A coalition of Belarusian NGOs and initiatives, after analyzing Belarus’s implementation of the provisions of the aforementioned Convention, submitted an alternative report to the Committee.
The report was prepared by the Belarus Helsinki Committee, the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, Human Constanta, the human rights center “Viasna”, the human rights organization “Respect-Protect-Fulfill”, Lawtrend, Legal Initiative, the BYMEDSOL Medical Solidarity Fund, the Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Labor Movements — under the overall coordination of the Belarus Helsinki Committee.
In the report, we drew attention to the following issues:
- The absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, as well as the adoption or initiation of discriminatory normative acts. Recall that, with the participation of experts from Belarusian civil society organizations and experts from the Council of Europe, under the overall coordination of the BHC, a Concept for a System of Measures to Combat Discrimination and Ensure Equality in Belarus was developed, including the Law “On Equality and Non-Discrimination.”
- Violation of the right to access justice due to the absence of an independent judiciary and the systematic persecution of lawyers.
- The worsening situation for women through the forced liquidation of non-profit organizations, at least 31 of which were engaged in protecting women's rights, promoting gender equality, etc.
- Persecution of female human rights defenders, journalists, and activists.
- Punishment for exercising the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including through the arbitrary application of anti-extremist legislation.
- The promotion of gender stereotypes by authorities and the intensification of the social stigmatization of women.
- Violations of women's rights in the fields of education, healthcare, and employment.
- Abuse of detained women and prisoners, including torture, discriminatory detention conditions, and forced labor.
- The vulnerable position of migrant women and the lack of effective mechanisms for their protection.
- Neglect of the issues faced by women with disabilities and the absence of a comprehensive approach to their rights.
In conclusion, we proposed recommendations to the state, including: adopting comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation; ensuring women’s access to justice; releasing all arbitrarily detained individuals and ending political repression, including against human rights defenders and civil activists; guaranteeing freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly; repealing discriminatory norms and practices in the fields of education and labor; improving access to medical services; ceasing the use of torture and other forms of inhumane treatment; and holding those responsible accountable.
