UN experts report systematic repression in Belarus

United Nations experts have reported that Belarusian state institutions have engaged in systematic repression of government critics since 2020. In a report for the UN Human Rights Council, independent experts stated that courts, police, security services, prosecutors, and prison authorities have collaborated to silence perceived opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko.

The report details violations of international human rights obligations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, denial of legal safeguards, and closed trials. Experts noted that the judiciary has played a central role in legitimizing these abuses and denying victims effective remedies.

Furthermore, the experts reiterated previous findings that certain abuses committed since May 2020 may constitute crimes against humanity, specifically citing persecution and imprisonment. The Belarusian government has previously rejected UN criticism and did not cooperate with the experts' requests to visit the country or engage with authorities.