Фото: Офис Тихановской
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya believes that Belarus should be returned to the UN agenda and that work should begin on a strong resolution addressing political prisoners, transnational repression and Lukashenka’s role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. She made the statement at a special event organized by Latvia and the EU with the assistance of Tsikhanouskaya’s Office on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya outlined specific steps that the countries participating in the side event could take. Representatives of the European External Action Service, the Council of Europe, Ukraine, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Estonia and Sweden, as well as the leadership of Freedom House, attended the event.
“I have five specific requests:
Return Belarus to the UN agenda. Start work on a strong resolution on Belarus in the Third Committee and the General Assembly addressing political prisoners, transnational repression and the regime’s role in Russia’s war.
Organize an Arria-formula meeting on Belarus involving our experts, former political prisoners and human rights defenders.
Put transnational repression on the international agenda. Hold a meeting in New York or Geneva involving government representatives, UN experts, INTERPOL, civil society and democratic forces.
Find a solution to the documents problem. Thousands of Belarusians cannot safely renew their passports. We need an internationally recognized solution for these people.
Protect the UN mechanisms on Belarus. Support and ensure funding for the Special Rapporteur and the Group of Independent Experts.
And one more request for this week: when your leaders address the General Assembly, mention Belarus.
And my final request: give Ukraine everything it needs to defend itself and prevail. Because today Ukraine is fighting for all of us,” Tsikhanouskaya said.
The discussion centered on the situation in Belarus, which is not merely an internal matter for the country. Participants discussed domestic and transnational repression, dependence on Russia, hybrid actions by Minsk against Belarus’s neighbors, and the regime’s involvement in Russia’s aggression.
Tsikhanouskaya also emphasized the link between Belarus’s future and the outcome of the war in Ukraine. She noted that Belarusians support Ukraine, including those fighting on its side and those who have been convicted inside Belarus for supporting Ukraine.
“First, maintain pressure until we see systemic changes. Target sanctions at those responsible for repression and companies supporting Russia’s war.
Second, we must seek a full political amnesty. Release everyone. Stop the arrests. Close the absurd cases. People should have the right to live safely at home or return to Belarus without fear. And I call on you to increase contributions to the International Humanitarian Fund so that assistance is ready for the next releases.
Third, support accountability. Support the International Criminal Court investigation and the International Accountability Platform for Belarus. Ensure that the role of the Lukashenka regime in Russia’s aggression and the deportation of Ukrainian children is investigated.
Fourth, isolate the regime, not Belarusians. Preserve visas, scholarships and mobility programs, continue supporting independent media and civil society. Help Belarusians without valid passports. Include a democratic Belarus in international formats.
Fifth, Belarus after Lukashenka. Work with Belarusian democratic forces now on the transition period, economic stabilization, preventing Russian interference and holding free elections. And give Belarusians a clear European perspective,” Tsikhanouskaya told the participants of the event.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also called during the event for pressure on Lukashenka not to be eased but to be increased.