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April 7, 2025

European Parliament Press Release (April 3, 2025): Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee

MEPs call for the immediate end to the political repression of Lukashenka’s regime, the surveillance of demonstrators, and the release of political prisoners .They condemn how Belarusians abroad are also increasingly the target of repression by the regime, and call for EU-wide legal support for exiled individuals.

Parliament reiterates that it does not recognise Lukashenka as the country’s leader and considers the persecution of Belarusian citizens abroad to be a direct violation of member states’ territorial sovereignty. MEPs advocate for the swift development and enforcement of a legal mechanism to freeze and confiscate the assets and properties owned by Lukashenka and his inner circle abroad, in order to reallocate them to support victims of repression. It calls on all member states to disregard Interpol arrest warrants for Lukashenka’s political opponents. MEPs urge the immediate imposition of personal sanctions on officials responsible for transnational persecution and intimidation, including members of the Belarusian Investigative Committee. They call for increased support for independent media, human rights defenders, and civil society initiatives. MEPs stress the importance of countering Belarusian intelligence operations, expediting the International Criminal Court proceedings on crimes against humanity, and pursuing national accountability through the use of universal jurisdiction.

The resolution was adopted by 535 votes in favour, 19 against and 55 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (03.04.2025)

Link to the original: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250331IPR27555/human-rights-breaches-in-cameroon-iran-and-belarus 

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Wilson Center

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.