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April 1, 2025

(Viasna) Human rights organizations submit evidence of crimes against humanity in Belarus to the International Criminal Court

27.03.2025
Link to the original article: https://spring96.org/en/news/117684

On 20 March 2025, six Belarusian and international civil society organizations – the Center for Global Justice and Human Rights “M.A.R.A.”, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Human Rights Center “Viasna”, the International Committee for the Investigation of Torture in Belarus, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, and Human Constanta – submitted evidence of potential crimes against humanity committed by the Belarusian authorities to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

Following Lithuania’s referral of the Belarus situation to the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on 30 September 2024 and the opening of a preliminary examination by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, six Belarusian and international human rights organizations have submitted an Article 15 Communication that provides evidence of potential crimes against humanity committed by the Belarusian authorities since May 2020. This includes evidence of deportation and persecution committed against a part of the Belarusian civilian population, including citizens of Belarus residing abroad.

“In particular, this Communication demonstrates that the Belarusian authorities created an atmosphere of fear, terror and persecution to “cleanse” the population of “disloyal” individuals, forcing up to 6,4% of the Belarusian population as of 2020 to flee the country. Furthermore, the Belarusian authorities continued to persecute Belarusians forced into exile and those residing abroad through systematic judicial harassment, including in absentia trials, as well as intimidation and threats against those in exile and their relatives remaining in Belarus, publicly disseminated hate speech, unjustified searches, the seizure of property, and total deprivation of access to public services, including the inability to obtain identification documents, leading to de facto statelessness”, human rights defenters said.

The Communication draws on interviews with witnesses and victims of alleged crimes, complemented by an extensive analysis of publicly available sources, including public statements of Belarusian high-ranking officials, proving that the alleged crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the part of the Belarusian civilian population perceived by the authorities as “disloyal”. They also demonstrate that the Belarusian authorities implement a State policy to intimidate and punish those deemed “disloyal”, in a campaign officials have repeatedly described as a “cleansing of society”.

Although the Republic of Belarus is not a party to the Rome Statute, this Communication provides legal analysis demonstrating that the International Criminal Court can exercise its jurisdiction, since at least one element of these alleged crimes was committed on the territory of countries which are States parties to the Rome Statute.

With regard to the Belarus situation, the International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) previously submitted two Article 15 Communications to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

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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.