Head of General Department of Multilateral Diplomacy of the MFA of Belarus I. Velichko participates in the 53th HRC in Geneva

On June 22, 2023 Head of the MFA Multilateral Diplomacy General Department I. Velichko takes part in the panel discussion “75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Importance of Honoring International Obligations by States”, organized within the framework of the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council by the Permanent Missions of Belarus and Russia to the UN Office in Geneva.

During the panel discussion, I. Velichko presented the MFA’s Report on the most resonant violations of human rights in certain countries. The participants discussed issues related to countering negative trends, including the ongoing politicization of the topic of human rights and its use to justify the application of economic sanctions and other unilateral coercive measures.

The Belarusian diplomat also held meetings with a number of the UNHRC special procedures mandate-holders.

On June 22, I.Velichko met with Ms. R.Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences. The Belarusian diplomat informed about the work of the Belarusian side to protect women and ensure gender equality at the national level and international initiatives of Belarus in this area. The parties discussed promising areas of cooperation.

On the same day, I.Velichko met with Ms. H.Tsedev, Head of the OHCHR Department for Europe and Central Asia. The Belarusian diplomat expressed country’s position on a number of issues, including counterarguments in response to accusations against the Belarusian side about alleged non-compliance by our country with its obligations in the human rights field. A productive exchange of views on topical aspects of cooperation took place.

On June 23, I. Velichko held a video meeting with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of migrants, F.G. Morales. The interlocutors discussed issues related to the migration situation on the border of Belarus with the countries of the European Union.

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