Summary

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Anaïs Marin, focuses on the situation of Belarusian nationals compelled to leave their country and unable to safely return due to human rights violations, including denial of civil and political rights, such as arbitrary detention or a lack of access to fair trial, as well as economic, social and cultural rights. Their migration is directly connected to policies and practices employed by the Government of Belarus, as well as to the purposefully hostile environment that prevents a safe return. The consistent pattern of human rights violations reveals a specific State strategy aimed at eradicating all dissent or challenges to the current leadership and governance in the country. The Special Rapporteur makes recommendations to the Government of Belarus and the international community to identify sustainable solutions meant to give effect to their international human rights obligations concerning Belarusian nationals compelled to leave their country