Belarus Is Placing Targets On Female Human Rights Activists

Since Belarus’s controversial election results in August, female human rights activists have taken to the streets to protest against human rights issues that have been resolved since the election. In the wake of these protests, it seems as though women protesters have been targeted more specifically for their actions in the mass protests. The government has been suppressing the protests and has been making efforts to “effectively criminalize human rights work at a time when the work of human rights defenders is more essential than ever,” said Mary Lawlor, a UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights issues. As is the case in many other countries, it takes a lot of bravery for women to step up and voice their concerns. At least three women are facing serious criminal charges from the Belarusian government for organizing and educating protestors on these human rights issues in Belarus. One woman, Maria Rabkova, is facing anywhere from six months to three years of prison time based on these grounds. Lawlor says, “The charge against Maria Rabkova is tantamount to the criminalization of human rights work… Belarusian authorities must release her immediately and drop all charges.” Other women were also charged and face shorter administrative sentences for allegedly violating protest procedures.

It was reported on September 18th by UN Human Rights officials in Belarus that they “witnessed thousands of arrests, hundreds of reports of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence and the reported torture of children. The violent abduction of people in broad daylight by masked individuals, presumably on the basis of their peacefully expressed opinions. Harassment, intimidation, pressure, and reported expulsion from Belarus of members of the opposition, including the members of the Coordination Council, should stop.” This specific statement was to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, by UN Rapporteur Ms. Al Nashif.

“These apparent irregularities are extremely concerning” said Lawlor, and acts against freedom of assembly and freedom of speech are troubling. It is important that women, minorities, and people who wish to express their opinions are treated equally and are able to voice their concerns freely. Human rights defenders are needed more than ever following the contemporary state of human rights in Belarus.

Sophia Seemann

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