By criminalizing human rights activity, the authorities create intolerable conditions for practicing this profession. This constitutes a violation of the right to work of human rights defenders as a professional group, particularly the freedom to choose one’s occupation as guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Such actions effectively amount to a ban on the profession.At the same time, this form of persecution against organizations operating in exile is part of a pattern of transnational repression. // 14.04.2026
The arbitrary invalidation of passports may be viewed as part of a state policy involving a widespread and systematic attack against the population, as a contextual element of crimes against humanity under the qualification framework of the International Criminal Court in the context of the ongoing investigation into the Lithuania/Belarus situation. // 10.04.2026
Any interaction with the organization (including social media engagement, seeking assistance, or participating in educational activities) may be considered a violation. There is a risk of criminal liability. The law is applied broadly and allows for arbitrary interpretation. If you have interacted with the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, please take steps to ensure your safety. // 06.04.2026
The OTP announced the opening of an investigation into the "Situation in Lithuania/Belarus". It concluded that there is a reasonable basis to believe that since May 2020, the Belarusian authorities have committed the crimes against humanity of deportation and persecution against those opposing or perceived to oppose the government. This marks the first international criminal investigation into the alleged crimes committed during Belarus’ post-2020 crackdown, offering the first real pathway to criminal accountability for victims and survivors. // 17.03.2026
The overview of human rights trends for September–December 2025 has been published, together with a short annual presentation summarising the situation for the whole of 2025 (currently available in Russian only).
Explore all the trends at trends.belhelcom.org. // 29.01.2026
