47th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council 

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation in Belarus 

Intervention by the Delegation of Ukraine

(5th July, 2021)

Madame President,

We welcome the Special Rapporteur and appreciate her report.

Ukraine regrets that the human rights situation in the neighboring Belarus remains extremely worrying.

We are alarmed by the continuing reports of torture and other inhumane or degrading treatment, persecution of journalists, opposition leaders and human rights defenders.

We equally deplore the fact that these and other wrongdoings against the people of Belarus are multiplied by demonstrative impunity for the perpetrators.

The recent case of forced landing of Ryanair flight 4978, which has put in danger the lives of innocent civilians, is exceptionally appalling.

Ukraine resolutely calls on Belarus' authorities to finally hear the voice of the people, ensure justice and effective remedy for the victims and release all those illegally detained.

We also strongly urge the official Minsk to return to compliance with its human rights obligations and engage constructively with the Special Rapporteur and the OHCHR.

While standing ready to back any meaningful effort aimed at assisting Belarus in resolution of its current challenges, Ukraine once again warns the Russian Federation against interfering in internal affairs of its neighbours.

We support the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus and reiterate our commitment to good-neighborly relations with them based on respect to the rule of law and human rights.

I thank you.