WA 19/04 Closing text - Belarus: Stop the silencing of trade union activists/human rights defenders

In response to the international solidarity messages he received in May 2004 Alyaksandr Bukhvostov, an independent trade union activist, said the following: “International solidarity is stronger than any dictator or dictatorship, together we can conquer evil and assert our right to freedom and the right to call ourselves human”.

Amnesty International (AI) remains concerned that trade union activists are caught up in the Belarusian authorities' systematic campaign of obstruction, harassment and intimidation against anyone who dares to speak out. On 21 June 2004 the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on human rights defenders expressed her serious concern at the reported curtailment of the freedom of association in Belarus, particularly regarding the reported introduction since 1999 of legislation which strictly regulates the registration, functioning and funding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

In response to this web action and appeals by AI’s members, the organization received a response from the Belarusian Ministry of Justice. In its reply the ministry “welcomes initiatives, which enable a more constructive relationship between the government and NGOs, who on their part need to respect the legislation of the republic. Simultaneously the government is working towards the perfection of legislation with regards to the regulation of the activities of public associations.” Unfortunately the ministry has failed to address the specific recommendations made by AI.

Thank you to all those who took part in this action.