UN experts decry human rights violations at Belarus detention camp

UN consultants on Monday raised alarm over allegations of poor circumstances, inhumane remedy, and different worldwide regulation violations at a Belarus detention heart.

Following confidential conferences with a Navapolatsk Correctional Colony psychologist, consultants heard experiences of “detainees…subjected to extended solitary confinement, disciplinary sanctions and bodily punishments after suicide makes an attempt, [and] denial  of important medical care.” Detainees had been additionally reportedly denied contact with members of the family and authorized counsel.

Specialists stated allegations that authorities have labeled sure detainees as terrorists and extremists, “regardless of no associated conviction,” had been notably alarming. Amongst these detainees is Ihar Losik, a journalist and blogger who was “arbitrarily detained” from 2022-2025 on “politically motivated costs.”

In 2024, rights group Viasna drew consideration to experiences that officers had positioned prisoners at Navapolatsk in solitary isolation, “disadvantaged of visits, broadcasts and calls,” and barred from sending correspondence. The group additionally alleged officers tortured detainees by depriving them of suitably heat clothes in chilly circumstances. Earlier this yr, 18 human rights teams revealed an open letter to the UN Human Rights Council, warning of possible human rights violations inflicted on detainees.

Such actions contained in numerous experiences contravene worldwide regulation, together with the Common Declaration of Human Rights and the Conference towards Torture and Different Merciless, Inhuman, or Degrading Remedy or Punishment.

The consultants reminded the Belarusian authorities that underneath worldwide human rights regulation it’s obligated to “guarantee humane detention circumstances, assure entry to unbiased medical and psychological care, and conduct credible investigations into all reported deaths and critical accidents in custody.”