“They decided to wipe us off the face of the earth.” A report on gender discrimination in places of imprisonment has been releasedThe Human Rights Center Viasna released a report titled “They decided to wipe us off the face of the earth.” Women’s testimonies on gender discrimination in Belarusian prisons. https://spring96.org/en/news/117620 Recent statistics:
Press Releases Plenary session 10-03-2025 President Metsola opened the 10-13 March I session – Source: EP International Women’s Day Previewing the European Parliament’s marking of International Women’s Day, President Metsola said that Parliament will “welcome the national leader of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, along with other brave women from Ukraine and
21st February 2025Link to original report with references (PDF): Dear Special Rapporteur Muižnieks, The European Network on Statelessness (‘ENS’) welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the upcoming report on the situation of human rights in Belarus to the Human Rights Council. Please find below a summary of the research prepared
“The authorities are trying to make the very word ‘sanctions’ instill fear”: at least 188 people were convicted in Belarus for calling for them.Over the past four years, at least 188 people have been convicted in Belarus under Article 361 of the Criminal Code for “calls for restrictive measures (sanctions)
After years of the U.S. trying to isolate Russia’s closest ally, a meeting with Belarus’s president points to better relations, raising hopes of loosening his repression and his embrace of Moscow. By Andrew Higgins and Tomas Dapkus Feb. 15, 2025 Link to the original article The senior American diplomat slipped
Link to the original article: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/02/1160156 Unsplash/Darya Tryfanava Minsk, the capital of Belarus. 14 February 2025 Human Rights The Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus established in 2024, was tasked with investigating alleged violations since 2020 – when a disputed election saw President Alexander Lukashenko
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
