The United Nations has drawn attention to the plight of political detainees in Belarus, particularly those with disabilities. On Monday, independent human rights experts called for the immediate release of individuals with disabilities and serious health issues who have been detained in connection with the 2020 presidential elections. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is supporting this appeal.
The experts have emphasized that these detainees, held on charges related to civil disobedience, suffer from grave health risks due to inadequate medical care. With over 219 political prisoners identified, 78 reportedly have significant health problems, according to Belarusian human rights group Viasna. Affected individuals include Navitski and Salmanovich, detained for activities linked to peaceful protests and opposition initiatives. The UN experts have written to Belarusian authorities, voicing their deep concerns.
Belarus, a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is urged to adhere to its commitments under international law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly the protections against inhuman or degrading treatment.
The backdrop to these appeals is a history of alleged human rights violations in Belarus, following the 2020 presidential election controversies. Reports by experts earlier this year accused President Aleksandr Lukashenko’s government of committing acts that might be considered crimes against humanity. This call for justice underscores the continuous conflict between human rights advocacy and the Belarusian government’s policies. More details can be found in the original report by JURIST.