Foreign Ministry: Belarus does not recognize mandate of UNHRC Special Rapporteur

MINSK, 6 July (BelTA) - Belarus categorically rejects the resolution of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as politically motivated and having nothing to do with the promotion of human rights. Belarus does not recognize the mandate of the UNHRC Special Rapporteur on Belarus created by this resolution and will not cooperate with him, the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Belarus told BelTA while commenting on the UNHRC resolution passed on 5 July.

“The adoption by the UN Human Rights Council of the resolution initiated by the European Union suggests that European countries continue to use human rights as an instrument of political pressure and manipulation. Therefore it is logical that, despite the best efforts of the initiators of the resolution, the majority of the UNHRC member states (25 of 47) did not support this resolution,” the Foreign Ministry believes.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the post of Special Rapporteur on Belarus was completely discredited and therefore was abolished by the UN General Assembly in 2007.

“Recognizing the importance of international mechanisms to monitor the human rights situation, Belarus has consistently advocated the transparency, objectivity and non-selectivity as guiding principles in the work of these organizations,” the Foreign Ministry said.