Advancing Human Rights and Civic Freedoms in Belarus: Challenges and Opportunities for International Engagement
By Alexa Dominique Pascual. Original publication.
The freedom of rights has always been a challenge in states that embrace the ideology of authoritarianism. It is argued that authoritarianism is a tool used to intimidate a population and suppress diverse beliefs, enabling the state to dictate what individuals should think. If citizens hold different beliefs or fail to conform to the prescribed way of thinking, they risk imprisonment or even death. This is one of the unfortunate realities of authoritarianism: it instills fear, diminishes people's self-worth, and ultimately reduces the productivity of its citizens. Belarus is an example of a nation that embraces authoritarianism, with the government restricting its citizens' rights, even in the electoral process. Citizens are forced to vote for a Prime Minister who upholds oppression and hinders the possibility of leading a liberated society, women’s rights, freedom of the press and freedom of expression. The government even had full control of their political parties, dominating the other which hinders a fair election and fair ruling between parties.
Belarus is often said to mirror Russia in how it governs, following a Kremlin-style structure. This influence isn’t surprising, as Belarus was once part of the Soviet Union, and its people and government remain closely tied to Russian culture. While culture plays a role in shaping decisions, it isn’t the only factor, and its impact should be carefully considered. Belarus’s current system promotes fear and limits freedom, preventing the country from growing and thriving. This paper will focus on the human rights violations in Belarus and explore how the UN and other countries can impose stronger sanctions and help support victims.
Human Rights Violations and Political Prisoners
The issue of freedom of speech in Belarus remains a significant concern, as individuals who engage in public discourse often face legal challenges, including imprisonment. The suppression of the right to express oneself freely limits the ability of citizens to voice independent opinions. Such actions may be seen as a violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which ensures everyone’s right to freedom of expression.[1] In particular, individuals who have voiced criticism of President Aliaksandr Lukashenka have faced legal repercussions, raising questions about the space for diverse viewpoints within the country. Even during peaceful protests, citizens expressing differing opinions risk facing legal action. Additionally, some individuals living abroad have reportedly been threatened with serious consequences if they return to Belarus, contributing to a climate of fear. Furthermore, the government’s approach has included measures that impact the families of activists, which has raised concerns about its broader implications for free expression. [2]One notable case is that of Daria Losik, who faced legal action for supporting family members involved in advocating for democracy and human rights. These developments have highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the balance between governance and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
[3]An example of the legal challenges faced by human rights defenders in Belarus can be seen through the case of Ales Bialiatski, the leader of the human rights group Viasna and a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize co-laureate. He was sentenced to ten years in prison for his efforts to promote democracy and human rights. This, along with the imprisonment of other defenders, highlights the significant consequences individuals face for challenging the government. While these actions are regrettable, they illustrate the broader pattern of restrictions on free expression and political dissent in Belarus. Under the current government, there is a focus on controlling public discourse, which may have negative impacts on citizens’ well-being and their ability to engage fully with broader societal, political, and international issues. Some leaders with authoritarian tendencies may believe that strict control over their population will lead to greater stability, but such measures can, in fact, limit progress and prosperity. [4]When a nation does not adhere to international norms, it can face consequences like poverty, limited access to education, and human rights violations. Power structures that suppress open discourse and political plurality can hinder long-term development, as they may limit a country’s potential to engage with the global community. In the case of Belarus, the government's alignment with Russia rather than with democratic nations further influences its internal and foreign policies. [5]The imprisonment of activists such as Maria Kolesnikova, who supported protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, is a clear example of how dissenting voices are marginalized.
The widespread human rights violations and imprisonments carried out by the Belarusian government have created division and fear among its people, fostering an environment of suppression. The rise of disinformation has exacerbated this situation, with state-sponsored propaganda supporting President Lukashenko's rule and spreading misleading narratives, such as the alleged acceptance of his leadership. This has further fueled the propaganda machine in state-run media. In addition to silencing activists, the government has taken steps to control the media, severely restricting press freedom. As a result, the flow of independent information is constrained, journalists’ and activists’ ability to form and express their own opinions is limited. This suppression not only impacts society but also disrupts the country’s overall structure, affecting the way individuals think and stalling cultural development.
The Lack of Freedom of the Press
Freedom of the press remains a significant concern for Belarusian society. Human rights defenders have been silenced, leaving media and television networks with little choice but to comply with state directives. As a result, much of the news disseminated in Belarus consists of state-sponsored narratives portraying the government as capable and effective. Under a totalitarian regime, efforts to emphasize the supposed value of authoritarianism and control contribute to the widespread dissemination of disinformation. [6]In such an environment, silencing dissenting voices and using propaganda become deliberate strategies to maintain power and suppress opposition. This approach can hinder economic growth, as it discourages private enterprise and limits opportunities for international trade agreements. Moreover, with state-controlled media serving as the primary information source for many citizens, the spread of misinformation becomes pervasive, further entrenching the cycle of disinformation and control.
[7]The Lukashenka regime has reportedly taken measures to restrict independent media and journalists, limiting their ability to freely express their opinions. Such actions may contribute to a less informed public, potentially affecting education and understanding in critical areas such as politics and diplomacy. Controlling public narratives through the dissemination of biased or inaccurate information risks undermining individual freedoms. This can lead to a less engaged and less productive society, ultimately hindering the potential of individuals to contribute fully as active and capable members of their community. [8]The media’s influence on public perception plays a significant role in shaping societal understanding and can impact the development and consolidation of democracy. Addressing the issue of disinformation is particularly important in the context of “digital transformation.” For citizens to engage effectively with their government and gain a deeper understanding of its policies, it is essential for media outlets to prioritize the dissemination of accurate and balanced information. Many citizens, especially those without access to higher education, rely on the media as their primary source of knowledge. Ensuring that information provided by the media is accurate, is critical for fostering an informed society, enhancing understanding of government policies, and promoting awareness of international law. By prioritizing truthful reporting, the media can contribute to a more educated and engaged citizenry, strengthening democratic foundations.
Conclusion
It is a well-established fact that human rights violations have been prevalent in this region. It is unfortunate that the Belarusian government has chosen to adopt an authoritarian approach by silencing its citizens. Particularly concerning is the fact that humanitarian aid has been blocked from entering Belarus since the war in Ukraine, further limiting access to essential resources for those in need. The work of civil society organizations in the region has also been obstructed, creating an atmosphere of fear among citizens and deterring them from speaking out or opposing the government, despite its role in perpetuating poverty through authoritarian policies.
In fact, the efforts of civil society organizations must persevere and progress despite these challenges. Civil society organizations operating outside the region are continuing their work, collaborating with governments and international organizations to enhance the delivery of humanitarian assistance and address the pressing needs of affected populations. [9]It is true that youth involvement is essential for driving change and preventing human rights violations. While it is understandable that achieving change takes time, increasing awareness—such as by improving communication—can be beneficial. This approach supports progress in fostering change both within our local communities and in the international community. That is why it is essential for civil society organizations to continue their work in shaping and supporting a more sustainable future. It is true that authoritarian nations present a greater challenge to influence, but it is crucial not to give up at that point. Diplomacy is important, as is collaboration with international organizations like the UN and our governments, to support victims and citizens fleeing conflict. The funds provided for international development are necessary not only to create awareness but also to build a safer environment for everyone.
About the Author
Alexa Dominique Pascual is a women’s rights advocate, international security researcher, youth ambassador to the UN and social media advocate from New York City, now based in Washington, DC. She specializes in European affairs, national security, gender policy, and energy security and security policy. She lived in Montreal for five years working as a circus performer and dancer before transitioning fully into international policy.
Alexa recently completed an internship at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, where she focused on critical mineral partnerships, public-private partnerships, energy security, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiatives, peacebuilding operations, and countering violent extremism.
She currently serves as a youth delegate at The World Bank, representing DMUN Foundation as the U.S. Focal Point, Bretton Woods Institutions and UN representative focusing on for women’s rights, energy security and the importance of youth involvement in policymaking. Alexa wrote policy on human rights, education, and diversity, and has engaged and participated in interventions in high-level forums such as the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), 2025 UN Multi-Stakeholder Hearing on NCDs and Mental Health, UNTOC Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms , and the UN General Assembly (UNGA), promoting the prevention of gender-based violence, human trafficking in the media, increasing female representation in the energy sector and the misuse of AI as a national security threat, in the presence of diplomats, ambassadors and foreign ministers. She also lobbied and submitted white papers and policy recommendation during the IMF-World Bank Spring meetings to Executive Directors and Senior Advisors of the World Bank representing DMUN.
She was a youth delegate and speaker at the 2023 NATO Youth Summit, speaking alongside representatives from the U.S. Department of State and the National Security Council. Alexa also serves as the International Director for Youth and Gender Affairs for the Global Network of Political Leaders, and is the SDG 5 Global Goals Ambassador for UNA-USA, where she promotes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and women’s rights across the United States. Additionally, she has advised the former Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Countering Violent Extremism office on the importance of youth engagement in foreign policy in his organization “IN Network National Security Academy”
She is also currently pursuing her graduate degree in International Affairs: Global Governance, Politics, and Security at American University.
References
[1] (US Department of State, (2022) 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Belarus)
[2] (Anastasiia Kruope, In Belarus, Jailed for Protecting Loved Ones, Human Rights Watch)
[3] (Anastasiia Kruope, In Belarus, Jailed for Protecting Loved Ones, Human Rights Watch)
[4] (Belarus 2023,(2023), Amnesty International)
[5] (Yuras Karmanau, (2024), Imprisoned Belarus activist Maria Kolesnikova resurfaces after not being seen for 20 months, PBS News)
[6] (Karol Luczka, (2023), Belarus: Three years on, no end in sight to repression of independent media, International Press Institute)
[7] (Jania Ochojska, (2024),Tackling the disinformation of the Lukashenka regime, European Parliament)
[8] (European Parliament, Media environment in Belarus)
[9] (Council of Europe, Human Rights Activism and the role of NGOs,Manual for Human Rights Education with Young People)
