UN experts have issued an appeal to Belarusian authorities, advocating for the removal of restrictions on women convicted of extremism, prohibiting them from contacting their children regularly. This initiative calls attention to the severe limitations these women face: they are currently permitted correspondence with their children only every two to three months, with in-person visits and phone communication entirely forbidden.
The experts argue that these restrictions are disproportionate and contrary to international law, as well as the best interests of the child, potentially causing significant psychological harm and disrupting family dynamics. The appeal further emphasizes the importance of regular communication between incarcerated mothers and their children. Detailed in a recent report, the UN urges Belarus to consider provisions for regular, in-person communication, aligning with the best interests of the child.
Reference to international legal frameworks, such as Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guards against arbitrary interference with family life, reinforces this stance. Moreover, the Convention on the Rights of the Child mandates that children should not be separated from their parents unless it is necessary for their well-being. The UN’s Bangkok Rules also advocate for non-custodial alternatives for mothers with dependent children, ensuring that familial ties are preserved.
Belarus has been under the scrutiny of UN human rights watchdogs, facing multiple calls to reform its counter-terrorism and anti-extremism regulations to conform to global standards. In particular, Opinions 54/2024 and 64/2023 by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention indicate ongoing issues with due process in the country.
Further criticisms are centered around the nation’s adherence to privacy rights and family access, urging Belarus to enact immediate reforms that fulfill international obligations while protecting the welfare of children.
This push by the UN highlights a growing international concern about the human rights situation in Belarus, specifically surrounding the treatment of incarcerated mothers and their fundamental right to maintain family connections. The global community continues to watch closely, advocating for changes that will respect human dignity and promote the well-being of children.