Remarks by the delegation of Ukraine

during the Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus Mr. Nils MUIŽNIEKS

27 October 2025 

Ukraine thanks the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Nils Muižnieks, for his detailed and principled report, and for drawing international attention to the grave human rights situation in Belarus and the regime’s direct involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The report clearly shows that Belarus has become an accomplice in Russia’s aggression, providing its territory, infrastructure, and military support for the full-scale invasion. It was from Belarusian soil that Russian troops advanced towards Kyiv in February 2022, crossing through the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, a territory still contaminated by radiation. This reckless act not only endangered Ukrainian defenders and civilians but also posed a serious threat to nuclear and environmental safety across the entire region.

Mr. Muižnieks rightly highlights that the Belarusian authorities have intensified repression against anyone who dares to oppose the war or show solidarity with Ukraine. Peaceful protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders have been arbitrarily detained, tortured, and sentenced to long prison terms under fabricated charges of “extremism” or “terrorism.”

We are deeply alarmed by evidence that political prisoners in Belarus are subjected to forced labour, including in prison industries producing goods reportedly destined for Russia’s military needs. This practice represents both a gross violation of international labour standards and direct complicity in Russia’s war crimes.

Ukraine strongly supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and calls for the extension and strengthening of his work, particularly in documenting Belarus’s role in enabling and sustaining Russia’s aggression. We urge all Member States to support accountability efforts for both the human rights abuses within Belarus and its complicity in the war against Ukraine.

Mr. Special Rapporteur, given your findings, what further international mechanisms or coordinated actions do you recommend ensuring that those responsible in Belarus — both for domestic repression and for aiding Russia’s war — face justice and cannot act with impunity?