Belarus still has no intention to invite Special Rapporteur on Human Rights

In the near future Belarus intends to confirm the invitation to visit the country for a number of special rapporteurs of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) . This was stated by the head of the main bureau of of the multilateral diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yury Ambrazevich on February 10 at a briefing in Minsk.

In particular, these are the special rapporteurs on freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of judges, on human trafficking and child pornography, on the rights of migrants and on violence against women.

To BelaPAN's question, why the special rapporteur on the situation in Belarus of the UN Human Rights Miklos Haraszti, Mr. Ambrazevich replied: "We do not believe that it can or able to lead a constructive dialogue with the Belarusian government because of the specific personal qualities and background of the problem (establishment of the post of special rapporteur - BelaPAN), and also because this post was established without the consent of the Belarusian government".

Mr. Ambrazevich called wrong the opinion that this position provides an opportunity to conduct a fruitful dialogue with the Belarusian government with the HRC. He emphasized that such posts should be imposed only on a voluntary basis and in consultation with the Government, only then can they contribute to the improvement of the situation.

Answer the question the thematic rapporteurs and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay still haven't visited Belarus, the diplomat reported that invitations had been sent back in 2010. "Probably, the visit has not been implemented because of the position of the High Commissioner that, if there is a country rapporteur, there is no need for visits of other rapporteurs,” presumed the official.

When BelaPAN clarified that the High Commissioner for Human Rights refused to visit Belarus
due to the fact that the Belarusian side did not guarantee to her a meeting with political prisoners, Mr. Ambrazevich said: "Perhaps, the question of the meeting was considered, but why should the Belarusian State make such actions in violation of its own laws?"