War Resisters’ International against transnational pressure on «Nash Dom»
A representative of War Resisters’ International (WRI) spoke at the meeting of the UN Group of Independent Experts on Belarus.
She expressed particular concern about transnational pressure on human rights organizations, including «Nash Dom». These organizations face threats, surveillance, and cyberattacks. They are being declared extremist organizations and tried in absentia.
Olga Karach, director of the organization «Nash Dom», is facing the practice of «debanking» (closure of bank accounts). This problem affects many Belarusian human rights defenders and creates operational difficulties, for example in Lithuania.
She also expressed concern about Belarus’ support for Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine and the ongoing violation of the right to conscientious objection to military service. Recently, the Belarusian authorities have significantly tightened criminal liability for draft evasion. Alternative civilian service is recognized only for those citing religious beliefs, which excludes secular pacifist beliefs. The militarization of children and their involvement in paramilitary training is also being actively promoted.
War Resisters’ International welcomed the recommendation to UN member states to ensure international refugee protection for victims and witnesses who have fled or been forcibly expelled, and thus to grant asylum to Belarusian conscientious objectors and human rights defenders in accordance with UNHCR guidelines.
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