Фото: t.me/tsikhanouskaya
As part of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly winter session, a side event titled “Belarus and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: A Round Table on the Path to Democracy and Humanitarian Priorities” was held on February 19. The event was attended by a Belarusian delegation, including representatives of the Coordination Council Artsiom Brukhan, Aliaksandra Mamaeva and Yury Hubarevich, advisers to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Anatol Liabedzka and Leanid Marozau, as well as Ihar Barysau from the Social Democratic Party (Hramada).
In her speech, Tsikhanouskaya noted that there is no legitimate Belarusian delegation in the Assembly, but said the Belarusian people deserve the opportunity to be heard. She thanked Sweden, Norway and Lithuania for their support of Belarusian society, including the establishment in Norway of a parliamentary group “For a Democratic Belarus” and the launch of an International Humanitarian Fund to assist political prisoners.
Participants paid special attention to the humanitarian situation in the country. Leanid Marozau presented an analysis of the scale of repression, conditions of detention of political prisoners and “invisible” human rights violations.
Tsikhanouskaya expressed confidence that the OSCE can play a key role in resolving the Belarusian crisis, stressing the need for systemic change and an end to repression.
“I sincerely believe that the OSCE can play a key role in resolving the Belarusian crisis. Because this organisation was created precisely to deal with such challenges. What is happening in Belarus today is a political and legal default. Human rights are ignored. Elections have turned into a complete sham. Repression continues every day.
And yet, last year we witnessed the release of political prisoners. This was the result of joint efforts — it happened primarily thanks to the humanitarian work of the United States. But also thanks to European pressure. Because without pressure, the regime would never have released people. We must ensure that systemic changes take place in Belarus. And make sure that repression stops and Belarus becomes free,” the leader of the democratic forces said.