Published on: 2026-04-20
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The UN independent expert group on the situation of human rights in Belarus condemned the decision of this country’s government to declare invalid the passports of individuals who were previously held in detention for political reasons and forcibly expelled from the country after their release in 2025 and 2026.
Experts conducted interviews with a number of former detainees who were left without valid passports – “contrary to international law norms and in the absence of legal grounds or proper justification.”
Former political prisoners, experts say in a statement, face serious consequences, including restrictions on freedom of movement that hinder their return to their home country and separation from their families, difficulties in obtaining legal status, access to employment, medical care and essential services, as well as increased risks of losing citizenship.
“States are obliged to ensure the protection of their citizens and guarantee that any administrative measures affecting human rights comply with both national and international law,” experts’ statement said. “The annulment of passports, which falls within the sphere of sovereign prerogatives of states, must be carried out in accordance with applicable legal standards.”
Experts reminded that declaring a passport invalid can be qualified as a violation of fundamental rights protected by international law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as four articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including provisions concerning freedom of movement, the right to enter one’s own country, the right to recognition of legal personality, and the principle of non-discrimination.
A group of experts called on the Belarusian authorities to immediately eliminate the current situation, restore the rights of the affected persons, and ensure full compliance with their international obligations in the field of human rights.
Special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to consider either situations in specific countries or thematic issues worldwide. They are appointed through the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Experts under special procedures are not UN staff and do not depend on any government or organization. They work in a personal capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.
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