48th session of the Human Rights Council 

 Interactive dialogue on the interim oral update of OHCHR on the situation of human rights in 

Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath 

Intervention by the delegation of Ukraine

24 September 2021

Madame President,

Ukraine appreciates the update by the High Commissioner.

We remain troubled by the reports of torture and other inhumane or degrading treatment, excessive use of force, persecution of journalists and human rights defenders as well as other wrongdoings in Belarus, multiplied by demonstrative impunity for the perpetrators.

Four days ago, Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Farynets was sentenced in Belarus to 3 years in prison for allegedly participating in actions that violate public order despite the absence of reliable evidence of his guilt.

Ukraine considers this verdict to be politically motivated, unfair and illegal, and demands an unconditional release of its citizen.

The case of Mykhailo Farynets is another example of Belarusian so-called "justice", as a result of which hundreds of local journalists and human rights activists, students and ordinary citizens of Belarus were imprisoned.

We once again call on the Belarusian authorities to end repression, release all political prisoners, engage with the UN human rights mechanisms and start an inclusive dialogue with Belarus’ society.

Ukraine also warns the Russian Federation against its cynical attempts to take advantage of the situation in Belarus and undermine its sovereignty.

We reiterate our support for the independence of Belarus and the ambition of the Belarus’ people to live in a free, democratic, European state, in which the voice of every citizen is taken into account.