UN to help Belarusian authorities observe human rights

The United Nations Human Rights Council welcomes the release of two political prisoners – Andrei Sannikau and Zmitser Bandarenka. However, the organization has also urged the Belarusian authorities to start a dialogue with the opposition and release the other political prisoners without making any terms, informs charetr97.org.

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville has noted that many of the people were imprisoned for participation in the events of December 19, 2010 when special forces dispersed a peaceful opposition action. About 600 opposition members, journalists and human rights activists were arrested back then. More than 40 opponents of the regime were jailed.

The UN Human Rights Council is urging to release everyone jailed for peaceful participation in Dec.19 events as well as human right defender Ales Byalyatski and opposition activist Syarhei Kavalenka. The organization is also asking Belarus to create conditions so that human rights activists and journalists could do their job without being threatened and without pressure.