation of CSOs. I wish Belarus success for its review.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you for the floor, Mr. President. India warmly welcomes the delegation of Belarus and thanks them for the presentation of their national report. We appreciate the constitutional amendments adopted following the 2022 national.

Referendum, which introduced additional guarantees for vulnerable categories of citizens, including older persons, persons with disabilities, children and youth.

We also note the introduction of the constitutional complaint procedure in the national legal system, which ensures direct access for citizens to constitutional justice. In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend the following to Belarus: 1. Continue efforts to ensure gender equality in access to technical and vocational education and training. 2. Continue efforts to combat human trafficking and labor exploitation through strengthened enforcement of anti-trafficking legislation. 3. Adopt a comprehensive intersectoral strategy for the prevention, identification, and response to all forms of violence against children, with a particular focus on sexual violence. We wish Belarus a successful UPR review. Thank you.

Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Indonesia commends Belarus' continued engagement with the UPR. We welcome Belarus for its continued efforts to combat trafficking in persons through national legislations and cooperation with the OSCE and IOM. Indonesia further acknowledges Belarus' initiatives to strengthen social protection of the family and notes Belarus' efforts in advancing women's participation in public life and to criminalize domestic violence. In a spirit of constructive engagement, Indonesia recommends Belarus the following: 1. Continue efforts to promote gender equality, including by closing the gender pay gap and strengthening women's economic empowerment. 2. Further enhance measures to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly through inclusive education and accessible public information. Three, strengthen national institutions to prevent and address violence and exploitation against migrants, including migrant workers. Indonesia wishes Belarus every success in its UPR. I thank you.

Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mr. President, Iran welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Belarus to the fourth cycle of the UPR and thanks for the presentation of its national report. My delegation commend the measures taken to support the Belarusian people in the face of UCM pressure. In the spirit of constructive cooperation, we would like to make the following recommendation. First, continue to take measures at the national and international levels to protect traditional values, including through the work of the Group of the Friends of the Family. Second, continue to adopt policies and programs with a view of ensuring the sustainable development and well-being of population. We wish the delegation of the Republic of Belarus a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of Iraq.

President, We welcome the delegation of Belarus, which is taking part in this fourth UPR cycle. We hail the efforts made in drafting the report. Iraq presents the following recommendations: Continue efforts to combat human trafficking, in particular women and children. Second, take additional strategies and measures to combat poverty, particularly in rural areas. In conclusion, we wish Belarus success and we recommend that efforts continue to promote and protect human rights, in particular protection for the family. I thank you.

Thank you. I recognise the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Thank you, President. Ireland thanks the delegation of Belarus for its presentation today. We are nonetheless disappointed in the consistent deterioration in the human rights situation in Belarus since the last UPR cycle. This includes the purging of civic and democratic spaces of all potential sources of dissent and the categorisation of non-governmental organisations and individual persons as extremists. Ireland is deeply concerned about the politically motivated incarceration of over 1,200 persons at present and the mistreatment of prisoners, including the use of violence and denial of medical treatment. 1. Immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and human rights defenders; 2. Take all necessary steps to ensure compliance of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism laws with international human rights law, particularly the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly and to public participation. 3. Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that prohibits all forms of discrimination against women and girls. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy.

Thank you, Chair. Belarus for the presentation and the commitment to the UPR. Italy appreciate the recent liberation of a number of political prisoners and some legal reforms increasing the use of non-custodial measures in the criminal justice system. Italy says this opportunity to offer Belarus the following recommendations. One, introduce a moratorium on execution with the view to fully abolishing the death penalty and signing the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Two, ratify the Istanbul Convention and adopt a comprehensive legislation to address gender-based violence against women and girls, establishing domestic violence as a separate crime. Three, release immediately and unconditionally all those unlawfully or arbitrarily detained and exposed to torture for the peaceful exercise of their freedom of expression, association and assembly, or their legitimate functions as human rights defenders, trade unionists, journalists and lawyers. We wish Belarus a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. President. Japan welcomes the participation of the delegation of Belarus in the UPR cycle. Japan once again would like to make the largely same recommendation as provided in the last UPR cycle, one, promptly ratify the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances; two, enhance efforts to guarantee freedom of expression and the protection of the media, including journalists; Three, engage in national dialogue that respects the principles of the rule of law and democracy. And four, make an earnest effort to address the human rights situation in the country. Japan notes that Belarus is considering progressively expanding its international obligations and expects it to do so. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.

Thank you, President. Jordan welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Belarus, led by Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Igor Sekreta, during the presentation of this national report. And we express our appreciation for the comprehensive information that was contained in the report when it comes to legislative and institutional developments in the country. Jordan would like to recommend what follows: promoting cooperation with the UN human rights system through dialogue and technical assistance, capacity building, as well as developing relevant institutions. Second, to continue on implementing the national plans related to human rights and social development in a way that guarantees sustainable development as well as an improvement of living conditions for citizens. Jordan wishes Belarus every success in this UPR. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Thank you, Mr. President. Portugal welcomes the delegation of Belarus and thanks it for the presentation of its national report.

We welcome the establishment.

Of Orange Safe Spaces in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund to support those in vulnerable situations. Portugal respectively recommends that Belarus: 1. Establishes a moratorium on the death penalty, with a view to its complete abolition, and ratifies the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR; 2. Amends legislation to ensure the exercise of the rights to freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly by all, and guarantees a safe and enabling environment for civil society, human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers. and three, repeals legislation and policies that discriminate against LGBTI community, including the recent amendments to the definition of *********** the law on the rights of the child, and the draft article 19.16 of the Code of Administration Offences. Portugal wishes Belarus a successful review.

Thank you. Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.

Thank you, Mr. President. We warmly welcome the high-level delegation of the Republic of Belarus and presentation of its UPR report. We positively note the efforts undertaken by Belarus to improve the protection of economic, social, and cultural rights, including initiatives in education, healthcare, and social support. Kazakhstan encourages further steps for an effective implementation of the National Action Plan for the improvement of the situation of children and continued cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms. In the spirit of constructive cooperation, we recommend Belarus the following. Continue to implement the 2030 agenda for SDGs. Ensure that the Sustainable Development Council pays attention to the implementation of international human rights obligations. Second, continue to take measures to protect the rights of migrants and asylum seekers in cooperation with international organizations. the third, continue to provide social support to people with disabilities. We wish the delegation of the Republic of Belarus a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. That was the final speaker on my list for this review, and I give the floor to the delegation to reply to the questions and comments and for the final conclusions.

Thank you very much. I would like to give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Belarus.

I would like to comment on the following elections in Belarus. Unfortunately, some Western countries continue to attempt to manipulate this topic, putting forward narratives about the supposed unlawfulness of the presidential election results of 2020 and 2025. This is how they justify their unsuccessful investment in attempted colour revolutions. They're now introducing broad-reaching sanctions on the Belarusian state following this. In response to the gross attempts at manipulation, we have strengthened our legislation, including electoral sovereignty as the right for our citizens to take part fully and freely in elections without external interference in the elections process in the reviewing period. On an alternative basis, there were parliamentary elections in 2022 and then presidential elections in 2025. This saw broad international observation. The parliamentary elections saw participation by observers from 23 countries and about 500 observers from around 50 countries observed the presidential elections. We invited observers from the OSCE, but they declined to take part. International observers noted on the whole that elections in Belarus and the electoral campaigns are free, fair, lawful, and democratic. Thank you.

Thank you for those comments. President, I would also like to comment on something that was raised very frequently in the recommendations, although I should say that some recommendations, in my view, amount to interference in the domestic affairs of Belarus. This topic is the so-called political prisoners. I would like to note that attempts to portray lawbreakers persons who have broken our law as political prisoners or victims of conscience is very much trumped up. In our criminal legislation, there are no political articles. Therefore, there is no practice of prosecuting on political grounds. The persons apparently being referred to, and so frequently here in this room, were convicted not for their political views, but for specific crimes provided for under our criminal legislation, and they were prosecuted in court. That is to say, there was no intentional or arbitrary or unlawful detention of them. This is what many delegations have asserted today. But if there's any arbitrary or other unlawful detention in our country that is identified, then we will immediately take measures to rectify this and free them. By decision of the head of state, there was a pardon of some prisoners, and this was a gesture of goodwill as well. This was undertaken by their personal petition and for humanitarian reasons. Taking into account their situation, we took into account their age, sex, their health status, and their family situation. recently pardoned individuals participated in the mass protests. This included leaders of extremist organizations and members of extremist destructive media. I would also like to note here that delegations and country representatives should not fall prey to the temptation to consider certain professional groups or members of certain ethnicities as enjoying certain immunities and privileges. Everyone is equal before our law, irrespective of their social condition or their profession, and they are held liable for crimes that they have committed pursuant to our legislation. Distinguished President, distinguished colleagues, on behalf of the Belarusian delegation, I would like to thank all participants for their interest and for the interesting and fruitful dialogue. We very much value the opportunity to share views, to clarify positions, and explain the various measures we have taken to protect human rights. During the review, we underscored that Belarus consistently abides by its international human rights obligations, taking into account national priorities. We have presented in detail our measures, programmes, achievements, and we are pleased that these achievements have been recognised and were commended many times in this room. Belarus has indeed done a great deal in this area. We thank the delegations who commended Belarus' progress in the area of human rights. We also welcome the positive recommendations aiming at the improvement of the human rights situation in our country. We stand ready to cooperate with all countries, even those who have expressed critical views today of the human rights situation in our country. We stand ready to work with these countries. We are open to dialogue, and we seek to engage problematic issues in bilateral contacts. We see these contacts as a way to enhance our normative and institutional system to promote and protect human rights. I thank you.

I thank the delegation for its presentation and its participation in this review. The report will be drawn up by the members of the Troika, consisting of the representatives of Ghana, Cyprus and Colombia. In accordance with the procedure in place since 2015, the recommendations section in the report will be distributed on Wednesday, 5 November, at 6 p.m. Furthermore, I would remind you that following the decision by the Council on time conservation and financial resource conservation measures adopted at the organizational meeting of the 2nd of June 2025, the recommendations section in all reports of the working group will be considered for adoption on Friday, the 14th of November in the last meeting of the session as of 2.30 p.m. The full report, including The summary section will be circulated by e-mail on Friday, 21 November 2025. This brings us to the end of our meeting. We will reconvene this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. for the review of Liberia. The speaking time will be one minute and 35 seconds for all. Registered speakers who would like to withdraw from the list are invited to use the event system at the latest 30 minutes before the start of this review. I hereby close the first meeting of the 50th session of the UPR Working Group. Thank you and bon appetit.