One of the most important aspects expressed in this resolution is the Lukashenko regime's actions against the democratic movement of trade unions. The document, which condemns all anti-people measures of the Lukashenko regime, refers to the closure of trade unions and the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), as well as the arrest of democratic trade union leaders. These measures of the regime were condemned as a violation of the basic principles of democracy and human rights.
The resolution text also addresses Belarus's failure to implement the 2004 ILO recommendations and the ongoing persecution of trade union activists. The repression carried out by Lukashenka's regime is compared to crimes against humanity, and the deportation of Ukrainian children to the Dubrava children's camp, owned by Belaruskali, is seen as ideological reappraisal and Russification that could amount to genocide.
Therefore, the EU Parliament proposes that the existing sanctions against Russia should also be imposed on Belarus. It insists that Belaruskali, the regime's main source of income, remain on the sanctions list and cannot be transported through EU territory, especially since Belaruskali, the main producer of potash fertilizers in Belarus, is directly involved in the deportation, Russification, and re-education of Ukrainian children.
An important point in the resolution is the call to provide necessary medical care to prisoners who need it, including REP union leaders Hennadz Fiadynich, Vatslau Areshka and Vasil Berasneu.
The resolution calls on all EU companies to sever relations with all Belarusian suppliers who use forced labour of prisoners in Belarusian penal colonies in their supply chains; including those not yet affected by restrictive measures. It calls on the European Council to impose sanctions on all Belarusian companies that use forced labour in their supply chains.
The document also notes the adoption of the International Labour Conference resolution on the measures recommended by the Governing Body under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution on the systematic violation of freedom of association in Belarus, the repression of the democratic trade union movement and the ongoing persecution of independent trade union leaders. The EU Parliament calls on ILO member countries to act accordingly in this regard.
In all, the resolution contains 24 grievances against the Belarusian authorities and calls for an immediate end to violence, torture, repression, and propaganda against dissidents and perceived critics. It calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, their families, and all those arbitrarily detained. It also calls for a general amnesty for all those arrested for political reasons and a peaceful transfer of power following the holding of free and fair elections.
The EU pledges to continue to provide full support to Belarusian democratic forces, including opposition political parties, civil society activists, human rights defenders, independent trade unions and free media. This commitment includes support for educational programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening these actors and building their capacity.
The adoption of the European Parliament resolution confirms the world's attention to Belarus and puts pressure on the Lukashenka regime to change its anti-people policies.
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