Connection e.V. stands up at the UN with WRI for conscientious objectors and human rights defenders from Belarus

«Connection e.V.», in partnership with «War Resisters’ International» (WRI) delivered an oral statement in the plenary of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva during the discussion on the report presented by Ms. Karinna Moskalenko, Chair of the Group of Independent Experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus.

The representative of Belarus refused the report and Eritrea supported Belarus statement and highlighted several alleged good ongoing practices in the country, such as the complete eradication of extreme poverty.

Zaira Zafarana, international advocacy coordinator at «Connection e.V.», took the floor to present the violation of the right to conscientious objection in the country, the militarization of children, the support to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the increasing transnational repression against objectors, human rights defenders and concerned organizations and denounced de.banking practices affecting also «Our House» (Наш dом; Belarus) and its director Olga Karatch.

Mr. President,

«War Resisters International», together with its partner «Connection e.V.», thanks the Group of Independent Experts for its report which highlight several concerning practices affecting also Belarusian people in exile such as transnational repression, public threats, trials in absentia and labelling civil society organizations as «extremist».

We are greatly concerned by the support of Belarus to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the ongoing violations of the right to conscientious objection to military service [and the public censorship against objectors].

Recent legal amendments have significantly tightened military obligations and increased criminal liability for draft evasion (Law of 17 February 2025; Criminal Code Art. 435). Individuals facing prosecution may now avoid criminal liability by signing a written statement agreeing to perform military service, [effectively creating a coercive practice («choice without choice»)]. [The right to conscientious objection remains severely restricted, as] alternative civilian service is recognized only for those referring to religious beliefs, excluding secular or pacifist convictions.

The militarization of children and their exposure to paramilitary training is also alarming.

As previously reported by the Special Rapporteur, repressive laws and policies continue to target grass-roots civil society organizations. Those documenting these violations, including «Our House» [Centre for Human Rights and Relief], have faced transnational pressure, surveillance, threats and cyber-attacks. We have been notified that currently this organization and its director Olga Karatch, supporting Belarusian conscientious objectors in exile and in Belarus, are experiencing «de-banking» practices which are also affecting other Belarusian human rights defenders and causing operational difficulties, for instance, in Lithuania.

We welcome the recommendation [of the Group of Independent Experts] to Member States to «ensure international refugee protection for victims and witnesses [of human rights violations] who have fled or were forcefully expelled from Belarus» and thus to grant asylum to Belarusian conscientious objectors and human rights defenders, in line with UNHCR Guidelines [on International Protection (UNHCR, Guidelines on International Protection No.10: Claims to refugee status related to military service within the context of Article 1A(2) of the 1951 Convention and/or 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees)].

Thank you.