BELARUS: OIAD contribution to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review on Belarus
The alternative report of the International Observatory of Lawyers in Danger was recently submitted to the 50th session of the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council on Belarus.
This report denounces the systematic repression exercised by Alexander Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime, particularly against lawyers who defend human rights, in a climate of dramatic regression of fundamental freedoms. It particularly highlights:
- Total state control over the legal profession, including conditions of access, bar associations and disciplinary procedures;
- The abolition of professional secrecy and restrictions on the rights of lawyers to visit and communicate confidentially with their clients in detention;
- The massive persecution of lawyers, including arbitrary arrests, detentions, unjustified disbarments and psychological pressure.
In view of this alarming situation, the OIAD has made several key recommendations, including:
- Guaranteeing the independence of the legal profession and protecting lawyers from all forms of interference, intimidation or arbitrary sanctions;
- Ensure effective access to justice, including legal aid, respect for professional secrecy and confidentiality of communications with clients;
- End repression: release unjustly detained lawyers, investigate violations and guarantee fair proceedings.
Download the report:
