The Concept for a System of Measures to Combat Discrimination and Ensure Equality in Belarus, Including the Law “On Equality and Non-Discrimination, (in ru)” is one element of the comprehensive legal reform needed in Belarus.
The document was developed as part of the implementation of the 2023 Action Plan adopted by the Council of Europe's Belarus Contact Group, with the participation of experts from Belarusian civil society organizations and the Council of Europe, and under the overall coordination of the Belarus Helsinki Committee.
After the democratic transition, this document:
- may serve as the foundation for equality and non-discrimination legislation, including the adoption of the “Law on Equality and Non-Discrimination”;
- may be used by courts to interpret existing norms until the law is enacted;
- may be utilized to develop more detailed documents (recommendations and clarifications) for judges, prosecutors, and public officials within the justice system.
Currently, this document is useful as:
- a guideline for developing reforms in other sectors (including economics, education, and healthcare);
- a tool for professionals in the fields of law and public administration to enhance their qualifications;
- a means to promote and shift public attitudes toward discrimination, including fostering a proper understanding of it;
- a basis for public discussion.
