Human Rights Council 50th Session of the Universal Periodic Review – Belarus

Mr President,

We welcome the participation of Belarus in today’s UPR.

New Zealand regrets the lack of progress on the recommendations from Belarus’ last review in 2020, and we call on Belarus to act with urgency to address ongoing violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

New Zealand recommends that Belarus:

1.  Act immediately to release all political prisoners. 
2. Bring conditions in detention facilities in line with international standards.
3. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT).
4. Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.
Mr President, we make these recommendations to ensure rights to life, liberty and security of person, and the right to freedom from torture for Belarusians.

Thank you.