12/12/2023 Political Affairs and Democracy
The PACE Political Affairs committee reaffirmed its dedication to supporting and advocating for the rights, freedoms, and safety of all Belarusians, expressing solidarity with all those impacted by the crimes of the Lukashenka regime. It reiterated its “ambition to welcome a future democratic, independent, sovereign, peaceful and prosperous Belarus as a member of the Council of Europe”, and urged Council of Europe member States to step up support to Belarusian democratic forces for the realisation of this vision.
Unanimously adopting a draft resolution based on the report prepared by Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland, SOC), the committee condemned the Lukashenka regime’s rejection of international law and democratic standards, its efforts to secure impunity, and its brutal repression against the Belarusian people including the widespread use of politically motivated arrests, detentions, and intimidation of opposition figures, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. “The repression by the Lukashenka regime against the Belarusian people is so serious, widespread and systematic that it may amount to crimes against humanity and warrants full accountability under domestic and international law”, the committee added.
The committee added that the threat posed by the Lukashenka regime extends beyond Belarusian borders, “evidenced by the weaponisation of migrants”, the forced landing of Ryanair Flight FR4978, and exemplified by its involvement in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine.
The committee outlined that to honour its obligations under international law, Belarus should cease support for the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, release political prisoners, ensure free and fair elections, and protect human rights.
In its work, the Assembly committed to promoting the participation of Belarusian democratic forces, establishing a General Rapporteur for a Democratic Belarus, intensifying engagement with Belarusian civil society, and supporting the Council of Europe Contact Group on co-operation with Representatives of Belarusian democratic forces.