NB8 speech on Human Rights Situation in Belarus, delivered by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen delivered the Nordic-Baltic speech at the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 23 September 2024.

Thank you Chair,

On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States, I thank the independent experts for this update. We highly respect your vital work in collecting evidence of human rights violations and abuses in Belarus.

We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation and strongly condemn the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society.

We stand with the people of Belarus in their demand for democracy. We support the determined and courageous work of Viasna and other civil society organisations, despite brutal repressions.

We urge the State to immediately cease the systemic oppression. We condemn torture and other ill-treatment of political prisoners and call for their immediate and unconditional release, and effective rehabilitation.

We strongly condemn Belarus’ continued support to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. We call for Belarus to end its complicity in the illegal deportation, forcible transfer and re-education of Ukrainian children by Russia.

As the situation keeps deteriorating, what avenues do you see for accountability and reparation for victims?

Thank you.