50th SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP
Statement Norway
on the on the human rights situation in Belarus delivered by Mr Tormod C. ENDRESEN,
Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations.
Check against delivery
3 November 2025
President,
Norway acknowledge Belarus’ releases of many political prisoners over the last year, but we remain deeply concerned that little effort has been made to end the systemic denial of human rights to its citizens.
Norway recommends that Belarus:
- Immediately and unconditionally release those who have been arbitrarily detained or otherwise unlawfully deprived of their liberty.
- Ends systemic repression and politically motivated prosecutions, [including detentions, torture, and persecution of political opponents and their families].
- Cease media censorship, [removes extremist labels on independent media, and ends transnational repression of reporters in exile].
- Strengthen civil rights protections, including measures to combat domestic violence and promote gender equality, [with particular attention to the rights of women and LGBTQI+ persons].
- Imposes a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolish it.
Thank you.