On the need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus

B100054/2025

European Parliament resolution on the need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus

(2024/3014(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

– having regard to reports by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the state of democracy and electoral integrity in Belarus,

– having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the Belarusian government continues to violate freedoms of expression, assembly and the press;

B. whereas elections in Belarus have consistently failed to meet international standards of transparency, fairness and democratic legitimacy, as highlighted by independent observers and the OSCE;

C. whereas political opposition figures, activists and independent journalists face systematic harassment, imprisonment and intimidation;

D. whereas the people of Belarus have repeatedly demonstrated their desire for democratic reform and an end to authoritarian rule;

E. whereas Aliaksandr Lukashenka has been in power continuously for over 30 years, an almost unique case in contemporary Europe;

1. Condemns the continued oppression of the Belarusian people by the Lukashenka regime, including widespread human rights violations, political repression and the use of violence against peaceful protesters;

2. Denounces the fraudulent nature of elections in Belarus, which fail to meet basic democratic and international standards;

3. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, activists, journalists and trade unionists detained on politically motivated charges, including Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Nikita Zolotarev and Jana Pinchuk;

4. Notes with great concern that the Belarusian government is denying fundamental rights to the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minorities and other groups subject to exploitation and discrimination; calls in this regard for full respect for sexual and other minority rights, and for their integrity to be upheld;

5. Urges the Belarusian authorities to respect their international obligations under human rights treaties and to engage in a genuine, inclusive dialogue with opposition forces and civil society and end all forms of repression;

6. Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to simplify the procedures for obtaining visas and provisional identification documents for those fleeing Belarus, and to provide rehabilitation and practical and financial support;

7. Reiterates its solidarity with the Belarusian people in their struggle for democracy, human rights and the rule of law;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Belarusian authorities.