Statement by the Permanent Representative of Belarus L.Belskaya at the 62th meeting of the Human Rights Council during ID with SP on freedom of expression

Distinguished Madam Special Rapporteur,

Your report examines a number of aspects of the problem of realizing the right to freedom of expression in the digital age, but ignores the issue of entrenched inequality, which is only exacerbated by the reluctance of developed countries to share technology. It is this inequality that has allowed the emergence of a small group of influential oligarchs, platforms, companies, and governments that are fueling the “free speech crisis.”

This group seeks to dictate its terms. It arrogantly and actively promotes pro-Western narratives and the human rights agenda.

In this logic of the desire to dominate are included arbitrary removal from the YouTube platform of channels of the largest Belarusian media — BelTA news agency, TV channels ONT & STV. We informed you and other human rights mechanisms in April 2026 of this grave violation of the right to freely seek, receive, and impart information affecting millions of people.

We still have not received a response from your mandate.

What are your assessments and recommendations for practical measures to prevent such incidents and redress violations?

Thank you for your attention.

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