Congressional resolution cites rights violations in Belarus (04/05/98)

Congressional resolution cites rights violations in Belarus

by Orest Deychakiwsky

WASHINGTON - Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Christopher H. Smith, on March 5 introduced House Concurrent Resolution 237, voicing concern about the serious limitations on human rights and civil liberties in Belarus, including lack of compliance with commitments made to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Joining Mr. Smith as original co-sponsors were Helsinki Commissioners Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.), John Edward Porter (R-Ill.), Ranking Member Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and House International Relations Committee Chairman Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman (R-N.Y.).

H. Con. Res. 237 calls upon the government of Belarus to abide by its international commitments and the principles of the 1994 Belarusian Constitution; urges Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to restore the rights of the Supreme Soviet (the Parliament dating back to before the November 1996 referendum parliament); and encourages cooperation with the newly established OSCE Advisory and Monitoring Group in Belarus - the mandate of which is to assist in the development of democratic institutions there.

The resolution also supports the development of independent non-governmental organizations in Belarus dedicated to promoting democracy and respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Moreover, H. Con. Res. 237 urges the president and State Department to press the Belarusian government to live up to its international human rights commitments and urges President Bill Clinton to consider human rights conditions in the review of most-favored-nation status for Belarus.

Belarus has seen an increase of human rights violations over the last few years, following the 1994 election of President Lukashenka. Following an illegitimate November 1996 referendum to amend the Belarusian Constitution, Mr. Lukashenka subordinated the legislature and judiciary to his control. Freedoms of expression, association and assembly have been curtailed. The state controls most media outlets, and has harassed or shut down independent newspapers and radio stations.