Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
32. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of the Government on the elections in Belarus on 26 January 2025; the level of support voiced for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Belarusian opposition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2625/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs was the case with the fraudulent 2020 and 2024 elections, the Belarusian presidential election on 26 January 2025 was neither free nor fair. The people of Belarus have once again been denied a real voice in the governing of their country. The relentless and unprecedented repression of human rights, restrictions on political participation and access to independent media in Belarus deprived the electoral process of any legitimacy.
Furthermore, I regret that the Lukashenko regime prevented an election observation mission from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) access to key stages of the forthcoming election process, making meaningful observation of the 2025 presidential election impossible and breaching Belarus’ international commitments.
The Government of Ireland is deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus, and the Lukashenko regime’s continued persecution and intimidation of all segments of Belarusian society. The Lukashenko regime has consistently used state sponsored crack-downs to stifle opposition voices and shore up its own illegitimate authoritarianism. It is clear that this unprecedented level of repression is intended to stop any criticism of the regime. It is deeply regretful that the hope that emerged in 2020, when Belarusians made clear their desire for long awaited freedom, has been met with persecution and intimidation by the Lukashenko regime.
The Government’s response to the situation in Belarus has focused on working bilaterally, at EU and multilateral level to: highlight concerns regarding the overall political climate, lack of respect for human rights and freedom of expression, and persecution of political opponents; support accountability initiatives; support the democratic opposition in exile, and; support the courageous human rights defenders and civil society organisations who continue their important work despite the increasing risks.
The Government continues to support strong coordinated EU sanctions and other measures, including action at the UN, to hold Belarus accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, and its complicity in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On 26 January, together with other EU Foreign Affairs, I met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, in Brussels ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council. At that meeting, I reiterated Ireland's commitment to continuing to speak out against the Lukashenko regime and to support the rights of the Belarusian population and the Belarusian democratic movement.
