Published on: 2026-06-30
Source: United Nations
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June 29, 2026 Human Rights
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Nils Muižnieks, stated that despite the release of several hundred political prisoners over the past year, the overall human rights situation in the country has not improved. In his words, isolated positive steps cannot hide systemic problems that continue to worsen.
“The release of more than 400 people recognized by Belarusian human rights defenders as political prisoners is undoubtedly important, but it does not change the overall picture,” Muiznieks noted while presenting his report to the UN Human Rights Council. “Sustainable progress is impossible without ending politically motivated repression and holding those responsible for past violations accountable.”
Repressions continue
The report emphasizes that in Belarus arbitrary detentions, cruel treatment of prisoners, abuse of extremist legislation, and the practice of transnational repression against Belarusians abroad continue. Many former prisoners, according to the expert, were forced to leave the country, faced document cancellations, and were prosecuted in absentia. Others continue to live under constant surveillance, being on official lists of “extremists” and “terrorists,” which leads to restrictions in employment, education, banking operations, and other areas of life.
Pressure on the cultural space
Muiznieks also describes systemic pressure by the authorities on the cultural space of Belarus, including persecution of cultural workers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and scholars. In particular, he highlighted restrictions on the use of the Belarusian language, suppression of historical memory and national symbols, as well as increased pressure on ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities.
“Repressions in Belarus are no longer limited to the persecution of political activists,” he emphasized. “They affect cultural life, education, language, historical narratives, and identity itself. Belarusians must have the ability to freely use their language, preserve their history, express cultural identity, and participate in cultural life without fear of discrimination, censorship, or persecution.”
Among the key recommendations of the special rapporteur are the cessation of abuse of extremist legislation against cultural figures, publishers, and educational institutions, ensuring the protection of freedom of creativity, cultural expression, and access to information. He also called on the authorities to stop forced expulsions, restore access to identity documents, and end the persecution of Belarusians in exile and their relatives.
Special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their work. The experts act in a personal capacity and do not represent any government or organization.
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