Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 27, 2025 Human rights
Nils Muižnieks, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, expressed concern about the situation with workers' rights in that country, speaking today at the UN General Assembly.
"Despite the authorities' proclamations of commitment to economic and social rights, Belarus is not the workers' paradise they claim it is," Muižnieks said.
In his report He noted "pervasive discrimination and politically motivated persecution" in both the public and private sectors. He also found "unreasonable and politically motivated restrictions on access to professions, as well as the practice of punishing unjustly imprisoned individuals with hard, dangerous forced labor for little or no pay." Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur expressed concern about the erosion of trade union rights and detailed violations of workers' rights.
The report was prepared following two years of cooperation between the independent expert and the International Labour Organization, which has established enhanced oversight of Belarus under Article 33 of its Charter due to violations of trade union rights.
Muižnieks called on member states "not to be deceived" by the recent releases of political prisoners. He recalled that more than 1,100 people remain arbitrarily imprisoned in Belarus, and some of those released were deported and stripped of their passports, facing, according to the expert, the risk of statelessness and the fear of returning to Belarus.
Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are members of special procedures Human Rights Council. Special procedures experts serve on a voluntary basis; they are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their work. They serve in their personal capacity and are independent of any government or organization, including the UN. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the UN.
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