Insights from the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Belarus
Protections for Women Human Rights Defenders and Victim-Survivors of Violence in Belarus
On July 2, 2024, The Advocates for Human Rights delivered a statement at the 56th session of the Human Rights Council for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Belarus. The Advocates highlights the mistreatment and torture of those engaged in political protests, including the sexual violence against women. We also highlight the harsh conditions faced by female detainees and ineffective domestic violence laws. The Advocates urges Belarus to protect the right to freedom from torture and provide legislation and services for victims of domestic violence. Watch the oral statement on Youtube and on UN Web TV.
Read the statement below:
Mr. President,
The Advocates for Human Rights welcomes the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Belarus. Following the 2020 election protests, police and security forces used ill-treatment and torture against those engaged in political protests, including use of sexual violence against women. In 2021, the state liquidated women’s rights organizations, leaving no private shelters available to serve victims of domestic violence. Only state “crisis rooms” remain available and are inadequate to effectively protect victims.
Detention conditions for women detainees are abysmal, with overcrowded cells, and no mattresses, showers or personal care products. Furthermore, female political prisoners are forced to adorn yellow “extremist” tags, signifying to guards to single out these women and impose additional penalties upon them.
Domestic violence also remains a serious problem. There is no specific domestic violence law and current legislation is not effective. There are no concepts of economic violence and stalking. Protective orders lack implementation and women fear reporting domestic violence because social services often threaten to remove their children. Those working to combat domestic violence have been detained or received threats from state agents for their work, which has contributed to an atmosphere of fear and silencing.
We urge Belarus to protect the right to freedom from torture and arbitrary deprivation of liberty for women human rights defenders, and to provide adequate legislation and specialized services for victims of domestic violence.
Thank you.
