Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Madame President,
New Zealand is deeply concerned about the deterioration in the human rights situation in Belarus since the Presidential election in August.
In particular we share the international community’s concerns about the serious violations of human rights that have taken place since the election, including violent suppression and repressive tactics against peaceful demonstrators, opposition candidates and civil society.
New Zealand takes this opportunity to reaffirm that universal human rights such as freedom of expression and the right to peaceful demonstration must be protected, not suppressed.
New Zealand calls on Belarus to uphold its obligations under international human rights law, by ensuring a safe environment for peaceful demonstrations and freedom of expression, as well as for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections.
New Zealand welcomes the Council’s attention on this issue, and joins the Council in encouraging Belarus to work with the international community to address these concerns.
Thank you Madam President.