Belarus: What is not permitted is prohibited: Silencing civil society in Belarus

Index Number: EUR 49/002/2013
Date Published: 18 April 2013
Categories: Belarus

This report examines the state of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in Belarus and documents violations of these rights faced by human rights defenders, trade unions, environmental campaigners, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. Civil society activists in Belarus face constant bureaucratic hurdles, harassment and prosecution. As a result of restrictive legislation, and the way it is implemented, individuals and NGOs in Belarus are prevented from making a positive contribution to their communities, society in general and government policy.