30/3 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Belarus

Human Rights Council Thirtieth session

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Belarus

* The annex to the present report is circulated as received.

Contents

Page

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process ......................................................................... 3

A. Presentation by the State under review .................................................................................... 3

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ................................................. 5

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations .............................................................................................. 12

Annex

Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 29

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-second session from 4 to 15

May 2015. The review of Belarus was held at the 1st meeting, on 4 May 2015. The

delegation of Belarus was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Valentin

Rybakov. At its 10th meeting, held on 8 May 2015, the Working Group adopted the report

on Belarus.

2. On 13 January 2015, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Belarus: Algeria, Pakistan and Paraguay.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Belarus:

(a) A national report (A/HRC/WG.6/22/BLR/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (A/HRC/WG.6/22/ BLR/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR (A/HRC/WG.6/22/ BLR/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic,

Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America

was transmitted to Belarus through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet

of the Working Group.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The delegation emphasized the importance of the universal periodic review to

Belarus as a mechanism for the objective assessment of the human rights situation in every

country. Belarus had worked on the implementation of the recommendations from the first

cycle. Progress had been regularly monitored, involving all branches of Government, the

academic community, civil society and the United Nations, and a midterm progress report

on implementation had been submitted.

6. The national report had been prepared in partnership with civil society through four

rounds of national consultation, which had resulted in measures such as equipping polling

stations with Braille materials from 2015.

7. Human rights and freedoms were guaranteed in the Constitution and widely

recognized principles of international law had been transposed into national legislation. As

a relatively new State, Belarus had set itself ambitious tasks in protecting the rights of its

citizens. In a complex geopolitical situation, Belarus remained an island of peace,

tranquillity and order, thanks to strong State power and effective State policy.

8. In the past five years, Belarus had climbed 15 places in the Human Development

Index; almost all of the Millennium Development Goals had been achieved, five of them

ahead of schedule. Other positive indicators had been achieved in the fields of education,

gender equality, improving the quality of drinking water and immunization of children.

9. Belarus had acceded to six international instruments in the past five years and was

preparing to sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Numerous

legislative changes had been adopted as part of the accessions. In 2013, a judicial reform

programme had commenced with the aim of strengthening judicial independence and

making other improvements to the system. Numerous laws were under preparation in other

fields and in 2015, a National Strategy on Sustainable Socioeconomic Growth to 2030 had

been prepared. There were institutions for the protection and promotion of various human

rights and, although not perfect, they were generally effective.

10. Discrimination was forbidden under the Constitution and criminally punishable, as

was hate speech. The 2013 concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of

Racial Discrimination referred to the country’s protection of freedom of religion and belief.

Belarus had taken measures in the field of gender equality; 30 per cent of the

parliamentarians in Belarus were women.

11. The death penalty had been retained in Belarus as a temporary measure and was

applicable only to the most serious crimes. The delegation noted the specific restrictions on

its use, the country’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights and the continuous public focus on the issue. The parliamentary group established to

study the issue had resumed its work in 2012. While public opinion in favour of a

moratorium and gradual abolition was important, current opinion polls indicated that 70 per

cent of respondents favoured its retention. In 2015, the possibility of substituting a death

sentence with life imprisonment by agreement with the prosecution had been introduced.

12. Regarding the situation of detainees, the increasing numbers of appeals to the courts

indicated confidence in the system. There was public oversight of prisons and civil society

organizations had access to them. In 2015, a definition of torture that was in compliance

with the definition contained in the Convention against Torture had been introduced into

the Criminal Code. Six prisons were being reconstructed, subject to the country’s financial

constraints.

13. The current National Action Plan for the improvement of the situation of children

and the protection of their rights had been under implementation since 2012. It included

many measures that had been recommended by the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

There had been developments in juvenile justice and measures to improve child protection,

including increased rates of adoption.

14. Belarus had made significant progress in addressing domestic violence, including

the introduction of the concept into legislation. A draft law on domestic violence was under

preparation and a series of relevant measures were in place.

15. The law on combating trafficking in human beings had been adopted in 2012. The

delegation described the relevant measures that had been taken, including in the field of

victim support.

16. Belarus had accepted the competence of the Human Rights Committee and the

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to receive individual

complaints. Only 20 countries worldwide had accepted the competence of the Committee

on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to receive individual complaints. Belarus had

repeatedly stated that it did not recognize the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the

situation of human rights in Belarus and had explained its concerns about how the mandate

had been created. Presidential elections would be held in 2015. The Organization for

Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) principles would be respected and the

elections would be transparent with national, regional and international oversight secured.

There were no reports to the treaty bodies overdue.

17. A unified judicial system had been created and the military courts had been

abolished. In January 2014, the executive had relinquished all its authority in relation to

judicial administration. Work continued on the creation of a professional corps of judges;

40 per cent were currently under the age of 40 and more than half were currently women.

The practices in the appointment of judges were consistent with those throughout the world.

More than half of the judges were now on lifetime appointments. Belarus was moving

towards an appellate system for appeals in both criminal and civil law. Other developments

included the use of modern technology and the introduction of mediation to settle civil

disputes.

18. As for progress in the development of civil society, as of January 2015, more than

2,500 civil society organizations were registered and the trend in increasing registrations

was being sustained. The process of registration of organizations was carried out strictly in

accordance with the law and everything possible had been done to ensure that the process

was not burdensome. Some individuals had knowingly submitted false information which

had prevented the registration of their organizations and there had been cases in which

groups had used their unregistered status for political ends. In February 2014, new

legislation had simplified the process for registration, regulation of statutes and liquidation

of political parties and civil society organizations.

19. The delegation outlined the principles applied in the regulation of the legal

profession and mentioned the new law on the legal profession, which had entered into force

in 2013.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

20. During the interactive dialogue, 95 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue can be found in section II of the present report.

21. Sweden was deeply concerned about the continued use of the death penalty and

noted new legislation which increased State control over the Internet.

22. Switzerland deplored the intimidation of civil society and expressed concern at

impunity for perpetrators of torture.

23. Syria commended Belarus for the steps it had taken to improve national legislation

and ensure its compatibility with its human rights commitments, as well as efforts to

guarantee the right to education.

24. Tajikistan noted that the practical steps taken by Belarus bore witness to the

country’s willingness to fulfil its international obligations.

25. Thailand encouraged Belarus to establish a national human rights institution and

adopt measures on persons with disabilities.

26. Turkmenistan welcomed the amendments that had been made to national legislation

aimed, inter alia, at strengthening democratic reforms and the formation of civil society.

27. The United Arab Emirates noted the efforts of Belarus to combat human trafficking,

adopt national legislation, train law enforcement officials and accede to treaties.

28. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland urged Belarus to

improve democratic standards for the forthcoming elections.

29. Noting the release of Ales Bialiatski, the United States of America asked Belarus to

release all political prisoners, and highlighted restrictions on free expression, civil society

and the media.

30. Uruguay welcomed the fact that Belarus was preparing to sign the Convention on

the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

31. Argentina welcomed the 2012–2016 action plan on children’s rights. It urged

Belarus to establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

32. Uzbekistan noted the achievements Belarus had made in the realization of economic,

social and cultural rights and its efforts in combating trafficking in persons.

33. Viet Nam highlighted the progress Belarus had made to ensure social security,

health services, education and decent work conditions and to protect vulnerable groups.

34. Zimbabwe noted the social welfare policies for eradicating extreme poverty and

hunger, as well as the human rights education awareness programme.

35. Algeria welcomed the accession of Belarus to the Council of Europe Convention on

Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and its efforts towards accession to the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

36. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the implementation of the

previous universal periodic review recommendations and the Millennium Development

Goals, as well as the social protection policies in place in Belarus.

37. Austria commended Belarus for its more constructive engagement with European

partners.

38. Azerbaijan noted the strengthening of the human rights legal framework, the better

understanding between religions and the cooperation of Belarus with human rights

mechanisms.

39. Bahrain commended the measures that had been taken to implement previous

universal periodic review recommendations, to improve minorities’ rights and to combat

xenophobia and racial discrimination.

40. Bangladesh noted the achievements Belarus had made in implementing free and

compulsory education, raising women’s education to a high level and reducing maternal

and infant mortality.

41. Belgium welcomed the submission by Belarus of a progress report on the

implementation of its universal periodic review recommendations.

42. Nicaragua commended Belarus for the legislative reforms it had introduced based on

universal periodic review recommendations, the achievement of the Millennium

Development Goals and the national plan on international technical cooperation.

43. Bosnia and Herzegovina commended Belarus for its ratification of the Council of

Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and its efforts to

establish a national human rights institution.

44. Brazil welcomed the national plan on gender equality.

45. Botswana noted the legislative and policy measures that had been taken since the

previous review. It was concerned about mass arrests of demonstrators.

46. Brunei Darussalam commended Belarus for its efforts to improve and adopt national

legislation to fulfil its international obligations.

47. Canada was deeply concerned at the ongoing detention of political prisoners and at

continuing restrictions on civil society.

48. Chile urged Belarus to strengthen its cooperation with human rights mechanisms,

especially the special procedures.

49. China welcomed the comprehensive measures to enhance social protection and to

ensure that the elderly and others had an adequate standard of living.

50. The Congo was concerned that conventions protecting the rights of migrant workers

had yet to be incorporated into national legislation.

51. Costa Rica noted the progress made.

52. Croatia identified the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression as the

most urgent issue.

53. Singapore noted the adoption of legislation on trafficking in persons in 2012 and the

implementation of related policies.

54. The Czech Republic made recommendations.

55. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea mentioned the considerable progress

made in the implementation of the recommendations from the first universal periodic

review.

56. Belarus outlined the priorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The operations of

the police in detaining persons, using physical force, firearms and other means was strictly

regulated in law. Detained persons had the right to judicial examination of the legality of

their detention. The law also allowed people to submit complaints about the behaviour of

police officers; 6,000 such complaints had been received in 2014, which represented a 10

per cent reduction from 2013. After investigation, one in ten of the complaints had been

found to be justified and appropriate measures had been taken. Only five complaints had

been received concerning the unlawful use of force. The same trends in the statistics had

been seen from the start of 2015.

57. Public prosecutors focused on preventing violations of the constitutional rights of

citizens as the best method of preventing human rights violations and the indicators showed

increased public confidence in the prosecutorial system. In cases of mass gatherings, the

prosecutors worked to ensure that public order was maintained and to protect the rights of

all citizens, not just that of participants. Prosecutors played an important role in preventing

illegal immigration, in the light of the threat of terrorism, and were also engaged in

monitoring the Internet to gather evidence on issues such as trafficking in human beings,

drug trafficking and threats to public order. They also thoroughly investigated all complains

of torture or inhuman treatment.

58. The delegation outlined the policies of Belarus on the execution of sanctions,

including the legal framework, and noted that compulsory labour for prisoners did not

constitute forced labour under the terms of the conventions of the International Labour

Organization. Prison management authorities were open to cooperation with civil society

organizations, including international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and there

was a State system for oversight of penal institutions which also included judicial oversight.

NGOs could participate in the commissions for oversight and also had access to the

correctional institutions outside of the commission, as did religious organizations.

Furthermore, NGOs could participate in rehabilitation activities.

59. Belarus had been cooperating with the United Nations human rights mechanisms

and had invited the special procedures to visit the country, but responses had not yet been

received. However, it did not support the mandates of the special procedures that violated

the Human Rights Council resolutions on institution-building. The political engagement of

certain mandate holders was not conducive to respectful dialogue and they had thus not

been invited. Belarus had cooperated actively with OHCHR and in 2011, the High

Commissioner had been invited to visit. Technical cooperation activities had been

undertaken and consultations on the possible creation of an Ombudsman had also included

international experts, representatives of the Council of Europe and civil society, and

representatives of organizations that did not support the Government’s policies. The Vienna

Declaration and Programme of Action gave States the right to decide upon the appropriate

national structures.

60. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons enjoyed equality, including

the availability of free sex-change surgery.

61. Denmark welcomed the release of Ales Bialiatski, but remained concerned at the

situation regarding freedom of expression and assembly and remaining political prisoners.

62. Ecuador acknowledged the implementation of the universal periodic review

recommendations on free education and the national action plan on gender equality.

63. Egypt welcomed steps to combat human trafficking and prevent torture, and legal

reforms, particularly amendments to the Labour and Criminal Procedure Codes.

64. El Salvador commended efforts to implement universal periodic review

recommendations and the priority given to implementation of the Millennium Development

Goals.

65. Estonia noted increased engagement in discussing human rights but regretted the

fact that Belarus refused to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human

rights in Belarus.

66. Ethiopia commended the wide coverage of social services, such as access to medical

services and elementary and secondary education.

67. Finland was concerned about reports of discrimination and profiling of members of

the Roma community, but noted positive practices in ensuring their access to primary

education.

68. France made recommendations.

69. Germany appreciated the fact that there had been positive signs from Belarus on

human rights, but was concerned that the overall human rights situation remained dire.

70. Ghana commended the inclusion of torture in the Criminal Code as well as other

changes relating to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

71. Greece was concerned about violations of the right to freedom of assembly,

restrictions on Internet freedom and other issues.

72. Guatemala welcomed the accession of Belarus to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and its adoption of the law on international labour migration.

73. The Holy See welcomed the 2012 Trafficking in Persons Act and commended

measures to support families with children.

74. Hungary noted endeavours to establish a national human rights institution and

efforts to eliminate domestic violence and protect women’s rights.

75. India commended the clearance of the backlog of reports to the treaty bodies and

noted cooperation with the special procedures. It appreciated the achievements Belarus had

made in terms of the Millennium Development Goals and encouraged it to strengthen its

capacities in pursuit of gender parity.

76. Indonesia appreciated the comparative analysis of national legislation with the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and noted the study conducted on

establishing a national human rights institution.

77. The Islamic Republic of Iran commended measures that Belarus had taken

concerning children’s rights, health care, the elimination of domestic violence, persons with

disabilities and ethnic minorities.

78. Iraq noted the adoption of legislation on education and on migrants and the

submission of reports to treaty bodies, including the common core document.

79. Ireland urged Belarus to promote wider use of the Belarusian language in all areas of

life, including education and culture.

80. Italy welcomed the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Action

against Trafficking in Human Beings.

81. Japan appreciated steps taken to implement the National Action Plan for Gender

Equality.

82. Kazakhstan welcomed the efforts Belarus had made in the areas of children’s and

women’s rights, counter-trafficking, education and the judiciary.

83. Kuwait commended Belarus for its adoption of legislation promoting human rights,

which aimed to achieve equality among its citizens.

84. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed the accession of Belarus to

several international instruments, its progress in improving medical services, and the

measures it had taken to meet the Millennium Development Goals, combat human

trafficking and achieve gender equality.

85. Latvia remained concerned about the human rights situation in Belarus, in particular

with regard to freedom of assembly, association and expression.

86. Lithuania noted the progress that had been made in certain areas with regard to its

recommendations from the first universal periodic review.

87. Luxembourg was concerned about restrictions that were placed on human rights

defenders and journalists and urged Belarus to cooperate with the special procedures.

88. Malaysia noted the efforts and progress made in the establishment of a national

human rights institution, poverty alleviation, women’s rights and the promotion of

children’s rights.

89. Mexico commended the progress made concerning the Millennium Development

Goals and education. It urged Belarus to ensure that members of the Roma community had

access to education without discrimination.

90. Montenegro encouraged Belarus to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur on

the situation of human rights in Belarus and to abolish the death penalty.

91. Morocco noted the willingness of Belarus to eradicate poverty and reduce

unemployment and maternal and infant mortality and the measures it was taking to combat

human trafficking.

92. Myanmar noted progress in the implementation of the universal periodic review

recommendations.

93. Namibia commended Belarus for the amendments it had made to various legislative

instruments including the Education Code and the Presidential Decree on improving the

judicial system.

94. Belarus stated that it was among world leaders in terms of access to health care and

had fully integrated the World Health Organization Health 2020 policy into its national

policies. Access was equal for all regardless of age, sex, place of residence, nationality,

sexual orientation, religion or social status. Progress had been made since the first universal

periodic review, inter alia, in combating tuberculosis and in sexual and reproductive health,

in cooperation with United Nations Children’s Fund and United Nations Population Fund.

95. The delegation highlighted the damage caused by the Chernobyl disaster and how it

had been able to cope with its own resources. The experience of Belarus meant it was one

of the top ten countries in the world in the treatment of childhood leukaemia.

96. The level of employment in Belarus was high and programmes were in place to

support persons who were less competitive in the labour market. There had been a

consistent increase in the standard of living and quality of life. Pay, pensions and family

allowances had increased in the past four years. The poverty index for Belarus had reduced

by a factor of 8.7 in the last 14 years. Despite the ageing population, the pension age had

been maintained at 55 and 60 years for women and men, respectively.

97. Protection of children and the family was a priority for the Government and there

had been recent increases in family allowances. Women enjoyed equal access to education

and training and in other spheres. The slight gender pay gap was down to the fact that more

men than women were employed in industry, construction and dangerous professions,

which provided higher remuneration. Men and women received equal pay for equal work.

Recently adopted legislation and government programmes ensured that persons with

disabilities enjoyed unhindered access to social infrastructure, a better quality of life and

improved integration into society.

98. Monopolization of the mass media and censorship were forbidden and the Law on

the Mass Media also guaranteed freedom of thought, belief and expression. The population

and journalists enjoyed free access to information, which was facilitated by regular

government press conferences. The information space in Belarus was open and there were

foreign media among the 7,000 registered media organizations and 193 registered foreign

television stations. Some 1,573 print media publications were registered, including

publications in Russian, Belarusian and foreign languages. Amendments to the media law

in January 2015 aimed at social protection and national security had broadened electronic

access to information. While no registration was necessary for Internet access, the

legislation addressed the threats and challenges arising from pornography, drug promotion

and extremism on the Internet. A State commission was working to identify extremist

materials.

99. The Netherlands appreciated the cooperation of Belarus with the European Union on

human rights. It remained concerned about the state of democracy and human rights.

100. The Plurinational State of Bolivia acknowledged progress in the implementation of

human rights in Belarus.

101. Nigeria commended Belarus for improvements to its legislation in the

implementation of certain universal periodic review recommendations.

102. Norway regretted that Belarus had made little effort since the last review to address

its systematic denial of human rights.

103. Oman welcomed the methodology that had been implemented in dealing with the

second cycle of the universal periodic review. It noted the efforts Belarus had made,

particularly on the independence of the judiciary.

104. Pakistan commended Belarus for its decision to ratify the Convention on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities, its adoption of legislation to counter trafficking and improve

the judicial system and its constructive engagement with OHCHR.

105. Paraguay asked about progress made by the parliamentary working group on the

death penalty and in terms of the criminalization of torture, and encouraged Belarus to

increase its cooperation with the special procedures.

106. Peru expressed concern about the lack of a national human rights institution, the lack

of independence of the judiciary and the government control of the media.

107. The Philippines welcomed the increased participation of women in political and

social life and encouraged Belarus to continue its efforts to combat trafficking in persons.

108. Poland expressed concern at continued human rights violations which were of a

systemic and systematic nature.

109. Portugal was concerned at systematic violations of human rights and noted that

Belarus was the only country in Europe to apply the death penalty.

110. The Republic of Korea appreciated the adoption by Belarus of legislation on

equality in education, preventing human trafficking, improving the judicial system and

supporting families with children.

111. Romania commended the steps taken since the last review, while noting challenges

hindering the full enjoyment of human rights.

112. The Russian Federation welcomed the consistent cooperation of Belarus with the

universal periodic review and the measures it had taken to strengthen human rights

protection.

113. Rwanda commended the adoption of laws and regulations aimed at improving

national legislation and noted the significant reduction in infant mortality.

114. Senegal welcomed the accession of Belarus to several human rights conventions and

the legislative measures it had taken to guarantee quality education and better functioning

of the judiciary.

115. Serbia commended the efforts Belarus had made in the universal periodic review

process and its engagement with non-governmental stakeholders.

116. Sierra Leone acknowledged the progress Belarus had made since the first universal

periodic review and urged it to prosecute all acts of violence against women.

117. Cuba stated that Belarus had undeniably made progress on human rights.

118. Slovakia invited Belarus to accede to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and expressed concern about the independence and impartiality of the justice

system.

119. Slovenia noted the commitment of Belarus to the international trend towards the

gradual abolition of the death penalty. It remained concerned about continuing human

rights violations.

120. Spain was concerned that Belarus continued to be the last country in Europe to apply

the death penalty.

121. Sri Lanka recognized the efforts of Belarus to safeguard the socioeconomic rights of

its people, as reflected in the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.

122. The State of Palestine acknowledged the efforts of Belarus to promote and protect

human rights since the first review and welcomed various measures to ensure the education

of children.

123. The Sudan noted with satisfaction the legislative and judicial reforms related to

education, copyright protection, trafficking and the achievement of five of the Millennium

Development Goals.

124. Uganda noted the accession of Belarus to the Council of Europe Convention on

Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and the amendments to the Marriage and

Family Codes and the Labour Code.

125. Australia remained deeply concerned by continuing violations of human rights in

Belarus, particularly in relation to political prisoners and the death penalty.

126. Belarus stated that it would continue to develop and improve its system of human

rights protection and promotion. The Government’s interaction with international

organizations, including the current review, would strengthen its achievements.

II. Conclusions and recommendations

127. The recommendations listed below have been examined by Belarus and enjoy

the support of Belarus:

127.1 Carry out public campaigns explaining the arguments for the

abolition of the death penalty with the aim of ratifying the Second Optional

Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at

the abolition of the death penalty (Estonia);

127.2 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Algeria)

(Ecuador) (Peru) (Rwanda);

127.3 Continue its review efforts with a view to ratifying the International

Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and

Members of Their Families in the future (Philippines);

127.4 Reconsider its conclusion not to accede to the International

Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and

Members of Their Families as contained in Recommendation 1 (Nigeria);

127.5 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Egypt);

127.6 Continue taking measures with a view to ratifying the Convention on

the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a priority (Indonesia);

127.7 Speed up the procedures to complete the process of the ratification of

the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Iraq);

127.8 Finalize the process of accession to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities at its earliest (Kazakhstan);

127.9 Conclude domestic processes relating to signing the Convention on

the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Zimbabwe);

127.10 Accede to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as

soon as possible. In the interim continue to do what it can to counter

discrimination against people with disabilities and to promote their inclusion in

society (Singapore);

127.11 Continue efforts to strengthen the legislative and institutional basis of

the national system for the protection of human rights (Uzbekistan);

** The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

127.12 Continue efforts to harmonize national legislation with international

human rights norms (Morocco);

127.13 Observe all human rights principles, international conventions and

raise awareness among the population regarding human rights values

(Turkmenistan);

127.14 Pursue fulfilling its obligations under international human rights

mechanisms in the future (Kazakhstan);

127.15 Study the possibility of creating a follow-up system on international

recommendations which includes universal periodic review accepted

recommendations (Paraguay);

127.16 Continue its efforts for the establishment of the national human

rights institution (Sudan);

127.17 Facilitate the necessary process for establishing a national human

rights institution, which should ensure the enjoyment of basic human rights for

all citizens (Republic of Korea);

127.18 Redouble efforts aimed at establishing an independent national

human rights institution in compliance with the Paris Principles (Chile);

127.19 Take further steps aimed at strengthening its national institution in

the area of protection and promotion of the rights of the child (Egypt);

127.20 Consider establishing a national human rights institution in

accordance with the Paris Principles, as previously recommended (Malaysia);

127.21 Consider the establishment of a national human rights institution in

line with the Paris Principles (Zimbabwe);

127.22 Consider the appropriateness of establishing a national human rights

institution in compliance with the Paris Principles (Nicaragua);

127.23 Strengthen government cooperation with civil society organizations

in ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights (Uzbekistan);

127.24 Strengthen cooperation with civil society organizations (Russian

Federation);

127.25 Enhance its interaction with human rights organizations, as well as

continue working on mechanisms of consultation between the Government and

civil society, including enabling more effective involvement of civil society in the

preparation of legal acts (Serbia);

127.26 Strengthen further the links of cooperation and coordination with

civil society as regards the promotion and protection of human rights

(Morocco);

127.27 Continue constructive cooperation with the universal mechanisms for

the promotion and protection of human rights and also the practice of

cooperation with civil society (Tajikistan);

127.28 Continue active cooperation with human rights mechanisms

(Azerbaijan);

127.29 Further engage with relevant international stakeholders, including

United Nations human rights mechanisms (Viet Nam);

127.30 Continue its cooperation with the United Nations, other international

organizations and human rights mechanisms to overcome remaining

constraints and challenges (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

127.31 Submit its overdue report to the Human Rights Committee (Ghana);

127.32 Deploy necessary human, legal and financial measures in order to

effectively implement the recommendations issued by the United Nations treaty

bodies (Senegal);

127.33 Strengthen the cooperation with the United Nations human rights

mechanisms, in particular by permitting visits by special procedures mandate

holders (Hungary);

127.34 Cooperate fully and effectively with the United Nations treaty bodies

and special procedures and ensure that reports are submitted without delay

(Slovakia);

127.35 Continue strengthening the cooperation with the Office of the High

Commissioner, through joint activities to improve national capacities in the

field of human rights (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

127.36 Continue efforts to combat discrimination in judicial practices and

law enforcement (Oman);

127.37 Develop national mechanisms for the protection of vulnerable groups

in the population (Tajikistan);

127.38 Continue its efforts in promotion of well-being of people with the

emphasis on the most vulnerable ones (Democratic People’s Republic of

Korea);

127.39 Continue the efforts to support the most vulnerable groups of

population, including those efforts that guarantee the social inclusion of

persons with disabilities (Cuba);

127.40 Make further investment in the protection and promotion of women’s

and children’s rights (Viet Nam);

127.41 Continue to implement its plan to combat discrimination against

women (Bahrain);

127.42 Continue working so that women’s rights are fully respected

(Plurinational State of Bolivia);

127.43 Adequately resource the implementation of the Fourth National Plan

of Action on Gender Equality and promptly adopt the draft law on prevention

of domestic violence (Lithuania);

127.44 Continue to implement the national gender equality policy

framework developed in 2012 (Pakistan);

127.45 Strengthen the capacity and enhance the resources of the National

Commission on Gender Policy to ensure the full enjoyment of gender equality

(Namibia);

127.46 Continue its efforts in ensuring gender equality and to diversify

academic and vocational choices for women and men and take further

measures to encourage women and men to choose non-traditional fields of

education and careers (State of Palestine);

127.47 Further abolish any discriminatory practices against women in

accessing higher education, diversify academic disciplines for men and women,

and take additional measures to encourage men and women to choose non-

traditional career choices (Thailand);

127.48 Continue its efforts to remedy the wage gap between men and women

(Philippines);

127.49 Continue current efforts to protect and promote women workers’

rights (Syrian Arab Republic);

127.50 Strengthen the measures aimed at reducing cases of racial

discrimination, both direct and indirect, and investigate speech inciting racial

hatred and speech inciting racial violence (Argentina);

127.51 Strictly implement its international obligations on addressing the

impunity of perpetrators of torture, notably article 4 of the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

(Switzerland);

127.52 Combat torture committed in particular by law enforcement officers

and in prisons and ensure that such acts not remain unpunished (France);

127.53 Develop a legislative package for the prevention of and combating of

gender-based violence and provide greater financial and human resources to

the National Council on Gender Policy (Spain);

127.54 Actively combat domestic violence and violence against children

(Tajikistan);

127.55 Continue its efforts aimed at combating domestic violence (Algeria);

127.56 Continue developing systematic actions, including legislative ones, to

combat domestic violence (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

127.57 Continue its efforts in improving protection of women’s rights,

including combating domestic violence (Democratic People’s Republic of

Korea);

127.58 Continue the national efforts to combat domestic violence (Kuwait);

127.59 Intensify efforts in combating domestic violence and violence against

women including through effective implementation of its Principles of Crime

Prevention Act (Malaysia);

127.60 Further enhance efforts to address the issue of domestic violence and

victim assistance (Myanmar);

127.61 Intensify efforts to prevent and prosecute acts of domestic and sexual

violence against women as recommended by the Committee on the Elimination

of Discrimination against Women (Rwanda);

127.62 Continue efforts in the prevention of violence against children

(Russian Federation);

127.63 Continue to provide protection for the victims of trafficking in

persons and to strengthen its national laws and to foster cooperation with

regional and international organizations in the field of combating trafficking in

persons (United Arab Emirates);

127.64 Take additional measures to combat trafficking in persons (Bahrain);

127.65 Take necessary steps for prevention of violence against children and

promotion and protection of women’s rights especially combating trafficking in

women (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

127.66 Continue to ensure the effective implementation of its legislation and

policies to prevent and combat human trafficking (Singapore);

127.67 Take further steps to ensure practical realization of the improved

national legislation, in particular in the areas of children’s and women’s rights

protection, counter-trafficking, education and judiciary (Kazakhstan);

127.68 Continue working to fight against human trafficking and share its

best practices in that regard (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

127.69 Continue to strive towards the consolidation of international efforts

in the combating of trafficking in human beings, including through educational

courses based at the Minsk Centre (Russian Federation);

127.70 Build upon the existing structures and strengthen the protection of

victims of human trafficking, but also address the root causes of this

phenomenon and involve preventative measures (Serbia);

127.71 Continue the efforts to promote in the international agenda the issue

of the fight against trafficking in persons (Cuba);

127.72 Strengthen its work towards combating trafficking in persons with

assistance from the relevant United Nations agencies and the international

community, as deemed necessary (Sri Lanka);

127.73 Enhance job opportunities at home for the population susceptible to

human trafficking, especially those from disadvantaged background who seek

employment overseas (Thailand);

127.74 Ensure that the judiciary is free from any interference from other

branches of Government (Switzerland);

127.75 Continue promoting, by all appropriate means, the independence and

impartiality of the judiciary (Senegal);

127.76 Support the institution of the traditional family and the preservation

of family values (Russian Federation);

127.77 Continue the efforts to promote and protect traditional family values

(Kuwait);

127.78 Continue strengthening its efforts in ensuring the well-being of

children, particularly those living in foster care, so that they could enjoy living

in a healthy family environment (Malaysia);

127.79 Improve the overall situation of media freedom (Slovenia);

127.80 Take the steps necessary to ensure that its upcoming presidential

elections are free, fair and in line with international standards, in full respect of

article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including

by allowing opposition parties to freely participate (Canada);

127.81 Create an environment conducive for free, fair and peaceful elections

and ensure the personal safety and equal treatment of all candidates and voters

throughout the electoral process in the upcoming presidential elections and

beyond (Czech Republic);

127.82 Take measures aimed at ensuring transparency, justice and non-

repression in the presidential election process of 2015, including by inviting

international observers (Mexico);

127.83 Continue promoting women’s rights in order to encourage their

participation in decision-making processes (Nicaragua);

127.84 Continue plans to increase employment in the country, especially for

its vulnerable groups (Brunei Darussalam);

127.85 Continue to take effective measures ensuring the realization of the

right to work for its citizens including through national programmes to

promote decent work and full and productive employment especially for

women and young people (Egypt);

127.86 Follow up on the recommendation of the Committee on Economic,

Social and Cultural Rights regarding the elimination of all forms of forced

labour (Luxembourg);

127.87 Continue the practice of implementing programmes aimed at further

improving the welfare of the population (Turkmenistan);

127.88 Continue consolidating its excellent social protection system for the

benefit of its population (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

127.89 Based on the level of economic and social development, further

improve social security of the vulnerable groups including the elderly, women,

children and persons with disabilities (China);

127.90 Continue implementing economic, social, cultural, civil and political

rights for the benefit of all its population (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

127.91 Continue to eradicate poverty and improve in particular the standard

of living of rural populations (China);

127.92 Continue its efforts to eliminate poverty, paying particular attention

to the situation of children, single parents and the rural population (Islamic

Republic of Iran);

127.93 Take measures aimed at guaranteeing targeted support for persons

living under the poverty line, paying particular attention to the situation of

children, single-parent families and the rural population (Luxembourg);

127.94 Take further steps to raise the living standards of the people in the

rural areas (Myanmar);

127.95 Strengthen promotion of healthy lifestyles of adolescents and

prevention of harmful habits (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea);

127.96 Continue the result-orientated policy in the field of the fight against

infectious diseases, primarily tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS (Cuba);

127.97 Improve the health situation of all children irrespective of status

(Bangladesh);

127.98 Continue the efforts to improve reproductive health, through the

introduction of new and up-to-date technologies (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

127.99 Continue implementing access for all women to reproductive health

services and improving the quality of care given (Plurinational State of

Bolivia);

127.100 Continue its national plans and programmes to improve the quality

of education (Syrian Arab Republic);

127.101 Continue its initiatives in ensuring the provision of quality education

for all its people (Brunei Darussalam);

127.102 Continue to further improve the quality of school education for

children (Pakistan);

127.103 Increase the availability of preschool facilities in rural areas

(Bangladesh);

127.104 Continue efforts in expanding educational facilities to rural areas and

advance the educational and vocational training facilities for men and women

equally (Sri Lanka);

127.105 Increase the availability of preschool facilities in rural areas and

ensure that members of the Roma community are not discriminated against

and that they have equal access to education (State of Palestine);

127.106 Take the necessary measures to promote the rights of persons with

disabilities (Bahrain);

127.107 Continue its measures to protect the rights of persons with disabilities

(Islamic Republic of Iran);

127.108 Take appropriate legislative measures towards the ratification of the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and towards

improvement of living conditions, employment opportunities and access of

persons with disabilities (Japan);

127.109 Take appropriate legislative and regulatory measures to fight against

discrimination and strengthen the protection and integration of persons with

disabilities (Senegal);

127.110 Raise public awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities

(Sudan);

127.111 Move forward to make necessary arrangements for the adoption of a

comprehensive national policy on persons with disabilities (Uganda);

127.112 Implement policies which guarantee better protection for asylum

seekers and refugees (Sierra Leone);

127.113 Continue to be on track to achieve the Millennium Development

Goals (Ethiopia).

128. The following recommendations enjoy the support of Belarus which considers

that they are already implemented:

128.1 Step up its efforts to combat and prevent discrimination faced by

persons belonging to Roma communities, including ensuring the right to

education on a non-discriminatory basis for all Roma children (Finland);

128.2 Reform the judiciary so it can operate free from direct influence,

oversight, pressure or interference of the executive branch of the Government

(Czech Republic).

129. The following recommendations will be examined by Belarus, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirtieth session of the Human

Rights Council in September 2015:

129.1 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Ghana);

129.2 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Congo);

129.3 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance and the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families (Sierra Leone);

129.4 Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of

All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, as well as the main international

instruments in the field of human rights to which it is not yet a party

(Argentina);

129.5 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance and conduct an in-depth independent

investigation into the disappearances of public figures that occurred in 1999

and 2000 with a view to bringing the authors of those crimes to justice

(France);

129.6 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(Paraguay);

129.7 Consider expediting the ratification of the core human rights treaties,

including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International

Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and

Members of Their Families (Republic of Korea);

129.8 Ratify the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons

(Ghana);

129.9 Enact a law on comprehensive protection of the rights of the child

and of adolescents, which guarantees greater stability in the promotion and

protection of these rights (El Salvador);

129.10 Set up an independent national human rights institution in

compliance with the Paris Principles (Costa Rica);

129.11 Set up an independent national human rights institution in full

compliance with the Paris Principles (Ghana);

129.12 Establish a national human rights institution, in compliance with the

Paris Principles (Guatemala);

129.13 Establish an independent national human rights institution in line

with the Paris Principles (Namibia);

129.14 Establish a national human rights institution in full compliance with

the Paris Principles (Portugal);

129.15 Establish an effective and independent national human rights

institution in 2015 (Australia);

129.16 Put in place a national human rights institution which is in

conformity with the Paris Principles (Sierra Leone);

129.17 Promote the completion of the existing initiative to establish a

national human rights institution, in compliance with the Paris Principles

(Peru);

129.18 Provide the legal framework for the establishment of a national

human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles, and in

consultation with civil society (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland);

129.19 Positively consider the establishment of a national human rights

institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Indonesia);

129.20 Do more in providing the enabling environment for the institution

responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights and by

particularly establishing a national human rights commission (Nigeria);

129.21 Cooperate with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and

allow visits by special procedures mandate holders (Costa Rica);

129.22 Cooperate with the United Nations human rights mechanisms,

particularly the special procedures mandate holders (El Salvador);

129.23 Issue an invitation to the United Nations High Commissioner for

Human Rights so that he carries out a technical mission in Belarus, pursuant to

resolution 17/24 (Peru);

129.24 Adopt specific and comprehensive legislation against direct and

indirect discrimination, as well as on harassment based on sexual orientation

(Uruguay);

129.25 Adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination law which would prohibit

discrimination on any ground and establish mechanisms to ensure the

principles of equality and non-discrimination, and legal remedies in cases of

discrimination (Slovakia);

129.26 Enact comprehensive legislation against discrimination to avoid any

kind of discrimination on the grounds of religion, sexual orientation and gender

identity, language, political conviction or physical or mental disability (Chile);

129.27 Make further efforts toward adoption of a comprehensive anti-

discrimination law, concerning, in particular, institutive actions to tackle the

issue of violence against women (Serbia);

129.28 Ensure that respect for the principal of non-discrimination on the

basis of gender includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex

persons and adopt specific anti-discrimination legislation for this group

(Spain);

129.29 Do everything necessary to revitalize the discussions within the

parliamentary working group on the death penalty and ensure that the

minimum standards are applied pending an eventual moratorium (Belgium);

129.30 Consider abolishing the death penalty (Ecuador);

129.31 Declare a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to its final

abolition (Uruguay);

129.32 Abolish capital punishment, and as an interim measure, introduce a

moratorium on the death penalty (Sweden);

129.33 Consider abolishing the death penalty (Rwanda);

129.34 Declare a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the

death penalty and, to that end, support the work of the parliamentary working

group on the death penalty, particularly with a view to amending the Criminal

Code and to adhering to the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty (Brazil);

129.35 Introduce an immediate moratorium on the death penalty aimed at

its permanent abolition and implement the Committee against Torture

recommendations on arbitrary and secret executions (Costa Rica);

129.36 Establish as quickly as possible a moratorium on executions with a

view to a definitive abolition of the death penalty, and ensure respect for the

fundamental rights of those persons convicted and their families (France);

129.37 Consider the introduction of a moratorium on the use of the death

penalty in the national criminal system (Guatemala);

129.38 Consider introducing a moratorium on the use of the death penalty

with a view to its permanent abolition (Holy See);

129.39 Take concrete steps towards the abolition of the death penalty,

including the imposition of an immediate moratorium on its use (Ireland);

129.40 Advance the work of the parliamentary working group on the death

penalty and introduce an immediate moratorium (Lithuania);

129.41 Establish an immediate official moratorium on the use of the death

penalty with a view to abolishing it (Montenegro);

129.42 Establish an immediate moratorium on the death penalty with a view

to its permanent abolition (Norway);

129.43 In accordance with the relevant General Assembly resolution,

establish a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards global

abolition (Netherlands);

129.44 Establish a de facto moratorium on the death penalty as a first step

towards its abolition and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of

the death penalty (Portugal);

129.45 Place a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to eradicating it

(Sierra Leone);

129.46 Establish a moratorium on the death penalty as a step towards its

abolition (Spain);

129.47 Introduce a moratorium on executions with a view to fully abolishing

the death penalty (Italy);

129.48 Establish an immediate moratorium on the death penalty with a view

to its permanent abolition and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of

the death penalty (Slovenia);

129.49 Establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty with a view to

ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil

and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Australia);

129.50 Introduce amendments to the code on the penitentiaries to guarantee

that the families of condemned persons have the opportunity to say goodbye

and bury the corpses in accordance with international standards (Spain);

129.51 Reform the judiciary to ensure its independence and respect of

international norms such as the respect of the right of the defence and the right

to a fair trial. Review regulations on the appointment, dismissal and

disciplinary procedures against judges as well as the length of their mandates

(France);

129.52 Strengthen further the impartiality and independence of the

judiciary by implementing the recent decrees on judicial procedures and by

promptly and thoroughly investigating any allegation or complaint of ill-

treatment in national detention facilities (Holy See);

129.53 Take all the necessary legislative and other measures in order to

guarantee the full independence and impartiality of the judiciary in line with

the Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary (endorsed by General

Assembly resolutions), including by establishing an independent body

responsible for the appointment, promotion, suspension and removal of judges

(Poland);

129.54 Ensure the full independence and impartiality of the judiciary,

including by devolving all the functions in terms of the appointment, suspension

and removal of judges, from the executive bodies to the judges’ self-government

bodies (Slovakia);

129.55 Ensure that no restrictions are imposed on the right to freedom of

religion and belief, and guarantee greater respect for the right to freedom of

expression and freedom of association (Holy See);

129.56 Amend its legislation to guarantee that freedom of expression on the

Internet cannot be limited by the arbitrary decision of authorities (Sweden);

129.57 Bring its law on mass media in line with international standards on

press freedom and ensure that civil society and human rights defenders can

peacefully and without fear of arbitrary arrest exercise their right to freedom

of expression, assembly and association, in conformity with the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Netherlands);

129.58 Amend the law on mass media to ensure it does not unduly restrict

freedom of expression, in line with recommendations made by the OSCE

Representative on Freedom of the Media (Norway);

129.59 Bring the legislative framework in line with the recommendations

made by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in order to ensure

that it does not restrict freedom of expression and pluralism of media (Poland);

129.60 Better guarantee freedom of the press and freedom of expression, as

well as the right to plural information (Senegal);

129.61 Ensure that human rights defenders are able to exercise their rights

to freedom of expression, assembly and association (Slovenia);

129.62 Take measures to guarantee freedom of expression as well as to

respect peaceful protests (Costa Rica);

129.63 Ensure conditions for the opposition and human rights activists to

freely work and express their views without fear of unsubstantiated prosecution

(Croatia);

129.64 Amend the law on public association and mass gathering as well as

media legislation to comply with international standards, including by

decriminalizing defamation (Estonia);

129.65 Remove all obstacles to freedoms of expression, association, peaceful

assembly and the press, ensuring that journalists and civil society can carry out

their activities freely and safely; put an end to the harassment of journalists

and remove the accreditation requirement for journalists (France);

129.66 Simplify the registration procedure for political parties and other

public associations and foundations (Germany);

129.67 Promptly and effectively investigate all allegations of torture and ill-

treatment of prisoners and acts of intimidation, reprisals and threats against

human rights defenders and journalists (Italy);

129.68 Enhance efforts to guarantee freedom of expression and association,

and reform the existing legislation on freedom of information in accordance

with international standards (Italy);

129.69 Fully guarantee freedom of expression and refrain from arbitrary

arrest of journalists (Romania);

129.70 Implement its commitment to guarantee freedom of association and

expression (Australia);

129.71 Guarantee freedoms of assembly and association and repeal

article 193-1 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes civil activity of non-

registered organizations, and the Law on Mass Events (United States of

America);

129.72 Facilitate the registration of NGOs and decriminalize the

organization and participation in activities of unregistered associations by

repealing article 193-1 of the Criminal Code (Czech Republic);

129.73 Urgently abolish article 193-1 of the Criminal Code, which

criminalizes activities by non-registered organizations and generally end the

pattern of obstruction, harassment and intimidation of civil society

organizations promoting and defending human rights, including trade unions,

environmental groups, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex groups

and human rights groups (Denmark);

129.74 Initiate legislation to repeal article 193-1 of the Criminal Code, which

imposes criminal penalties for participation in unregistered organizations

(Lithuania);

129.75 Promote and uphold the freedom of the media and the right to

freedom of expression and ensure that legislation and practice are brought in

line with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

as well as conducting impartial investigations into all cases of attacks,

harassment and intimidation and bringing perpetrators to justice (Austria);

129.76 Take measures aimed at preventing threats and intimidation against

journalists and human rights defenders, as well as against opponents of the

Government (Uruguay);

129.77 Cease the intimidation, harassment and arbitrary detention of human

rights defenders, NGO groups, and journalists and provide guarantees for the

rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as ending its

restrictions and surveillance of the Internet, namely by amending its legislation

in order to remove extrajudicial procedures for blocking websites, in line with

recommendations made by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media,

whose visit authorized by the Belarusian authorities in 2013 was a step in the

right direction (Greece);

129.78 Comply with all the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on

Human Rights Defenders, ensuring that those who engage in human rights

work are able to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association and

movement without obstruction (Hungary);

129.79 Ensure the safety of human rights defenders and journalists, as well

as their human rights, particularly freedom of expression and the press; and

undertake swift and transparent investigation in response to the reports of

intimidation, reprisal, threats and violence (Japan);

129.80 Create and maintain, in law and in practice, a safe and enabling

environment in which civil society can operate free from hindrance and

insecurity, and can participate fully in democratic processes (Ireland);

129.81 Protect the right to freedom of assembly and association of human

rights defenders, in particular those campaigning against discrimination based

on sexual orientation (Canada);

129.82 Revise the “Law on public associations” in order to guarantee the full

enjoyment of the right to freedom of association in conformity with

international rights and standards (Luxembourg);

129.83 Abolish criminal responsibility for organization and participation in

the activities of non-registered organizations, as well as lifting the ban on the

activities of non-registered organizations (Poland);

129.84 Adapt its own domestic legislation on associations in order to remove

any hindrances to the full realization of the freedom of association by its

citizens (Romania);

129.85 Abandon the practice of arbitrary detention of journalists and

decriminalize defamation (Lithuania);

129.86 Decriminalize the activities of non-registered NGOs and put an end

to all forms of administrative or judicial harassment towards independent civil

society actors (Switzerland);

129.87 Significantly simplify the procedures for the registration of civil

society associations, organizations and foundations and ensure that the legal

and political framework is in line with international standards (Belgium);

129.88 Remove restrictions on civil society, including the prohibition on

NGOs receiving foreign funds, restrictions on volunteer work outside business

hours, and obstacles to official registration of NGOs, in line with the rights to

freedom of association and of expression (Canada);

129.89 Investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment in detention

facilities, and take appropriate measures to bring perpetrators to justice

(Botswana);

129.90 Ensure that peaceful demonstrators are not imprisoned, harassed or

ill-treated by police for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and

peaceful assembly, and immediately and unconditionally release all those who

have been detained solely for exercising these rights (Denmark);

129.91 Take measures to align the legislation on mass events with

international standards in order to protect freedom of association, including

through the elimination of the requirement to request a licence prior to the

organization of assemblies and public demonstrations (Mexico);

129.92 Amend the Law on Mass Events in order to enable the right to

peaceful assembly to be exercised more easily (Croatia);

129.93 Bring the mass event legislation into line with the international

standards on freedom of assembly, including by abolishing the licensing

principle of the conduct of events and by abolishing the requirement for the

applicants to pay for maintenance of public order and for providing medical

service as an indispensable condition for carrying out the event (Germany);

129.94 Amend its electoral laws to bring them in line with the OSCE Office

for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights recommendations for electoral

reform to demonstrate respect for democratic political processes, freedom of

association, and freedom of expression ahead of the 2015 presidential election

(United States of America);

129.95 Bring the electoral system in line with its OSCE commitments and

principles for democratic elections, in close cooperation with the Office for

Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (Austria);

129.96 Take measures to improve working conditions in line with

recommendations issued by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural

Rights, including through the abolition of any kind of forced labour,

elimination of fines for labour inactivity, and the abandonment of the

widespread use of short-term working contracts (Mexico).

130. The recommendations below did not enjoy the support of Belarus and would

thus be noted:

130.1 Consider ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of

the death penalty, and introduce a de facto moratorium on the imposition of the

death penalty with the view to total abolishment (Namibia);

130.2 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty

(Paraguay);

130.3 Accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty (Sweden);

130.4 Sign and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty (Italy);

130.5 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, as well

as Protocols No. 6 and No. 13 to the European Convention for the Protection of

Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, with the aim of abolishing the

death penalty (Finland);

130.6 Establish without delay a moratorium on the death penalty and ratify

the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Luxembourg);

130.7 Introduce a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step to

abolition; produce a national plan to accede to the Second Optional Protocol to

the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition

of the death penalty; and immediately change the process of carrying out

executions by notifying the family of the date of execution and burial site

(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

130.8 Introduce a moratorium on the death penalty as a short-term

objective and consider the full abolition of the death penalty and accession to

the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Austria);

130.9 Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture,

create a national preventive mechanism in line with the Optional Protocol and

acknowledge the competence of the Committee against Torture to consider

allegations of breach of obligations under articles 21 and 22 of the Convention

(Germany);

130.10 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal);

130.11 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (El

Salvador);

130.12 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant

on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as well as the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

(Uruguay);

130.13 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and opt into the inquiry and inter-State

mechanisms (Greece);

130.14 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Uruguay)

(Denmark) (Ghana);

130.15 Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Chile)

(Congo);

130.16 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and bring

detention conditions in places of deprivation of liberty in line with international

standards (Greece);

130.17 Take effective legislative, administrative and other measures to

prevent, investigate and punish acts of torture or ill-treatment and to ratify the

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (Portugal);

130.18 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Costa

Rica) (Ghana);

130.19 Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

(Guatemala);

130.20 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and its

Agreement on Privileges and Immunities (Botswana);

130.21 Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and

implement it into national law (Italy);

130.22 Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and

implement it in the national legislation, including by incorporating provisions

on prompt and full cooperation with the Court (Hungary);

130.23 Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and

fully align its legislation with all obligations under the Rome Statute (Latvia);

130.24 Accede to and fully align its national legislation with the Rome

Statute of the International Criminal Court (Montenegro);

130.25 Grant unfettered access to Belarus for international human rights

monitors (Austria);

130.26 Increase cooperation with the United Nations treaty bodies, including

issuing a standing invitation, and permit the SR on the situation of human

rights in Belarus to visit the country (Lithuania);

130.27 Cooperate with United Nations follow-up mechanisms, notably by

issuing a standing invitation to all the special procedures, and accepting all

their visits, in particular that of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of

human rights in Belarus (France);

130.28 Issue a standing invitation to all special procedures (Ghana);

130.29 Issue an open invitation to the United Nations special procedures

(Guatemala);

130.30 Issue a standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders

of the Human Rights Council (Peru);

130.31 Put forward extensive efforts to strengthen cooperation with the

United Nations human rights mechanisms, particularly by issuing a standing

invitation to the special procedures and recognizing the mandate of the Special

Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus (Republic of Korea);

130.32 Take appropriate measures to consider and implement the

recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in

Belarus (Latvia);

130.33 Cooperate with the United Nations mechanisms including with the

Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus (Romania);

130.34 Cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of

human rights in Belarus and heed his recommendations (Slovenia);

130.35 Invite the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in

Belarus to visit the country to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to

respecting human rights (United States of America);

130.36 Cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human

rights in Belarus and issue a standing invitation to special procedures or, if this

is not agreeable, accept the special rapporteurs who have requested a visit

(Belgium);

130.37 Take appropriate measures to grant unfettered access to the Special

Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus as well as respond

positively to pending visit requests of other special procedures mandate holders

of the Human Rights Council and eventually consider extending a standing

invitation (Latvia);

130.38 Grant unfettered access to Belarus for the Special Rapporteur on the

situation of human rights in Belarus and other special procedures mandate

holders, comply with the recommendations of the Rapporteur’s reports without

delay and resume cooperation with all international organizations (Norway);

130.39 Release immediately all political prisoners and ensure their full

rehabilitation (Lithuania);

130.40 Proceed to release immediately and unconditionally all political

prisoners (Luxembourg);

130.41 Immediately and unconditionally release all those who have been

detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression

and assembly (Estonia);

130.42 Immediately release the remaining political prisoners (Slovenia);

130.43 End the detention of political activists and release all political

prisoners without delay (Australia);

130.44 Immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and

ensure their full rehabilitation (Poland);

130.45 Review the cases of detention of individuals found to be deprived of

their liberty for reasons which might be associated with the peaceful exercise of

human rights and freedoms (Brazil);

130.46 Release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners,

members of the opposition, human rights defenders and activists, ensure their

full rehabilitation, and lift travel and other restrictions imposed on political

prisoners who have been pardoned (Norway);

130.47 Immediately release its remaining political prisoners, investigate

reports of mistreatment and take action against those allegedly responsible in

accordance with domestic and international law (Canada);

130.48 Take concrete steps to eliminate arbitrary detention as a form of

persecution of political and civic dissent and release and fully rehabilitate all

those sentenced directly or indirectly for their political and civic activities

(Czech Republic).

131. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

Annex

[English only]

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Belarus was headed by Mr. Valentin Rybakov, Deputy Minister of

Foreign Affairs, and composed of the following members:

• Mr. Mikhail Khvostov – Ambassador, Permanent Representative in Geneva

• Ms. Alena Bohdan – Head of Main Department of the Organization of Medical

Assistance, Ministry of Health

• Ms. Inna Vasilevskaya – Counsellor, Permanent Mission in Geneva

• Ms. Irina Velichko – Deputy Head, Department of Global Policy and

Humanitarian Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Mr. Aliaksandr Dranitsa – Adviser to the Prosecutor General

• Mr. Valery Kalinkovich – First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court

• Mr. Uladzislau Mandryk – Deputy Head, Department for the Execution of

Judgments, Ministry of Internal Affairs

• Ms. Valentina Maslovskaya – Head, Legal Department, Ministry of Labour and

Social Protection

• Ms. Viktoria Meleshko – Head, Legal and Personnel Management Department,

Ministry of Information

• Mr. Raman Melnik – Head, Main Department of Law Enforcement, Public Safety

Police and Crime Prevention, Ministry of Internal Affairs

• Ms. Anna Shpak – Head, Main Rule-Making Department in the Sphere of State

Capacity-Building, Ministry of Justice