Jordyn Arndt
Adviser
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, NY
October 17, 2019
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Special Rapporteur Marin, for your report. The United States regrets the Government of Belarus’ continued non-recognition of your mandate.
We remain concerned by the Government of Belarus’ efforts to restrict human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly the rights to freedom of expression and opinion, and freedom of peaceful assembly and association. These human rights and fundamental freedoms are central to democratic governance, and ensuring full participation in democratic processes.
Ending the ongoing practice of fining freelance journalists and impeding their work is critical to ensuring access to information and the free exchange of ideas in the run-up to elections.
We reiterate our call on the Government of Belarus to ease the burdensome registration process for civil society, including human rights NGOs and opposition political parties, ensuring space for fulsome and open political dialogue.
We urge the Government of Belarus to seize opportunities to demonstrate progress on its human rights agenda as it moves towards elections, and look forward to continued improvements in our bilateral relationship.
What are the most important steps that the Government of Belarus can take to ensure full participation in democratic processes?
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