September 5, 2023

Joint Statement on Belarus

Human Rights Center “Viasna”, prominent Belarusian human rights organization, declared an extremist formation

On 23 August 2023, the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs declared Human Rights Center “Viasna” (Viasna) and all its branches an “extremist formation” for allegedly “organizing activities aimed at preparing attacks on the sovereignty and public security of the Republic of Belarus, discrediting and insulting officials.” (Decision No. 26EC)

Viasna has been working tirelessly since 1996 to uphold human rights and document serious violations of international law committed in Belarus, in particular since the 2020 presidential elections and the accompanying government crackdown. Thanks to this work, numerous human rights violations and international crimes have been documented, including the use of torture and ill-treatment in places of detention.

We condemn the unjustified designation of Viasna as an “extremist formation”. Such a label is not only an appalling attack on a prominent human rights organization in a plainly illegitimate attempt at hindering its activities, but it also reflects the government’s broader assault against the Belarusian human rights community and their pursuit of accountability and the rule of law. We recall that five of Viasna’s members are still detained or imprisoned on politically motivated charges: Ales Bialiatski, chairman and Nobel prize winner; Valiantsin Stefanovic, deputy chairman; Uladzimir Labkovich; Marfa Rabkova; and Andrei Chapiuk.

As a result of the new designation, Viasna’s capacity to continue documenting the human rights abuses committed in Belarus will be significantly hindered as anyone cooperating with them is now at risk of criminal prosecution.

We call on the Belarusian authorities to:

Repeal the decision to designate Viasna and all its branches as an “extremist formation”.
Immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and others detained on politically motivated charges in Belarus, including Viasna’s members.
Comply with their human rights obligations, especially with regards to the right to life, freedom from torture and ill-treatment including sexual and gender-based violence, right to a fair trial, and freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

We call on the international community, and more particularly the European Union and its member States, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom, to urge Belarus to:

Repeal the decision to designate Viasna and all its branches as an “extremist formation”.
Immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and others detained on politically motivated charges in Belarus, including Viasna’s members.
Comply with their human rights obligations, especially with regards to the right to life, freedom from torture and ill-treatment including sexual and gender-based violence, right to a fair trial, and freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.