13.06.2016 Analytical weekly report on the results of observation: June 7-12
The Belarusian authorities only took into account a few recommendations made by the OSCE ODIHR and the campaign "Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections" following the observation of the previous campaign.
07.06.2016 Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections launch observation of parliamentary elections
Bearing in mind the importance of independent assessment, we, representatives of Belarusian human rights organizations – the Belarusian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights Center Viasna – start monitoring of the elections of deputies to the Chamber of Representatives.
02.06.2016 Human Rights Situation in Belarus: May 2016
During the month, there were some negative trends indicating the deterioration of the human rights situation in comparison with the previous months.
26.05.2016 FIDH calls on international community to support extension of UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus’ mandate
On 30 June, the U.N. Human Rights Council will vote on whether or not to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Belarus. It is essential for the future of the citizens of this country to keep the Special Rapporteur in place.
24.05.2016 Common position of Belarusian human rights defenders ahead of the next round of the EU-Belarus human rights dialogue
The country's leading human rights groups say there is no significant progress or systemic changes in the field of human rights and freedoms in Belarus, urging the government to develop a National Human Rights Plan.
20.05.2016 FIDH President congratulates Viasna on 20th anniversary
FIDH President Karim Lahidji has congratulated Viasna on its 20th anniversary.
06.05.2016 Statement on detention of Dzmitry Paliyenka
The Human Rights Center "Viasna" believes that the detention of civil society activist Dzmitry Paliyenka is a disproportionate measure applied as part of his prosecution over involvement in the events of April 29.
02.05.2016 Human Rights Situation in Belarus: April 2016
Despite the fact that none of the unauthorized peaceful assemblies held during the month was intervened by the law enforcement authorities or forcibly stopped, the participants and organizers of these gatherings continued to be brought to administrative responsibility and faced heavy fines.
02.05.2016 Ales Bialiatski waiting for four months, Uladzimir Makei silent
Late last year, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) wrote to the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Uladzimir Makei asking the official to respect the decision taken by the UN Human Rights Committee in the case of Viasna leader Ales Bialiatski. As yet, the minister has not given any response to FIDH’s appeal.
26.04.2016 Viasna. The Beginning
On 26 April 1996, several Belarusian activists founded a human rights initiative called "Viasna-96", which later became what we know today as the Human Rights Center "Viasna". On this day, the activists started searching for the protesters detained during the Čarnobyĺski šliach demonstration.
13.04.2016 Viasna calls to repeal criminal defamation
The Human Rights Center "Viasna" insists on the decriminalization of acts committed by Aliaksandr Lapitski, and calls for the termination of criminal prosecution for defamation offenses, considering as a first step the abolition of Articles 367, 368, 369, 369-1, 391 of the Criminal Code.
04.04.2016 Viasna urges authorities to stop persecution of citizens for exercising freedom of peaceful assembly and expression
The Human Rights Center "Viasna" is ready to provide recommendations and proposals to the government bodies possessing the right of legislative initiative.
01.04.2016 Human Rights Situation in Belarus: March 2016
In March, there were 43 cases of administrative prosecution for taking part or organizing unsanctioned mass events.
28.03.2016 US expert: People face incorrect question in votes on the death penalty
Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, who took part in the thematic conference in Minsk, told the Human Rights Center "Viasna" about the evolution of public debate on the death penalty in the United States and shared his views on this issue in Belarus.
23.03.2016 Our thoughts are in Brussels
Following yesterday's terrorist attacks in Brussels, the Human Rights Center "Viasna" expresses condolences to residents of the Belgian capital, as well as solidarity with our colleagues at the FIDH office in Brussels.
