Delegation of Belarus Speaks against Unilateral Coercive Measures

On 15 and 16 September, at the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Permanent Mission of Belarus to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva took part in an interactive dialogue with the Council’s Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) Ms. Alena Douhan, as well as in a biennial panel discussion on the same topic.

The delegation of Belarus expressed support for the activities of the Special Rapporteur, including for her efforts to raise worldwide awareness about the negative implications of UCMs. Belarus condemned the use of UCMs by Western states and highlighted their inconsistency with international law and the UN Charter, in particular.

The delegation’s statement put a particular emphasis on the geopolitical context around the UCMs, indicating that unilateral coercive measures constitute just one tool in Western states’ broader foreign policy toolkit, which they apply with the view to spreading their global influence.

The Belarusian delegation noted the negative impact of UCMs on sustainable development in the world and called upon international organizations, civil society and the private sector involved in the implementation of development programs to take a vigorous stand against unilateral coercive measures and refrain from taking steps that infringe on the rights and interests of ordinary citizens.

Moreover, Belarus has co-sponsored a joined statement on this topic delivered on behalf of a group of like-minded states.

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