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28.05.2013

Belarus concerned about migrants’ rights in European Union

MINSK, 28 May (BelTA) – The European Union’s situation regarding the protection of rights of migrants has deteriorated. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights should analyze and report the reasons that drive migrants to stage street protests like those in Sweden. The statements were made by Belarusian diplomats at the 23rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which is taking place in Geneva on 27 May – 14 June, the press service of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry told BelTA.

A Belarusian delegation led by Belarus’ Resident Representative in the UN Office in Geneva Mikhail Khvostov takes part in the session.

During discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights the Belarusian delegation drew attention to the fact that several European countries fail to honor their international commitments regarding the fight against terrorism due to their refusal to investigate participation in CIA programs for the clandestine arrest and displacement of persons, who are suspected of terrorism activities.

The Belarus delegation backed the UN High Commissioner’s intention to impel the USA government to shut down the Guantanamo prison, which is an example of impunity and brutal violation of the international law.

The Belarusian delegation expressed concern about the situation regarding the violation of economic, social, and cultural rights in the European Union, in particular, measures that lead to the social vulnerability of individuals and an increase in unemployment that has already gone beyond the record figure of 26 million people. The Belarusian delegation called upon the UN High Commissioner to demand accountability for the ruthless suppression of peaceful rallies and other violations of human rights in the European Union.