Repression in Belarus is aimed at the systematic reshaping of the cultural space, education system, language use and historical narratives. This conclusion was reached by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Nils Muižnieks.
The report, published as part of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, includes an overview of developments from April 2025 to March 2026.
“Belarus continues to systematically and grossly violate its international human rights obligations through ongoing politically motivated repression and a complete crackdown on freedom of expression, assembly and association,” the report states.
It notes that around 400 political prisoners were released in 2025–26. While such steps can be welcomed, the forced expulsion of many released prisoners from Belarus indicates the absence of any overall improvement in the state of civil and political rights.
“Repression in Belarus has evolved beyond targeting political activists to encompass a systematic restructuring of cultural space, education, language use and historical narratives. Belarusian cultural and national identity and linguistic affiliation are increasingly treated as markers of political opposition,” the report emphasizes.
During the reporting period, the Special Rapporteur sent 12 communications to Belarus, including allegation letters and urgent appeals.
“The Special Rapporteur welcomes the Government’s seven replies, provided in Russian, to these communications. Furthermore, he positively notes the reports about the release of several detainees whose cases had been brought to the Government’s attention by special procedures. However, he deplores the fact that most of the alleged violations remain unaddressed,” the report states.
The report also highlights the misuse of counterterrorism and anti-extremism legislation, which is used to persecute opposition representatives, human rights defenders, journalists and activists, including figures from the cultural and academic spheres. The Special Rapporteur draws attention to violations of the right to life and physical integrity and notes violations of the rights of persons deprived of liberty, including ill-treatment, inhuman detention conditions and the denial of medical care.
One section of the report is devoted to transnational repression, including trials in absentia and pressure on relatives.
The report notes that state policy has led to the marginalization of Belarusian, one of the country’s two official languages, and that its preservation, use and promotion have suffered as a result of politicization.
The Special Rapporteur expressed deep concern that the authorities are pursuing a policy of systematic repression against cultural figures and are designating independent cultural initiatives as extremist groups.
