Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
315. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the presidential election which took place in Belarus in August 2020 was not free and fair; if he will condemn the arrest and imprisonment of peaceful protesters in Belarus subsequently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra323. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of his engagement with the Belarusian Government in relation to the ongoing human rights abuses and the regular mass arrests of political opposition members that have been taking place over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 323 together.
Ireland has been unequivocal in stating that the Presidential election that took place in Belarus on 9 August 2020, was neither free, nor fair. We reject the democratic legitimacy of the Lukashenko regime and we have condemned in the strongest possible terms the flagrant human rights abuses we have seen take place in Belarus in the run up to, and in the aftermath of, those elections. The EU has responded with a strong message by imposing sanctions against 88 key figures responsible for the current situation and 7 businesses benefiting and/or supporting the regime.
The Belarusian people face indiscriminate detention on a daily basis and the authorities appear unwilling to prevent or even investigate credible claims of torture, ill-treatment and abuse by State security forces. Shamefully, the use of State violence against peaceful protesters has also led to loss of life. These actions are wholly unacceptable.
Reporters Without Borders have designated Belarus the most dangerous country in the world for journalists, with detentions of media workers numbering in the several hundreds since the fraudulent election. We strongly condemn the repression of the Belarusian people and the suppression of their voices through internet shutdowns and curtailments of fundamental freedoms and media freedoms.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland has been vocal in calling on the Belarusian authorities to release all those unjustly detained, including political prisoners. We have been clear and consistent in international settings in this regard, including at the Human Rights Council and at meetings of UN Security Council members. I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to use our voice to press the Belarusian authorities to adhere to their international obligations.
The future of Belarus is for its people to decide in fresh elections that are free and fair. The new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has maintained the offer to facilitate a meaningful national dialogue. This is the best way to achieve a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis and we urge the Belarusian authorities to firmly grasp this opportunity.
