Statement by the Ukrainian World Congress released on August 10.
The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) condemns the violence against the citizens of Belarus and appeals to the Belarusian authorities to respect the fundamental human rights and the will of its citizens.
Ukrainians worldwide stand with the people of Belarus as they courageously defend their right for democratic free and transparent elections.
“We are deeply troubled by reports of election fraud, suppression of civil society and independent journalism, repressions and violence against peaceful protesters,” stated UWC President Paul Grod. “We call on the international community to stand with the people of Belarus who have clearly expressed their desire for change, just as the people of Ukraine did during the Revolution of Dignity in 2014.”
The Ukrainian World Congress joins the global voices in support of fundamental and inalienable human rights and freedoms in Belarus. We urge the international community to maintain an unequivocal position in support of the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people. UWC calls upon the Belarusian authorities to publish the authentic election results and to end all violence and intimidation against peaceful protesters.
Statement by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress released on August 10.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is concerned by the violent repression of peaceful demonstrators by the Belarusian regime, following the presidential election on August 9.
We stand with all who demand that the fundamental rights of the Belarusian people to have their voice heard and be respected. Free, fair and democratic elections should reflect the will of the people.
We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners held by the Belarusian regime. The UCC continues to work with the Belarusian community in Canada, and we call for the Government of Canada to take a strong unequivocal position in support of the democratic rights of the Belarusian people.
Statement by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America released on August 11.
The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the largest representation of Americans of Ukrainian descent, condemns the violence and self-evident political repressions against the people of Belarus.
Ukrainian Americans stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus and their demands for the immediate release of those wrongfully imprisoned during the peaceful protests for free, fair and democratic elections that reflect the will of the people.
As an organization that has monitored numerous Ukrainian elections, it is important to ensure that international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) and the European Parliament (EP), as well as those from U.S. and Canadian NGOs are allowed access to election precincts throughout Belarus, without which the votes cast by the Belarusan people cannot be considered free, honest and democratic.