Accountability and Human Rights Will Be Priorities During Ireland's Presidency of the European Union
- Admin of the NAM
- May 2
- 2 min read
The situation regarding the release of political prisoners in Belarus, as well as the continued repression by the regime, were discussed during a meeting between the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Coordination Council delegate Pavel Latushka and Ireland's Ambassador to Poland, Patrick Gerard.
During the meeting, Pavel Latushka specifically emphasized the importance of releasing Andrzej Poczobut, the leader of the Polish minority in Belarus, while noting that the regime continues its repression in Belarus without pause. As examples, he cited the detentions and arrests of Belarusian women in Navapolatsk, Slonim, Brest, and other cities across the country.
The Deputy Head of the Cabinet expressed support for the efforts of the United States of America to secure the release of political prisoners, while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of halting repression in Belarus and the practice of a "conveyor belt" of detentions in exchange for the release of groups of political prisoners.
Pavel Latushka also addressed a request to the Ambassador of Ireland — which assumes the Presidency of the European Union from 1 July of this year — to continue pressure on the Lukashenko regime with the aim of achieving not cosmetic but real changes in Belarus. The necessity of compelling the regime to engage in national dialogue was also underscored, in accordance with the EU conclusions of 19 February 2024.
In addition, Pavel Latushka informed the Ambassador about the preparations for the elections to the Coordination Council of Belarus, to be held from 11 to 17 May. The Ambassador expressed support and emphasized the importance of the Coordination Council functioning as a representative elected body of Belarusians.
During the meeting, Patrick Gerard was presented with requests to hold consultations regarding Ireland's possible accession to the ICC investigation into the "Belarusian situation," opened on 12 March, as well as regarding other international justice instruments.
Patrick Gerard noted that during Ireland's EU Presidency, the key priorities will be the protection of human rights and ensuring accountability for crimes committed.
At the close of the meeting, the Irish representative was presented with a joint report by NAM and BELPOL on the militarization of Belarusian children in Belarus.
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