The UN Human Rights Council adopted the outcome report of the 4th Universal Periodic Review of Belarus during its 61st session.
The Human Rights Council also voted to extend the mandate of the Group of Independent Experts and Special Rapporteur on Belarus for one year
Retaliatory prosecution, convictions, disbarment and the revocation of the licences of lawyers representing opposition or anti-government figures has continued, affecting an ever diminishing number of legal professionals in Belarus
Under article 411 of the Criminal Code, authorities have been enabled to initiate new criminal proceedings prior to the completion of an individual's sentence, resulting in serious ambiguity over the duration of imprisonment and causing severe psychological pain.
The encroachment on civil society has continued unabated. At least 1,220 civil society organisations are estimated to have been liquidated between 2021 and the end of 2025.
Even beyond Belarus' borders, President Lukashenko has explicitly threatened those living in exile in his public statements and media interviews.
Their report paints a stark picture of ongoing human rights violations in Belarus. Detainees continue to face ill-treatment and torture, and at least eight deaths in detention since Mat 2020 are believed to stem from authorities' failure to protect life.
On 12 March, the UN‑mandated Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus presented its latest findings to the Human Rights Council. 🧵
Thanks to Andrea Huber for briefing the informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus today on the important work of
@iapbelarus.org and paths to accountability. Repression in the country must stop, and all political prisoners be immediately and unconditionally released.
We celebrate the release of 250 Belarusian prisoners — including our colleagues Valiantsin Stefanovich and Marfa Rabkova, and rights defender Nasta Loika — while concerned about the conditions of their release.
They were among 15 individuals deported to Lithuania, raising the risk of forced exile.
#HRC61: Immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners in Belarus
Group of independent experts presented its report on the human rights situation in #Belarus at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Full Report: docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/61/57
@iapbelarus.org @hrw.org
ICC has opened an investigation into the situation in Lithuania/Belarus.
The move follows Lithuania’s 2024 referral, which argued that elements of alleged crimes against humanity took place on Lithuanian territory, bringing them under ICC jurisdiction.
Learn more: iapbelarus.org/press-statem...
📌Happening now:
The Group of Independent Experts on Belarus is presenting their report at the 61st Session of Human Rights Council: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1p...
The Group of Independent Experts on Belarus will discuss their latest report to the Human Rights Council with UN Member States and stakeholders at 3 pm CET.
The report builds on over 400 interviews, painting a stark picture of the situation in Belarus.
Watch live: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k15...
As the human rights crisis in Belarus deepens, tomorrow’s side event at Human Rights Council brings together key figures working to secure accountability.
Speakers include Andrea Huber, Head of the IAPB, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Ales Bialiatski, founder of Viasna.
🕜 13:00 CET
📌 Room IX
The IAPB welcomes the 123 political prisoners released on 13 Dec, but remains deeply concerned over the 1,100 still imprisoned, including Valiantsin Stefanovic, Marfa Rabkova & Nasta Loika.
Justice requires freedom for all, accountability, & redress for victims.🔽
iapbelarus.org/press-statem...
The release of 100+ prisoners in Belarus, incl. Ales Bialiatski, brings long-overdue relief to those wrongfully imprisoned and their families.
Yet repression persists. Sustained international pressure is key to free all political prisoners, uphold human rights and secure accountability in Belarus.
pasirajala.bsky.social @um.fi
🙏 Ms Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Head of the Belarus Democratic Forces, Mr Pasi Rajala, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ms Audra Plepyte, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of #Lithuania and Ms Minna-Liina Lind, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of #Estonia for contributing to the event.
We had the honor of moderating the side event “Preparing the democratic future of Belarus: A conversation with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya” in the margins of the #OSCEMC2025 Ministerial Council on 4 December 2025 at Hofburg, Vienna.
Starting soon!
📢 Calling all interested parties in The Hague!
Join our side event at hashtag#ASP24: Persecution and Forced Exile from Belarus: A Crime Against Humanity
🗓 Date: 3 December 2025
🕕 Time: 18:15 – 19:45
📍 Location: Onyx Room, World Forum, The Hague
We hope to see you there.
The IAPB was pleased to present our report 'Paths to Accountability for Belarus' at a side event during the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference.
🙏 to all the panellists and Germany, Lithuania, and Poland for co-sponsoring this important event.
▶️Read the report (EN/BE): iapbelarus.org/resources/
Since the disputed presidential elections of August 2020, Belarus has faced one of the gravest human rights crises in Europe in decades.
But accountability is possible.
The IAPB’s report outlines pathways to truth, redress, and justice for the people of Belarus. ⬇️
iapbelarus.org/app/uploads/...
⏰ Happening soon!
Join us for the launch of ‘Paths to Accountability in Belarus’ (14.00–15.30 CET).
🗣️ English and Belarusian.
🖥️ Watch the webinar on Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/89433806860
📺 Or follow it live on the IAPB LinkedIn account (English only): www.linkedin.com/events/launc...
How can victims find accountability in contexts like Belarus?
Join us this Friday to learn more, at the launch of our new report The IAPB is launching its new report “Paths to Accountability in Belarus."
🗓️ 3 October| 14:00–15:30 CET
🗣️ English/Belarusian.
🖥️ on Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/89433806860
Why do international trials matter for victims?
For @doughtystreet.bsky.social barrister Megan Hirst it is not only about the verdict, but the opportunity to publicly recognise the harms that victims have suffered, contributing to the victims’ healing process.
🇩🇰🇪🇪🇪🇺🇩🇪🇱🇻🇱🇹 co-hosted a #UNGA80 side event on accountability and justice in #Belarus together with Svetlana Tikhanouskaya
Denmark is proud to support @iapbelarus.org
Lukasjenka’s regime must be held accountable for its atrocities against political prisoners and the Belarusian people.
✨ Happy 63rd birthday to Ales Bialiatski!
#HumanRights activist & #NobelPeacePrize laureate, jailed for defending dignity — now serving 10 years in #Belarus.
We send Ales strength and remind the world he belongs with his loved ones — not in prison.
🌐 Why Ales matters: freeales.org
#FreeAles
Stay tuned for the launch of our new report ““Paths to Accountability in Belarus” on the available mechanisms to address human rights and international criminal law violations taking place in Belarus.
🗓️ 3 October| 14:00–15:30 CET
🗣️ English and Belarusian.
🖥️ on Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/89433806860
