Human rights violations allegations in Belarus to be investigated 

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the establishment of a mission of experts to report on the fraudulent Belarusian presidential election and the ongoing violent aftermath:

“Canada condemns the ongoing allegations of serious human rights violations throughout Belarus and is increasingly concerned by the targeted violence against and continued repression of peaceful protestors, opposition members, journalists and human rights defenders. We applaud the brave women who stood up against violence.

“In response to the flawed election process and the violent response by the authorities following the vote, Canada and 16 other Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe [OSCE] states have invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to initiate a fact-finding mission of experts to investigate and report on allegations of human rights violations.

“Canada will continue to work toward a peaceful and inclusive resolution to this crisis while holding Belarus to its OSCE commitments to human rights and democracy.”