NGOs in Belarus continue to be subjected to extreme political pressure - UN rapporteur
MOSCOW. Oct 29 (Interfax) - Non-government organizations and human rights activists in Belarus are still subjected to colossal political pressure, and civil society's activities without official authorization are threatened with criminal liability, says Miklos Haraszti, a UN special rapporteur on human rights in Belarus.
Haraszti presented his report on the situation in Belarus to the delegates of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly on October 28, the UN News Center reported.
The policy pursued by the Belarusian authorities goes against the country's international human rights commitments and has paralyzed the exercise of the citizens' right to full and inclusive participation in public life, the report says.
Haraszti pointed out that during the 2010 presidential elections over 600 people were detained and dozens of civil society activists, journalists, politicians and their supporters were arrested, and many subsequently faced trial and were sentenced to prison terms .
While Belarus has made some positive amendments to the law on public associations and political parties, the exercise of the right to freedom of association, assembly, and expression is still seriously restricted in the country, he said.
"Despite the legislative changes undertaken by the authorities over time, for decades Belarus has had the most restrictive legislation in Europe for the regulation of freedom of association," Haraszti said in his report.
Haraszti said the Belarusian government has repeatedly refused to recognize his mandate and has never allowed him to visit the country.