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March 25, 2025

News Updates from the Viasna Human Rights Center – March 21

“They decided to wipe us off the face of the earth.” A report on gender discrimination in places of imprisonment has been released
The 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: Almost 160 people were convicted of political crimes in Belarus in February
During February 2025, human rights defenders recorded the persistence of a steady trend of persecution of citizens for political reasons in criminal proceedings. At least 156 people were convicted this month as part of criminal law crackdowns. Of them, 114 are men and 42 are women. Five more citizens were persecuted in absentia. 
https://spring96.org/en/news/117618

Belarus: Japanese man Nakanishi Masatoshi sentenced to 7 years in a penal colony for “agent activity”
The Minsk City Court announced the verdict of the political prisoner Nakanishi Masatoshi: seven years of medium security imprisonment in a penal colony and a fine of 21 thousand rubles (almost six thousand euros). The political prisoner was sentenced to the maximum term of imprisonment. He was accused of “agent activity” (Article 358-1 of the Criminal Code) from 2018 to 2024. Judge Anzhela Kastsiukevich heard the case behind closed doors; the trial lasted two months, starting January 14. 
https://spring96.org/en/news/117628

“The case requires urgent attention”. The UN recognized Marfa Rabkova’s imprisonment as arbitrary and called for her release
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention considered the appeal of Viasna lawyers and recognized Marfa Rabkova’s detention as arbitrary and politically motivated. The UN international experts concluded that her persecution violates international norms and is solely due to her human rights work.

According to the report of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the trial of the human rights defender violated international standards: she was detained without due process, the trial against her was closed and the charges were politically motivated. International experts have called for her immediate release. 
https://spring96.org/en/news/117635

A group of independent experts told the UN about the human rights situation in Belarus
Within the framework of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council an interactive dialogue was held, during which a group of independent experts presented a report on the human rights situation in our country and spoke about their activities. Pavel Sapelka, lawyer of the Viasna Human Rights Center, commented on the dialogue and on today’s information that a group of human rights defenders proposed to the High Commissioner to make the release of Nobel laureate and political prisoner Ales Bialiatski a condition for his visit to the country. 
https://spring96.org/en/news/117650

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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.