Belarus rights record criticized at UN
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 4 May 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Belarus rights record criticized at UN, 4 May 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565ba732e.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 04, 2015
Diplomats at a UN review of Belarus's rights record have urged authorities in Minsk to ensure free and fair elections and decried an "atmosphere of intimidation."
Envoys gathered at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on May 4 called on Belarus to release all political prisoners and to halt executions.
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, 60, has been in power for more than two decades and is considering another term after November elections.
The U.S. ambassador to the rights council, Keith Harper, urged Belarus to "amend its electoral laws to bring them in line with OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) recommendations."
Harper told the council that Minsk must "demonstrate respect for a democratic political process, freedom of association, and freedom of expression ahead of the 2015 presidential election."
Mikhail Khvostov, Belarus's representative to the UN in Geneva, insisted that much has been done to ensure that the elections will be conducted "calmly, honestly, transparently."
He said international observers were invited to the country to help ensure the elections are held in accordance with international standards.
Based on reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website