War Resisters’ International and Connection e.V. Statement on Belarus at the UN Human Rights Council

A representative of War Resisters’ International (WRI) delivered a statement at the UN Human Rights Council highlighting ongoing human rights concerns related to Belarus. In the statement, WRI and its partner Connection e.V. expressed concern about transnational repression against Belarusians in exile, including threats, surveillance, trials in absentia, and the designation of civil society organizations as extremist. The statement also addressed Belarus’ support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the continued violation of the right to conscientious objection to military service. Special attention was drawn to recent legal amendments that have tightened military obligations and increased criminal liability for draft evasion, as well as limited access to alternative civilian service, which is restricted to religious objectors. The statement also highlighted alarming developments such as the militarization of children and growing pressure on grassroots civil society organizations documenting human rights violations. Organizations documenting these violations, including “Our House”, which is also part of the War Resisters’ International network, face transnational pressure, surveillance, threats, and cyberattacks. The statement also raised concerns about debanking practices affecting Olga Karach, director of “Our House”, and other Belarusian human rights defenders, creating serious operational difficulties, including in Lithuania. WRI welcomed recommendations urging states to provide international protection and asylum to Belarusian conscientious objectors and human rights defenders in line with UNHCR guidelines.