The External Relations Section of the European Economic and Social Committee held a debate dedicated to the alarming deterioration of trade union freedom in Belarus.
“Despite sustained international pressure and the appointment of a special envoy of the International Labour Organization in June 2025, the Belarusian authorities continue to refuse any dialogue aimed at restoring compliance with fundamental labour standards. Around twenty trade union activists remain in detention,” the statement said.
Former political prisoner and chairman of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions Alyaksandr Yarashuk addressed the event. He was released last year and expelled from Belarus. In his speech, he focused on the legal status of former political prisoners in EU countries who face difficulties in legalising their status and accessing basic rights. Many are expelled without documents. He warned that Belarus has become “one of the ten most dangerous countries for workers and trade union activists,” noting that in 2022 the authorities effectively dismantled the remaining freedoms of the trade union movement through imprisonment and repression.
“Despite several releases of political opponents, the situation remains difficult. In addition to detentions, new forms of repression have emerged, such as the removal of children from the families of persecuted trade union activists,” said Section Chair Stefano Palmieri.
The ILO Special Envoy for Belarus Lélio Bentes Corrêa noted that the Belarusian authorities are not in a hurry to engage in dialogue with him.
“The Belarusian authorities still refuse to recognise my mandate or engage in dialogue. To date, around twenty trade union activists remain in detention, and their families continue to face intimidation and pressure,” he said.
In 2023, the International Labour Organization invoked Article 33 of its Constitution in relation to Belarus. ILO member states were called upon to take measures, including restrictions on trade and financial and technical cooperation, in order to compel Belarus to comply with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry regarding violations of conventions on freedom of association.
According to the press release, participants in the debate concluded that the objectives remain unchanged: to secure the release of all detained trade union activists, restore freedom of association and re-establish independent trade unions in Belarus.