On June 9, Maksim Pazniakou, acting chairman of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), addressed the 111th ILC delegates
In his speech, Maksim Pazniakou, acting chair of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), assessed the situation with trade union rights and also human rights in Belarus. The trade union leader also called on the delegates of the International Labor Conference for support for the application of article 33 of the ILO statute in relation to the government of Belarus.
«Good afternoon, dear delegates, it is a great honor for me to speak at this plenary session on behalf of the International Trade Union of Food Workers and Independent Trade Unions of the Republic of Belarus.
Belarus is a country where, since 1995, the labor movement has been destroyed and universal human rights have been violated.
Over the past 3 years, the activities of almost all non-state public organizations have been banned in the Republic of Belarus, and independent mass media have been recognized as extremist formations. Completely or partially there are no rights: to freedom and personal integrity, to privacy, to freedom of thought and speech, to freedom of information, to create public associations, to hold public events. 1500 people are recognized as political prisoners.
In 2022, the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions and all Independent Trade Unions were liquidated by the Lukashenka regime.
Now 41 trade union leaders and activists are under criminal prosecution, some of them have prison terms of up to 15 years. Almost all of them are recognized as extremists, and some even as terrorists! Just think about it, in the 21st century, in the center of Europe, trade union work is equated with extremism!
Behind bars today, among others, is Aliaksandr Yarashuk, a former member of the IUF executive committee and a member of the ILO Governing Body.
The ILO Director-General's report makes it clear that no social justice can exist in a society where basic human rights are violated.
And we desperately need support from the International Labor Organization in order to recreate the conditions for social justice, to protect basic human rights in Belarus. In order to get our comrades out of prison, to return the right to freedom of association to Belarus and to revive the independent trade union movement. We ask the delegates of the International Labor Conference for support for the application of article 33 of the ILO constitution in relation to the government of Belarus.
This is your opportunity to contribute to building a system where violations of ILO fundamental principles do not go unpunished. This is your opportunity to support where you risked and continue to risk your personal freedom for the main value of the ILO, for freedom of association.
We live in a very difficult, scary time. Time of global crises, upheavals and wars. A time when our principles, our belief in ourselves and our very existence are at risk. Right now, ILO members must be united and in solidarity like never before in their actions in defense of freedoms, democracy and social justice!»
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