Individual Case (CAS) - Discussion: 2025, Publication: 113rd ILC session (2025)

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) - Belarus (Ratification: 1956)

Special sitting concerning the application by Belarus of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98), in application of the resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 111th Session (2023)

Written information provided by the Government

The Government of Belarus has already provided comprehensive information on several occasions with regard to the unfounded, politically motivated allegations levelled against it concerning non-compliance with the provisions of ILO Conventions on freedom of association, non-compliance with the recommendations of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry, and alleged harassment of trade union activists for peacefully carrying out their legitimate activities.

Taking into account that the “Belarusian issue” has once again been submitted for consideration to the Committee on the Application of Standards within the framework of the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference, the Government of Belarus is compelled to reiterate its position and provide comments on the actual state of affairs on the issues raised by the ILO bodies.

The ILO’s governing bodies continue to form their opinion of the situation solely on the basis of unsubstantiated statements and information from unconstructive and politically engaged biased actors and structures, acting in the interests of unfriendly countries in order to discredit Belarus and increase pressure on the Belarusian state. As a consequence, the conclusions and recommendations addressed to the Government of Belarus are based on unjustified allegations against the Belarusian authorities that have no factual basis.

In forming their position, the ILO’s bodies are incorrectly working on the basis of unreliable information that the protest activity in 2020 was allegedly a result of economic and/or social motives, was legitimate and peaceful in nature, and was aimed at protecting civil and trade union rights and freedoms. However, the events of 2020 were not related to the processes of social dialogue concerning labour and the realization of trade union rights and freedoms, objectively cannot serve as a basis for evaluating the situation with respect to the application of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98), and should not be considered as part of the monitoring of their implementation.

The authors of the complaints deliberately “dragged” political issues into the ILO’s work without an objective basis for doing so. By linking unlawful protest actions, which had nothing to do with the realization of trade union rights and freedoms, as well as the unlawful activities of individual citizens, with matters that are regulated by the ILO’s Conventions, the complainants, as part of their ongoing attempts to “rock” the situation in the country, are seeking to place undue pressure on the Republic of Belarus through the ILO.

The Government of Belarus once again draws attention to the absurd nature of the statements that trade unions and citizens are allegedly persecuted for carrying out trade union activities and the lawful and peaceful realization of civil rights and freedoms.

Belarus has done everything necessary to ensure that trade unions can be freely established and can carry out their lawful activities without any outside interference or discrimination. Guarantees of trade union rights are enshrined in legislation and are implemented in practice.

Unlawful restrictions on the rights of trade unions and the creation of obstacles to the exercise of their powers are not permitted.

Citizens residing in Belarus freely and actively exercise their guaranteed right to organize in trade unions. In turn, trade unions, their leaders, members and activists may freely carry out their activities, aimed at upholding and protecting workers’ labour and socio-economic rights and interests, improving the living standards and social security of citizens, including in the process of cooperating with the authorities within the framework of the social partnership system.

In addition, the competent authorities have full legal grounds for the prosecution of citizens whose actions are unlawful in nature.

Citizens who appear in the information provided by the illegitimate organization allegedly acting on behalf of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP) have been perfectly legitimately prosecuted for specific illegal acts (or crimes), which were in no way related to the lawful and peaceful realization of trade union, civil or other rights and freedoms.

The Government has already repeatedly commented on the reasons for prosecuting the above-mentioned citizens: these people have been prosecuted for crimes related to extremism and terrorism (including gross violation of public order, resulting in the disruption of transport and the work of enterprises; violence against law enforcement officers; calls for action that would harm national security; incitement to national or social hostility and discord on the grounds of national and social affiliation; promotion of extremist activities; slander; damage to property in public places, etc.).

A number of citizens were members of the extremist group known as Rabochy Rukh/Extended Round Table, funded from abroad, which sought to involve employees from the country’s state-owned industrial enterprises in radical politicized activities in order to obtain official information about their economic activities, bring manufacturing processes to a halt and increase sanctions pressure on Belarus.

Since the criminal prosecution of these individuals is unrelated to trade union activity, ongoing attempts by opponents of Belarus to manipulate this situation are extremely concerning.

The citizens mentioned in complaints made to the ILO have committed serious crimes against the interests of national security, society and the State, and they are serving lawful sentences. Any calls for all charges against them to be dropped, their immediate release, the full restoration of their rights, the provision of compensation and/or the reinstatement of their employment have no objective legal basis. Such calls essentially constitute interference in the country’s internal affairs, or the open support of unlawful and extremist activities aimed at undermining the foundations of the stability of the Belarusian state.

For reference.

Questions surrounding the review of court sentences, contact with offenders and parole are solely for the law enforcement agencies and courts, interference in the activities of which is impermissible and punishable by law.

At the same time, article 60 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen protection of his or her rights and freedoms by a competent, independent and impartial court. Decisions and actions of state bodies and officials that infringe rights and freedoms may be appealed in court.

In Belarus, there is an independent, autonomous and unified system of general courts for the whole country with clear distinctions between courts and with simple and understandable procedures for the consideration of cases and the review of court decisions.

In accordance with article 110 of the Constitution, the most important principles of the judicial system in the country are the independence of judges in the administration of justice, their subordination solely to the law, and the fact that interference in the work of judges is not permitted.

The Government has repeatedly drawn ILO bodies’ attention to the lack of contradiction between national law and practice and the provisions of ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98.

Guarantees of trade union rights are enshrined in legislation (Trade Union Act of the Republic of Belarus) and implemented in practice.

Trade unions and their organizational structures can freely, without interference from any external entity, carry out their lawful activity, which is aimed at defending and protecting the labour and socio-economic rights and interests of workers, and improving the standard of living and social security of citizens, including in the process of collaboration with the authorities within the framework of the country’s existing social partnership system.

Employers (associations thereof), state bodies, economic entities, public associations and officials are obliged to respect trade union rights. Unlawful restrictions on the rights of trade unions and the creation of obstacles to the full exercise of their powers are not permitted. Violation of the rights of trade unions or obstruction of their lawful activity is punishable by law.

In order to carry out their statutory tasks, trade unions have the right to organize and conduct, in accordance with legislation, rallies, street marches, demonstrations and other collective action to protect the interests of their members.

Moreover, the current arrangements for organizing and holding mass events in Belarus do not conflict with the principles of freedom of association and are fully consistent with the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Legislation punishing breaches of the existing procedure that result in serious negative consequences aims to prevent unlawful, socially dangerous acts that pose a real threat to citizens’ life and health. This legislation does not objectively constitute a deterrent for citizens and trade unions to exercise their right to freedom of lawful and peaceful assembly.

The provisions of the Mass Events Act do not contain any standards that prohibit citizens from exercising their right to lawful and peaceful assembly. The amendments to the Law targeted the organization, preparation and commission of acts that infringe on the State’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty, the foundations of the constitutional order, and public safety through the organization of mass unrest, acts of vandalism involving damage to, or destruction of, property, the seizure of buildings and structures, and other acts that constitute gross violations of public order, or active participation in such acts.

The amendments made to the Criminal Code aim to ensure fairness, even-handedness, and uniform application of the criminal law in practice. The amendment of legislation on criminal responsibility does not seek to infringe citizens’ and trade unions’ lawful rights to organize and hold peaceful mass events in compliance with legal requirements, nor to impede the exercise of other rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, national law and international obligations.

Improving legislation was a necessary step in aligning its provisions with the current situation and the serious challenges confronting the country in 2020 as a result of the unprecedented, planned attack on the State by unfriendly forces.

Trade unions have the right to organize and hold strikes in order to defend workers’ legitimate interests. Political demands may not be made in strikes called by trade unions.

The arrangements for organizing and holding strikes set out in the legislation do not contradict international labour standards but allow citizens to exercise their right to hold lawful strikes in order to resolve collective labour disputes without any subsequent discrimination.

The prohibition on raising political demands during strikes is a widespread and justified international practice, as enterprises should not be manipulated or used to apply pressure to achieve purely political goals.

Limitations on the right to strike may be established by law to the extent necessary in the interests of national security, public order, public health, and the rights and freedoms of other persons.

It is prohibited to provide material assistance to people participating in strikes at the expense of political parties, movements, and other public associations, as well as foreign legal entities and individuals.

Coercion to participate in a strike or to refuse to participate in a strike is prohibited.

Trade unions, in accordance with their statutory goals and tasks, have the right to cooperate with trade unions in other countries and to join international and other trade union associations and organizations of their choice.

In these circumstances, the procedure for receiving foreign financial aid is unjustifiably linked in the ILO framework to Articles 5 and 6 of Convention No. 87. These Articles do not contain provisions on trade unions’ right to unimpeded receipt of financial or other forms of assistance for political and campaigning work among the population.

The legislation in force in the country – Presidential Decree No. 3 of 25 May 2020 on foreign financial aid – does not prohibit trade unions from receiving foreign financial aid for generally useful, socially important goals, and the registration procedure is easy and quick to complete. There have been no instances of trade unions being denied, or being unable to register for, such aid.

The existing ban on receiving and using foreign financial aid for purposes involving political and campaigning work, which applies to all organizations without exception (not solely trade unions), is dictated by national security interests and is justified in the current situation.

It is obvious that the opportunity to sponsor mass events (or strikes) in the country could be used by outside forces to destabilize the socio-political and socio-economic situation in Belarus, which, in turn, would have an extremely negative impact on society and citizens’ wellbeing.

In the context of the undue political and economic pressure exerted on Belarus, implementing the ILO bodies’ requirements in terms of weakening state control over money received from abroad (that is to give external forces the opportunity to sponsor political events and processes in Belarus), exonerating trade unions and citizens from responsibility for gross violations of the law when holding mass events (that is to give them the right to break the law with impunity), and legalizing political strikes would strengthen destructive outside influence on the situation in the country.

Such demands and recommendations that are based on wrongful accusations against the Government are not in the national interests of the Republic of Belarus, do not serve the purpose of ensuring the well-being of its citizens, constitute interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation, are aimed at destroying the foundation of the stability of the Belarusian State, and, thus contravene the principles, goals and objectives of the ILO as an organization, which are focused on maintaining peace, cooperation and socio-economic development.

In view of the unfounded accusations against the Government of Belarus of ignoring the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations for more than 20 years, we note that detailed information on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry which confirms the groundless and unlawful nature of the anti-Belarusian campaign launched within the ILO and the application of article 33 of the ILO Constitution to the country, has already been submitted to the International Labour Office repeatedly for the attention of the ILO bodies authorized to consider the matter.

The Government, in cooperation with social partners and the International Labour Office, has carried out a considerable amount of work, as a result of which the vast majority of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, namely 10 out of 12 recommendations (Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12) have been implemented. Recommendations Nos 9 and 10 have been partially implemented, to the extent that they do not contradict the national interests of the Republic of Belarus.

In this regard, the allegations that the Government of Belarus has not taken action to implement the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations and has completely failed to make progress in their implementation do not correspond to reality.

For reference.

With regard to recommendation No. 9, the country’s procedure established for receiving foreign financial aid is incorrectly linked to Articles 5 and 6 of Convention No. 87. These Articles do not contain provisions on the right of trade unions and/or employers’ associations to receive financial or other forms of aid for political and campaigning work (the organization of mass events or strikes, or the preparation and distribution of campaign materials, etc.). The existing ban on receiving and using foreign financial aid for purposes involving political and campaigning work, is dictated by national security interests.

With regard to recommendation No. 10, the freedom to hold mass events in Belarus that do not violate law and order or the rights of other citizens is guaranteed by the State. The established procedures for organizing and holding mass events in Belarus do not conflict with the principles of freedom of association and are fully consistent with the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The punishment provided for in legislation for organizers of mass events that cause substantial damage and harm to the rights or interests of citizens, organizations, or state or public interests is not an obstacle to the realization of the right to the freedom of genuinely lawful and peaceful assembly.

The Government is concerned regarding the ongoing unjustified and unlawful attempts to discredit within the framework of the ILO the national trade union centre of the country, the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FPB), which brings together approximately 4 million citizens within its membership.

The Government condemns and categorically opposes unsubstantiated statements about the alleged control of the FPB by the authorities and the calls made within the ILO to limit the lawful participation of this trade union association of Belarus in the work of the International Labour Conference.

We consider such statements to be an assault on the lawful right of workers in Belarus to freedom of association.

The Government has already repeatedly had to refute inaccurate information that was shared to discredit the legitimate authorities and social partners, in particular the most representative workers’ organization in the country, which is the FPB.

The Government understands the motives behind such activity from opponents of Belarus and expresses regret that there is a place for unprincipled political games within the framework of the ILO, which are completely unrelated to labour or to the realization of trade union rights.

In view of the above, we draw attention to the following facts confirming the legitimate status of the FPB as an independent and representative trade union association in Belarus.

Currently, the FPB is the only trade union association that is active across the whole territory of the Republic of Belarus.

According to its Charter, the FPB is a national trade union centre, a national independent voluntary association of national sectoral trade unions that are member organizations of the FPB, established to coordinate their activities to protect the labour, social and economic rights and interests of members of trade unions that are affiliated with the FPB.

Today, the FPB is the largest public organization in the country, bringing together the vast majority of workers in all sectors of the economy in all regions of the country.

According to information from the state registration authorities, the FPB currently comprises 15 sectoral trade unions at the national level (affiliated organizations), with a total membership of approximately 4 million people.

At the regional level, the activities of the trade unions affiliated to the FPB are coordinated by the organizational structures of the FPB – six regional and the city of Minsk trade union associations.

The organizational structure of the FPB affiliates includes: 89 regional (or city of Minsk) sectoral trade union organizations; five sectoral trade union organizations; 498 district or city organizations; 79 trade union organizations; and 23,959 primary trade union organizations.

Thus, the FPB is the most representative workers’ organization in the country in terms of the number of trade union members, whose interests it represents.

With regard to the issue raised by opponents of the Republic of Belarus about the FPB’s “authenticity” as a genuine trade union centre and its independence from state authorities, we note the following.

The FPB carries out its activities in accordance with the legislation in force in the country, international law and the Charter of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus.

The FPB is a legal entity, acquires civil rights and assumes civil obligations through its elected governing bodies, acting in accordance with the law and the Charter. The FPB’s organizational structures are also vested with the rights of a legal entity.

The FPB and its organizational structures have their own names, seals, stamps, bank accounts, common set of symbols, estimates of income and expenditure, and stand-alone balance sheets.

The Charter clearly stipulates that the FPB is independent in its activities of state bodies and other organizations, political parties and other public associations.

The FPB independently develops and approves its Charter, determines its structure, elects its governing and supervisory bodies, organizes its own activity and manages its own staffing policy.

The FPB cooperates with other public associations to protect the labour and socioeconomic rights and legitimate interests of trade union members while respecting each other’s status and maintaining independence.

The FPB’s independence is also confirmed by the basic principles of its organization and activities, among which should be noted: voluntary membership of, and withdrawal from, the FPB; equal rights and obligations of all member organizations, their organizational and financial independence; collegiality and transparency in the work of the elected bodies of the FPB, their regular reporting to the member organizations and Congress of the FPB; and participation of all affiliates in the formation of elected governing and audit bodies of the FPB through their election by the FPB Congress and Council from representatives recommended by trade unions and delegates of the FPB Congress and Council.

The governing bodies of the FPB are:

• FPB Congress (supreme body; held at least once every five years; convened by decision of the FPB Council);
• FPB Council (governing body between Congresses; meetings are held as necessary, but at least once a year; formed on the basis of proposals from member organizations, organizational structures of the FPB, delegates of the FPB Congress, the Presidium of the FPB Council, and elected by the FPB Congress);
• Presidium of the FPB Council (governing body between meetings of the FPB Council; organizes the implementation of the decisions of the FPB Congress, the FPB Council and the Presidium of the FPB Council; meetings are held as necessary, but at least once a month; it includes the FPB President, her/his deputies, Presidium members, and other invited persons; minutes of the meetings are available to all member organizations).

The FPB President, her/his deputies, the FPB Council, its Presidium and the FPB Audit Commission are elected at the FPB Congress.

The current FPB President, Yuri A. Senko, was elected at the extraordinary IХ FPB Congress on 5 April 2024, and re-elected at the X FPB Congress on 31 January 2025.

The FPB’s objectives include:

• improving the standard of living and material well-being of trade union members and their families;
• coordinating the activity of member organizations towards the protection of labour and socio-economic rights and lawful interests of members of trade unions belonging to the FPB;
• strengthening solidarity and unity of action across the trade union movement in the country;
• improving and developing the system of social partnership, the forms and methods of collaboration between trade unions (and their associations), employers (and their associations) and state administrative bodies.

In accordance with the Charter, the FPB’s assets (monetary resources) are obtained from joining and membership fees, proceeds from entrepreneurial, educational, publishing and other activities, voluntary donations, and other receipts not prohibited by law.

The activity of the FPB is not financed or monitored by the Government of the Republic of Belarus.

Based on its goals and objectives, the FPB participates in social dialogue with employers’ associations and the Government, protecting the rights and promoting the interests of workers when considering draft legislation on social and labour-related matters, and developing and implementing the general agreement between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and national employers’ and trade union associations.

The FPB, its member organizations and organizational structure actively participate in collective bargaining processes.

As one of the three co-presidents of the National Council on Labour and Social Issues, the President of the FPB signs the general agreement on behalf of the workers.

As of 1 January 2025, 597 agreements (one general, 37 tariff and 559 local agreements) and 21,125 collective agreements have been concluded with the participation of the FPB, its member organizations and organizational structure, as a result of which workers are granted social and labour guarantees that are additional to those set out in legislation.

Thus, taking into account the FPB’s legal and de facto status as a free and independent national trade union centre, operating autonomously, without any external interference, in accordance with existing legislation, international legal norms and ILO standards, it can be stated that currently, the FPB is the single most representative workers’ organization in light of article 3(5) of the ILO Constitution.

The Government of Belarus insists that there are no grounds for ILO bodies to question the legitimacy, independence, and representative nature of the FPB.

Representatives of the FPB, as the most representative workers’ organization in the country, are included in the tripartite delegations of the Republic of Belarus to the sessions of the International Labour Conference in full compliance with the ILO Constitution.

Attempts to discredit the FPB and remove its authority to represent the interests of the workers of Belarus within the ILO are, in fact, a violation of the right of workers in the country to the freedom of association, which is guaranteed by ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98.

Taking into account the unfounded accusations of “favouritism” levelled at the Government of Belarus in relation to the FPB, we stress that, in full compliance with ILO policy, public administration bodies are making all necessary efforts to deepen social dialogue, and to maintain and improve the social partnership system established in the country.

The Government strives to ensure the most constructive interaction with all representative associations of employers and trade unions existing in the country in developing and implementing state socio-economic policy, focusing on the need to take into account the interests of various segments and groups of society and realizing the importance of creating conditions for peaceful, equitable negotiations to avoid confrontation and social conflict.

Constructive interaction between the Government and the FPB as a representative national trade union centre and an equal partner, understanding of the importance and approval of the FPB’s activities in protecting the rights and interests of the country’s workers, close cooperation and consultations on improving legislation and defining social, labour and economic policy should not be interpreted as “favouritism” or “being under control”.

All accusations made against the Belarusian side about the alleged control of the FPB by the authorities are unsubstantiated, unfounded and based on distortion of the facts. At the same time, the statements made by the country’s opponents are not supported by any irrefutable evidence, are biased and are aimed at discrediting the Government and the representative social partners within the ILO and other international organizations.

We believe that ILO bodies and Member States should not take into account information stuffing, unsubstantiated reports and distorted interpretations of the real state of affairs in the country.

As noted repeatedly earlier, negative assessments of the situation in Belarus are formed solely on the basis of unsubstantiated statements from unconstructive and politically engaged biased actors and organizations, acting in the interests of unfriendly countries, and, in effect, fulfilling a political order to discredit Belarus and increase pressure on the Belarusian state.

The main sources of unreliable information on Belarus in the ILO are people positioning themselves as representatives of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP).

In this regard, we draw attention to the illegitimate status of that organization and its lack of links with the Republic of Belarus.

The activities of the BKDP and its member trade unions were terminated on the basis of decisions of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus in accordance with article 5(2) of the Trade Union Act, which provides for the termination of the activity of trade unions when they violate the Constitution or any legislative act, causing harm to state or public interests.

During public court sessions on 12, 14 and 18 July 2022, it was confirmed that the leaders and members of these trade unions, in violation of the legislation and statutes of their organizations, took an active part in destructive activities, the aim of which was unconstitutional regime change in the country.

There was every legitimate reason to prosecute those persons who had violated the law and committed specific criminal offences.

In view of the fact that the International Trade Union Confederation, disputing the credentials of the delegates and advisers included in Belarus’s tripartite delegation, tries to position the BKDP as the only trade union association that is “independent” and “really representing the interests of workers” in Belarus, we consider it necessary to draw attention to the following facts.

The body allegedly operating at the current time on behalf of the BKDP:

• has no links with Belarus or with the national trade union movement, and, accordingly, has no objective or up-to-date information about the situation in the country;
• does not operate within the territory of the country (its office and management are based abroad on a permanent basis);
• does not represent the interests of the workers of Belarus (the trade unions that are members of the BKDP have de facto and de jure terminated their work, do not have members and primary organizations in enterprises in the country, and consequently do not carry out trade union activities to protect labour and socio-economic rights and interests);
• is not registered in accordance with the established procedure and is illegal (the activity of unregistered associations in the territory of the country is prohibited);
• is financed using funds from organizations and bodies that are acting in the interests of foreign governments, which are pursuing unfriendly and discriminatory policies against Belarus, that is does not meet the criteria of independence.

In actual fact, today, under the banner of the BKDP, a destructive cell is operational, based in one of the countries of the European Union, which receives from that country support for promoting (under the guise of trade union activity) an anti-Belarusian agenda, using ILO tools and procedures.

Thus, the illegitimate structure operating under the name of the BKDP is not a workers’ organization, has no connection with Belarus, does not meet the criteria of representativeness in light of article 2(5) of the ILO Constitution (it does not have the necessary membership, and is not free and independent). This structure should not be regarded as representative of the national trade union association for consultations when forming the country’s tripartite delegation to attend sessions of the International Labour Conference.

The Government of Belarus insists that there were and are no grounds whatsoever for article 33 of the ILO Constitution to be applied to the country or the adoption at the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference in June 2023 of a resolution on Belarus calling, in effect, for the isolation of the Belarusian state.

National legislation and law enforcement practices do not contravene the obligations accepted by the Republic of Belarus to comply with ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98. The situation with the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations by Belarus has been progressing steadily. At the current time, the vast majority of recommendations (10 of 12) have been implemented by the Government. The Government has clearly followed the agreements reached and the plans developed jointly with the ILO. The ILO supervisory bodies have repeatedly noted with interest the measures taken by the Government, observing that progress has been made.

We are categorically opposed to the ILO’s politically motivated anti-Belarusian resolution and the discriminatory recommendations to international structures and ILO Member States to review relations with Belarus.

We insist that the pressure on States and organizations that do not take steps to implement unjustified decisions against Belarus and its people is unacceptable.

We note that many ILO Member States are aware of the politicized nature of the antiBelarusian campaign, and oppose the use of United Nations system platforms to bring undue pressure on sovereign States in order to interfere in their internal affairs.

We insist on the immediate curtailment of anti-Belarusian initiatives lobbied for by Western countries and structures under their control. The totally unjustified and unlawful decisions against Belarus should be revoked.

We call on the tripartite constituents and bodies of the ILO not to take any measures in the follow-up to the resolution on Belarus, which sets a dangerous precedent of exerting unlawful pressure on a country on the basis of false accusations, and to return to constructive dialogue and cooperation.

In doing so, at the same time, we are convinced that any conclusions and recommendations of the ILO’s bodies should be based on the factual situation in the country, should not go beyond the mandate of the ILO and the areas of regulation covered by its Conventions, should not constitute interference in the internal affairs of a state and should not deprive a country of its sovereign right to choose its political, economic, social and legal systems.

Discussion by the Committee

Chairperson – As you are aware, at its 111st Session in 2023, the International Labour Conference adopted a resolution on the measures recommended by the ILO Governing Body under article 33 of the Constitution on the subject of Belarus. By adopting this resolution, the Conference decided to hold at its future sessions a special sitting of the Committee on the Application of Standards for the purpose of discussing the application of Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) by the Government of Belarus and the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, so long as Belarus has not been shown to have fulfilled its obligations. On the basis of this decision, this question was placed on the agenda of the Committee on the Application of Standards.

It is my honour to invite the distinguished representative of the Government of Belarus, the Deputy Minister for Labour and Social Protection, to take the floor.

Interpretation from Russian: Government representative – Recently, the discussion of the “Belarusian case” at the ILO has become routine and takes place several times a year: at the Conference, during sessions of the Governing Body, and so on. From meeting to meeting, the same conclusions are adopted regarding Belarus, and the same demands are put forward to the Government. However, these demands cannot be met because they are not based on the real state of affairs. They are not objective, they are unfair, and they go beyond the ILO mandate. I will focus on a number of such demands and our position.

The first is the demand for the immediate release and lifting of liability, unconditionally, for all persons who were convicted for allegedly carrying out legal trade union activities, according to the list of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP). There are no provisions in Belarusian legislation that would authorize punishment for carrying out legal trade union activities. The Belarusian State, in every possible way, welcomes legal trade union activity and promotes its development through relevant legal norms, which grant trade unions broad powers to protect workers’ rights and participate in resolving the most important issues of socio-economic development.

As for the list of persons who allegedly suffered for exercising trade union rights, as we have already noted on numerous occasions, all of them were held accountable for specific criminal offences that have nothing whatsoever to do with legitimate trade union activity. These citizens participated in organizing and holding unauthorized mass events. They grossly violated public order, used violence against law enforcement officers, assisted in extremist activities and committed other illegal acts. The national competent authorities had every possible legal basis to hold these individuals accountable. Therefore, any statements about the immediate removal of charges against all lawbreakers are simply irresponsible.

Further, I wish to emphasize that Belarus is a State governed by the rule of law, in which the generally recognized principle of separation of powers is applied. All individuals mentioned by the ILO supervisory bodies have been subject to thorough investigation and objective judicial decisions. Any changes in these matters are possible only through judicial procedures. Otherwise, we would be talking about administrative interference in the activities of the courts and for us, this is categorically unacceptable.

The next important issue that I wish to clarify, as I am sure that it will be raised in the discussion today, is that of the measures that the Government of Belarus has taken to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. I think that in the speeches of our opponents we will again hear statements to the effect that nothing has been done in accordance with the recommendations and that there is no visible progress. We categorically disagree with this.

Let me remind you that, after studying the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, the Government of Belarus informed the ILO Director-General that we would work on their implementation, taking into account, in doing so, the national interests of the Republic of Belarus. In this difficult situation, the Government of Belarus has made every effort to return relations with the ILO to their normal state of affairs.

We have never refused to cooperate. We responded positively to proposals from the ILO on organizing work on the recommendations, and tried to be as flexible and constructive as possible. As a result, concrete steps were taken in most of the areas outlined in the recommendations and significant results were achieved. In particular, measures have been taken to publish the recommendations in the media, simplify and streamline the procedure for registering trade unions, establish tripartite advisory councils, and work with judges and prosecutors. We also agreed to include a representative of the BKDP in the country’s main tripartite body, the National Council on Labour and Social Issues.

At this point, I consider it necessary to clearly outline the position of the Government of Belarus in relation to the BKDP. This organization has never represented any significant trade union force; it has never had anything in common with the real trade union movement of Belarus. The issues of labour, social dialogue and collective bargaining were not within the sphere of interests of the BKDP. Under its banner, a handful of swindlers have united, conveniently occupying the niche for receiving Western injections of funds through grants, seminars and trips abroad. Given the pseudo-trade union nature and highly politicized focus of the BKDP’s activities, it never had reasonable support among the workers of Belarus and it was not a representative organization.

In a country where trade unions unite more than 4 million people, the BKDP trade unions had a total of only a few thousand. It is obvious that by no objective criteria could the BKDP claim a place in the National Council – the national tripartite body – neither in terms of the number of its members nor in the content of its activities. Nonetheless, the ILO strongly recommended to the Government of Belarus to provide the BKDP with the opportunity to participate in the work of the National Council on Labour and Social Issues. Let me emphasize that we never had any illusions about the extremist sentiments of the BKDP leaders. However, we counted on the fact that the authority of the ILO would act as a restraining factor on them and would not allow them to cross the line of open anti-state and anti-constitutional action. But this did not happen.

The events of 2020 revealed the true nature of the BKDP and the trade unions that were part of it. These entities became headquarters for organizing extremist actions. Their leaders and activists grossly violated laws, and undertook actions directed against the interests of society and the State.

The illegal actions of the BKDP and its trade unions were confirmed by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus in 2022, in full compliance with the law. That court made decisions to terminate their activities. Today, the BKDP and its entities do not operate in Belarus and do not represent the interests of the country’s workers. They are, in legal terms in Belarus, illegitimate. Therefore, we strongly condemn any attempts to involve representatives of this illegitimate organization in the process of dialogue on Belarus. Any dialogue and any cooperation can be successful only if there is goodwill on both sides.

However, unfortunately, we do not see the slightest sign that the Western countries and the leadership of the Workers’ group, who are the main initiators of the anti-Belarusian action in the ILO, are ready to take a more balanced position and listen to the arguments put forward by the Government of Belarus.

On the contrary, they are constantly looking for additional measures of pressure on Belarus. At this moment, our national trade union centre, representing the interests of the country’s workers, the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FPB), has come under attack. A campaign to discredit the Federation as the most representative trade union association and a full-fledged social partner has been launched at the ILO. The ground is being systematically prepared for the adoption of a provocative decision regarding the FPB.

The Credentials Committee has been chosen as the instrument for implementing such provocative actions. Despite the information provided by the Government, which unconditionally confirms the status of the FPB as the most representative organization of workers in Belarus, the Credentials Committee expresses doubts regarding the legitimacy of inclusion of the FPB representatives in the tripartite delegation from Belarus. We express our strong objection against such a discriminatory approach.

The FPB is the largest and only trade union centre in the country. It includes 15 industry trade unions, the total number of which reaches 4 million people. This is 90 per cent of the workers of Belarus. The FPB is independent in its activities, independent from government bodies. It independently develops and approves its charter, elects governing bodies, and organizes its activities. The activities of the FPB are not financed or controlled by the Government of Belarus.

We strongly condemn the unfounded statements about the alleged control of the FPB by government bodies and the calls within the ILO to limit its legitimate participation in the work of the Conference.

What is the purpose of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in sending its unfounded protests to the Credentials Committee? The answer is simple: they want to deprive the workers of Belarus of the right to be represented at the largest annual ILO forum, and deprive the Government of the opportunity to form a national tripartite delegation. After all, apart from the FPB, there is no other representative trade union association in Belarus.

I would like to emphasize once again our firm position: there is no reason to question the legitimacy, independence and representative nature of the FPB. The inclusion of representatives of the FPB, as the most representative organization of workers in the country, within the tripartite delegation of Belarus to participate in the Conference, is carried out in full compliance with the ILO Constitution.

The Government of Belarus strongly demands that all provocative actions in this regard be stopped.

In 2023, the Western countries lobbied for the adoption of a resolution on article 33 of the ILO Constitution regarding Belarus. The authors of the resolution based it on measures that provide for sanctions and discrimination against our country. Two years after the adoption of the resolution, it can be said with complete and full confidence that it has not brought anything positive. Moreover, through the adoption of such resolutions of a sanctioning nature, which turn the ILO into a mechanism for putting pressure on undesirable countries, the very idea of implementing article 33 has been discredited. And the Belarusian case unconditionally confirms this conclusion.

In Belarus, indicators in the area of freedom of association and social partnership, for instance trade union density and collective bargaining coverage, meet the highest standards – reaching 90 per cent. Perhaps only the Scandinavian countries can boast similar figures. Other European countries have much more modest indicators.

Against the backdrop of significant achievements by Belarus in the development of social partnership and tripartism, a logical question arises: How could it happen that a resolution was adopted in relation to Belarus under article 33 of the ILO Constitution, which, as we know, had only been applied once in the history of the ILO prior to our case?

The answer is obvious: the real state of affairs in Belarus could not be the basis for applying such an extreme measure against the country. The real reason is the policy of pressure and sanctions that the Western countries are pursuing against Belarus as punishment for its independent domestic and foreign policies. Therefore, our position regarding the resolution remains unchanged: it should be repealed as it is unfair and politically motivated.

The policy of unfounded pressure on Belarus, based on false accusations, within the framework of the ILO has been going on for many years now. In this regard, I wish to address the members of the Committee, who have a sense of justice and who understand the value of the fundamental principles of the ILO. Together we can change the situation. It is necessary at this session of the Conference to take steps in this direction. The unfair conclusions regarding Belarus should be rejected and the ILO supervisory bodies should be called upon to objectively and carefully consider the Government’s information, abandoning the policy of double standards and discrimination. I call on all members of the Committee to take a principled position and to support the Republic of Belarus.

Worker members – This is the second time we are addressing the situation of Belarus within the framework of this special sitting of this Committee, following the article 33 resolution concerning Belarus of the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference. We express gratitude to the Secretariat of the Committee for ensuring that all relevant reports on this matter are readily accessible on the Committee’s website.

We will rely on the facts, conclusions and recommendations in the 410th Report of the Committee on Freedom of Association, the discussions and decisions contained in the 349th, 350th, 352nd and 353rd Reports of the Governing Body, as well as the 2024 observations of the Committee of Experts. We will also be happy to know if there is an update regarding the appointment of a special envoy and the setting up of the working group of the ILO and other United Nations (UN) agencies and procedures.

We regret and are deeply concerned that the Government has done nothing to address the concerns raised in the discussion last year or implement the conclusions adopted. The Government continues to demonstrate a total disregard for this Committee, the ILO and the International Labour Conference. All recommendations and calls by the ILO supervisory bodies and the Governing Body for the implementation by Belarus of the article 33 measures have been consistently ignored. It cannot be the case that the Government of Belarus is right while all the ILO supervisory bodies and the UN human rights bodies are wrong. We must recall that this issue has occupied the attention of ILO supervisory bodies for the past 20 years.

As I speak – and as was the case last year – our colleague and ILO Governing Body member, Mr Aliaksandr Yarashuk, remains imprisoned in Mogilev under a strict regime. He is entitled to only one visit and one parcel annually. His health is deteriorating. Mr Aliaksandr Kapshul is another detainee, serving a 15-year sentence for trade union activism and the defence of workers’ rights. Ms Volha Brytsikava, leader of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union (BNP), is also imprisoned. On 28 June 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs included her on the “extremist” list by administrative order. In January 2025, the KGB escalated the designation, adding her to the “terrorist” list. The ILO reports referenced earlier list many other colleagues imprisoned for their trade union activities. From reports, the conditions of detention of trade unionists amount to torture: overcrowded cells, continuous lighting, lack of hygiene and no access to warm water.

At this very moment, the unilateral dissolution of the only independent trade union centre, the BKDP, remains in force. Their legitimate union activities have been labelled extremist. Forced into exile, the BKDP is now compelled to conduct trade union activities from abroad. Remaining members and workers are subject to intimidation and serious harassment.

Law enforcement and security agencies conduct raids against disloyal workers in private companies. For example, on 14 June 2024, in the Grodno Region, workers at a metalworking company were subjected to anti-extremist operation. Fully armed national security officers stormed the factory floor, forcibly detaining workers and subjected them to harsh treatment. Several of them were arrested and detained without clear charges. Shortly thereafter, a progovernment channel broadcasted confessions from detained workers, who were accused of associating with groups declared “extremist”.

In July 2024, reports emerged that workers at two private companies producing optomechanical instruments faced routine surveillance, including polygraph tests, phone inspections, and coercive interrogations. Some were detained for days and subsequently dismissed.

In addition to these direct assaults on the independent trade union movement and its members, repressive legislative developments persist. The law on mass activities severely restricts public assemblies, including protests and demonstrations. Amendments to the Criminal Code impose harsher penalties, while the Labour Code remains unamended and noncompliant with ILO Conventions.

With the eradication of independent trade unions, the FPB dominates the industrial relations landscape. While the Government and the FPB claim it is the sole legitimate trade union body, numerous reports, including those from the Governing Body, Credentials Committee, this Committee and the Committee on Freedom of Association, seriously question this independence.

We assert that the FPB is not an independent trade union organization. State authorities, including the President of Belarus, have repeatedly expressed support for the FPB, displaying clear favouritism. Presidential Decree No. 46 of 2024 on the State Personnel Register of the Republic of Belarus, intended to enhance the efficiency of state bodies, includes the Chairperson of the FPB on the list of state officials. This register covers senior positions in state bodies and affiliated organizations, further underscoring the close relationship between the FPB and the Government.

The recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and ILO supervisory bodies are unequivocal: under Conventions Nos 87 and 98, trade union independence means governments must not favour one union while systematically destroying another. It is worth noting that at no moment, since the recent development regarding the destruction of the independent trade unions and imprisonment of their leaders, has the FPB proposed constructive dialogue with the Government as the way forward. The absence of such a call from the FPB speaks volumes about its independence.

The only way forward is for the Government to seek the support of the ILO to address these matters in the context of the article 33 measures in a spirit of dialogue.

Employer members – We have taken note of the oral and written information on this case provided by the Government of Belarus. We know that ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98 were both ratified by Belarus in 1956. As a group, we would like to emphasize the importance of Member States’ compliance with respect to all ratified Conventions, including Conventions Nos 87 and 98, which are two of the ten ILO core Conventions. As reflected by both the Government representative and the Workers’ group, this case has a long-standing history in the ILO. The Committee of Experts has issued many observations since 1997, and the case has been dealt with in various ILO supervisory structures over the years. We note that the Government transmitted written information regarding the observations and recommendations of the ILO supervisory bodies on freedom of association issues and information on the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. As the Government representative stated, the discussion of this case in the ILO has become, sadly, routine.

The Employer members would like to recall that in May 2024, a high-level round table on freedom of association in Belarus organized by the ILO took place, to reflect on how best to achieve implementation of the ILO resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 111th Session, in 2023. Three UN Special Rapporteurs participated in the round table and reported on it. The ILO Governing Body has also dealt with this case several times. At its session in March 2024, the Governing Body once again urged the Government of Belarus to receive, as a matter of urgency, an ILO tripartite mission with a view to gathering information on the implementation of the recommendations, including a visit to the independent trade union leaders and activists in prison or detention.

In the 2024 conclusions, this Committee urged the Government to, among others, take all possible measures with the greatest urgency to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and all subsequent observations made by the supervisory bodies of the ILO regarding compliance with the Conventions. Furthermore, this Committee urged the Government to accept an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent doctors can visit all imprisoned trade unionists to assess their health and offer medical assistance, as necessary, and an ILO tripartite mission to assess the situation and visit trade unionists that are currently in prison or detention.

At the Governing Body session in March 2025, a decision concerning the follow-up to the resolution concerning the measures recommended by the Governing Body under article 33 of the Constitution was taken. The Governing Body noted with deep regret that the Government once again provided no new information on the measures taken to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and subsequent recommendations of the Committee on Freedom of Association, the Committee of Experts and this Committee. The Governing Body once again requested the Government, with the utmost urgency, to accept an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent doctors can visit all imprisoned trade unionists to assess their health and offer medical assistance, as necessary, and an ILO tripartite mission to assess the situation in the country, including a visit to trade unionists that are currently in prison or detention.

The Committee of Experts made the following key observations on Convention No. 87:

• They noted with deep regret that, since its 2023 report, the Government of Belarus has made no significant changes in law and practice that would affect the application of the Convention and once again merely reiterated the information it had previously provided. Once again, the Government of Belarus reiterated its belief that the Committee misunderstands and misinterprets the situation on the ground.
• The Committee of Experts firmly urged the Government to immediately release all trade union leaders and members arrested for participating in peaceful assemblies or for exercising their civil liberties pursuant to their legitimate trade union activities, and to drop all related charges.
• With reference to the International Labour Conference conclusions and the decision of the Governing Body at its 352nd Session, the Committee requested the Government with the utmost urgency to accept: (i) an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent doctors can visit all imprisoned trade unionists to assess their health and offer medical assistance, as necessary; and (ii) an ILO tripartite mission to assess the situation and visit trade unionists that are currently in prison or detention.
• The Committee of Experts also urged the Government to take measures to amend without further delay Decree No. 3 (on receiving and using foreign gratuitous aid), the Law on Mass Activities and the accompanying Regulation, as well as sections 342-2, 369, 369-1 and 369-3 of the Criminal Code providing for restrictions on mass events and associated penalties, to bring them into compliance with the Government’s international obligations regarding freedom of association.
• Moreover, the Committee of Experts urged the Government to engage with the ILO with a view to fully implementing all outstanding recommendations of the ILO supervisory bodies without further delay. In this respect, the Committee of Experts urged the Government to receive, without further delay, an ILO tripartite mission with a view to assessing the situation, as requested by this Committee.

The Employer members would like to highlight that in line with Article 2 of Convention No. 87, freedom of association implies and requires that workers and employers must be able to decide freely, without State interference, whether to set up their own organizations. Article 3 of Convention No. 87 recognizes the right to organize their administration as constituting an important aspect of the activities of employers’ and workers’ organizations. According to Article 11, each ILO Member State in which this Convention is in force undertakes to take all necessary and appropriate measures to ensure that workers and employers may exercise freely the right to organize.

We regret that the Government of Belarus continues to forcefully deny the concerns raised by this Committee and other ILO supervisory bodies. We further note that the Government views these concerns, and this process, as a politicized impediment to its legitimate interests to ensure its national security and in operating its judicial system.

To be clear, the Employer members do not wish to impede or interfere in the lawful and legitimate work of any sovereign State. Nevertheless, we share the Committee of Experts’ concerns, and we believe it is important to reiterate its observation that the Government continues to refuse to share the judicial decisions relating to the imprisoned trade union leaders and workers, despite repeated requests. If these individuals were indeed arrested and imprisoned for reasons unrelated to their lawful trade union activities, then the Government should at least be willing to demonstrate that that claim is consistent with their laws.

Taking into account all these developments, the Employer members express grave concern, in line with our statements in the various ILO supervisory bodies. We urge the Government to start engaging in a constructive dialogue with the ILO as a matter of urgency to improve the country’s situation regarding freedom of association and the right to organize. The Employer members stand ready to constructively support this process. Also, the national employers of Belarus confirm their commitment to cooperation and interaction.

In conclusion, and based on the observations of the Committee of Experts, the Employer members recommend the Government to:

• immediately take steps to release trade union leaders and members arrested for participating in peaceful assemblies or for exercising their civil liberties pursuant to their legitimate trade union activities, and to drop all related charges.
• accept an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent doctors can visit all imprisoned trade unionists to assess their health and offer medical assistance, as necessary and an ILO tripartite mission to assess the situation and visit trade unionists that are currently in prison or detention.
• take measures to amend, without further delay, the identified legal provisions to bring them into compliance with the Government’s international obligations regarding freedom of association.
• receive without further delay an ILO tripartite mission with a view to assessing the situation and to engage with the ILO with a view to fully implementing all outstanding recommendations of the ILO supervisory bodies.

Interpretation from Russian: Employer member, Belarus – The Confederation of Industry and Enterprise of the Republic of Belarus represents the enterprises and companies of various sectors in our country, representing more than 70 per cent of the employers in the country. The employers of Belarus are deeply concerned about the sanctions imposed on our social partners. However, we see an unfortunate tendency in the ILO where issues that should be contained in the Workers’ group extend to all of the social partners, deflecting from more relevant topics for employers and business in general, and which are addressed in the agenda of the annual session of the Conference, including this one.

Resolving labour relations issues and ensuring a decent quality of life are a stimulus for global peace and stability. In this regard, multi-level dialogue within the ILO is something that is extremely important and that ILO Members strive for.

Our Confederation in Belarus, supported by the majority of our members, supports principles, such as the development of human potential by creating good conditions for work, continuous staff training and implementing social programmes for workers. Carrying out training programmes, and introducing into the workplace vocational and training policies, increase the level of involvement of workplace collectives and serves sustainable development, energy and resource efficiency, responsible production and consumption, and safety in industry, as well as environmental friendliness and many other advantages. This is work that we do in close cooperation with our social partners. Disputes are resolved on the basis of mutually recognized realistic obligations and good faith implementation. Successfully solving socially significant problems in workplace collectives in the country contributes to the development of a reputation for the employer as a responsible partner. Developing the potential of our human resources and the creation of appropriate working conditions for employees are ongoing priorities for us and a matter of constant focus.

The employers of the Republic of Belarus are equal participants in all important discussions and are co-authors of the decisions taken on the basis of social partnerships. In many cases, on the basis of responsibility and mutual respect, our dialogue has led to the introduction of workplace safety measures and the strengthening of social equity. The employers of Belarus have repeatedly reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to the principles of the ILO.

The ILO platform is being used as an instrument of political pressure at the moment, which contradicts its fundamental principles and the goals of sustainable development, economic growth and technological progress. As we know, sanctions and restrictions have never, anywhere in the world, contributed to development goals, especially in the area of social and labour relations, which we supposedly “care so much about” at the ILO.

As you know, on 17 March this year, 2025, at the Governing Body session in this room the Employer spokesperson, Renata Hornung-Draus, indicated that the issue of Belarus in 2004 indeed remained on the table and cast doubt upon the ILO’s mandate to consider that, as do we.

In conclusion, I wish to assure you that the employers of Belarus will abide by our international obligations on the basis of mutual respect and fairness, in accordance with the fundamental principles of the ILO.

Interpretation from Russian: Worker member, Belarus – The FPB is the legitimate and authorized representative of workers in our country. With deep regret and disappointment we note the fact that, as every year goes by, consideration of the issue of Belarus in the ILO is becoming ever more absurd and politically motivated. Particular individuals and States are openly involved in distortion of information and playing fast and loose with the facts. All this is done with only one goal, namely increasing pressure on our country in the service of certain geopolitical interests. We would particularly like to emphasize that all of these unlawful activities merely serve to damage the rights of the workers of Belarus.

I will give you some concrete examples. Firstly, once again we hear unfounded allegations to the effect that in Belarus there is no progress whatsoever in implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry that were issued in 2004. This is absolutely not true. The Commission of Inquiry issued 12 recommendations, and each and every one of them has been worked on in detail. For instance, we have significantly streamlined the judicial procedure for the registration of trade unions. We have removed the requirement for at least 10 per cent of workers for the formation of a trade union. The Government of Belarus has repeatedly put forward evidence of the adoption of decisions to give effect to the recommendations. Further, I would like to remind you of the fact that even ILO bodies have officially recognized progress on this issue and have noted with interest and satisfaction certain steps taken by the Government of Belarus to give effect to the recommendations. That being so, statements to the effect that in Belarus there is no progress whatsoever on this issue are simply assertions that do not stand up to any criticism.

Secondly, representatives of a number of illegitimate entities are asserting with manic stubbornness that in Belarus, there is no freedom of association or collective bargaining. In that connection, I would like to state the following, bearing in mind that this has already been said.

In Belarus, we have 15 sectoral trade unions. Each of them has its own constitution and its own programme of activities, and independently establishes its interaction with social partners, including the decisions on tariff agreements. If we look at the sectoral trade unions, we see that more than 25,000 primary trade union organizations are involved and the absolute majority of them have concluded collective agreements. Therefore, at the initiative of trade unions in these local-level agreements, we see additional guarantees being provided to workers, significant additions to wages, protection from dismissal, additional leave and holidays, various forms of compensation, and so forth. Further, representatives of the national trade union and sectoral centres regularly monitor compliance in practice with labour legislation. Last year, thanks to the trade unions, we were able to identify 44,000 instances where labour legislation had been violated and to deal with those situations. We managed to reinstate scores of workers who had been unfairly dismissed. We were also able to return to trade unions unpaid monies that they were due. Each of these instances is genuine help and protection for workers.

Further, we regularly put forward proposals to improve our legislation, and our representatives are involved in a working group that is preparing amendments and additions to the Labour Code and the Code on Occupational Safety and Health. This gives us an opportunity in the discussion to put forward new norms in the interests of workers and to exclude any proposals that might work against the rights of workers and weaken their guarantees.

I would like to emphasize that the new guarantees that are adopted are not only applied to trade union members but to all workers. For instance, thanks to our federation, all workers in Belarus now have additional guarantees in terms of duration of contracts. Also, thanks to our work at a legislative level, we now have additional labour guarantees for young workers and older persons. All of this clearly demonstrates that in Belarus we do have the necessary conditions for the free operation of trade unions and for the conduct of collective negotiations and bargaining. The FPB is also independent in its activities and works genuinely to protect the interests of workers.

My third point, and I would like to draw this to the attention of everyone here, is that allegations are also levelled against Belarus due to the fact that in our country, people are supposed to be held accountable simply for taking part in peaceful protests in 2020. Let me present a very eloquent illustration as to what really happened at that time. Under the leadership of particular political forces, internet resources were created where the personal data – names, addresses, and so on – of those against attempts to violently overthrow the authorities were posted. Supporters of the so-called charges propagated and encouraged calls against these people and their minor children – literally to “hang them, kill them”. And these are the people who now, in the ILO, are apparently speaking for independent trade unions, people who carried out this criminal act. Is this supposed to be trade union work? This is not simply whipping up social division, it is internal terrorism and is the kind of threats and pressure that we encounter not only on the internet but also elsewhere. Representatives of our trade union organization have faced such pressure. Why does the ILO not say anything about this? Why are our rights not defended? Why are you ignoring what happened and the fact that the events of 2020 had nothing whatsoever to do with freedom of association, particularly bearing in mind the fact that ILO bodies have repeatedly stated that “trade union organizations should not engage in political activities that are abusive or go beyond their core functions, pursuing mainly political interests”.

In conclusion, I would like to make one more important point. For many years we have heard from those who are in favour of coercive measures against Belarus, including within the work of the ILO, hearing that all of this is done supposedly in the interests of our country’s workers. That is falsehood and cynicism of the highest order.

As a result of unlawful sanctions introduced by Western countries against our country, we have seen a threat to the employment and the income of workers in many enterprises in Belarus. In that situation, the Government, employers and the FPB have done their utmost to guarantee employment and wages for people. At the same time, as illegitimate entities abroad are claiming to be people who are defending the rights of workers, what is actually happening? What is actually happening is that here within the ILO, efforts are being made to extend the sanctions. On this instance of discrimination against workers in our country, we have sent an official complaint to the ILO, but our appeal has simply been ignored. This shows the extremely biased and unjust nature of the relations between ILO bodies and Belarus and our workers.

At the heart of the accusations against Belarus, we find blatant lies and slander. The FPB, has repeatedly put forward facts, figures and data to show that in our country, we do have the necessary conditions for the free and independent operation of trade unions and for collective bargaining. But as we see today, the honest, open and principled stances taken by the FPB are simply something that here in the ILO not everybody likes to hear about.

Once again, under pressure from representatives of a number of Western countries, we are being forced to be quiet so that workers in Belarus, those who are directly involved and who really see the situation from within, cannot get information to participants in this Conference. This is something that we see in the unlawful decision to deprive our trade unions from votes at this Conference, and we see ridiculous arguments being put forward.

For instance, one accusation relates to the experience of public service of the Chairperson of the FPB. I would like to point out that we have similar practices in many trade unions throughout the world. And the fact that this happens only emphasizes that in our country all citizens are equal and have the right to be elected to trade union office. Therefore, we insist that the decision concerning the follow-up to the resolution concerning the measures recommended by the Governing Body under article 33 should be repealed. It is a decision that was taken on the basis of disinformation and of the imposition on participants in this Conference of a particular position taken by a number of Western countries. The ILO should not be a tool for underhand politicians. It should return to its initial functions to foster growth and well-being for all people, to defend the right to work and resolve real problems on the labour market.

Government member, Poland – I speak on behalf of the EU and its Member States. We deeply regret the continued violations and the persistent failure of the authorities of Belarus to comply with their obligations under ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98. Although two years have passed since the adoption of the article 33 resolution, the authorities of Belarus have shown persistent disregard of the guidance, conclusions and recommendations of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry, the supervisory bodies and the Governing Body, and have refused to accept and implement them. Once again, we call on Belarus to take all the necessary measures to meet the obligations it committed itself to as a Member of the ILO and by voluntarily and willingly ratifying ILO fundamental Conventions.

We remain deeply concerned by the gross and deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus, including grave violations of labour rights, especially freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. We strongly condemn the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against independent trade unionists, civil society organizations, democratic opposition forces, and all other segments of Belarusian society. We equally strongly condemn new forms of repression against them, such as trials in absentia, expropriation, intimidation of whole families or children being removed from their families. The situation has further worsened since the Belarusian regime’s involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

We strongly urge Belarus to receive as a matter of urgency an ILO tripartite mission to gather information on the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and subsequent recommendations of ILO supervisory bodies. This mission must be enabled to visit the independent trade union leaders and activists in prison and detention.

Given the gravity of the situation, the European Union has imposed several rounds of sanctions, the latest on 27 March 2025, in the face of unprecedented level of human rights violations and in the context of the election of January 2025. The EU and its Member States deplore the dissolution of independent trade unions, which undermines the legitimacy of social dialogue institutions. We repeat our call to the authorities of Belarus to abandon their policy of destroying the Belarusian independent trade union movement. We echo the Committee on Freedom of Association’s request to the authorities to take steps to review the situation of the dissolved trade unions so as to ensure that they may again function.

We deplore the fact that political prisoners remain incarcerated in appalling conditions and express grave concern over the cases of deaths in detention. We urge the authorities to stop the repression and to respect and protect human rights and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, and their full and effective rehabilitation, including trade unionists prosecuted for exercising peaceful and legitimate trade union activity. We are deeply concerned about a system of restrictions on the rights of those who have served their sentence, including limited freedom of movement, constant monitoring and frozen bank accounts.

We deplore the climate of state violence, intimidation and fear in Belarus, and the erosion of the rule of law exemplified by the complete lack of impartiality and independence of the judiciary. We note with concern the observations of a group of independent human rights experts of 22 January 2025 about the growing practice in Belarus of conducting trials in absentia and without basic trial guarantees leading to lengthy prison sentences, deprivation of property and housing, or even the death penalty. We echo the call of the Committee on Freedom of Association to implement recommendation No. 8 of the Commission of Inquiry in that regard.

Considering the repeated grave allegations concerning the nomination of the workers’ delegation of Belarus to the Conference, we note with concern the conclusions of the Committee on Freedom of Association concerning strong dependence of the FPB upon the Belarusian authorities and increasing State control and interference in the activity of this organization. We closely monitor the Credential Committee’s findings and we urge the authorities of Belarus to nominate non-Government delegates and advisers to the Conference in agreement with the most representative, genuine and independent workers’ and employers’ organizations.

We thank the Office for engaging with other UN human rights bodies to create a working group that coordinates action towards the implementation of the recommendations of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry and other supervisory bodies. We hope that the ILO Special Envoy will be appointed soon, and we encourage further coordinated efforts towards the full implementation of the Conference’s resolution. We also urge Belarus to engage with the ILO Special Envoy, once established.

It has been more than 20 years since the Commission of Inquiry published its report and recommendations. Regrettably, they have not been implemented to date. In the last five years, the authorities have ceased meaningful cooperation with the ILO and have consistently reiterated the information already provided. We urge the authorities of Belarus to take concrete measures to give full effect to all the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and the subsequent requests of ILO supervisory bodies including to amend without further delay Decree No. 3 on receiving and using foreign gratuitous aid, the Law on Mass Activities, the Criminal Code and the Labour Code to bring them into compliance with the international obligations regarding freedom of association.

We reaffirm our strong support for the application of article 33 of the ILO Constitution and will take measures in line with the resolution of the 2023 Conference as needed. The EU and its Member States are committed to working with the ILO and its constituents to secure compliance by the authorities of Belarus with the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations.

Government member, Denmark – I speak on behalf of the following 34 Governments: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and my own country, Denmark.

The Committee is meeting today again to carry out a responsibility entrusted to us in the resolution of the Conference of 2023 concerning the measures under article 33 of the ILO Constitution regarding Belarus. Two years have passed since the adoption of the resolution, and more than two decades since the Commission of Inquiry issued its report and recommendations to ensure observance by Belarus of the ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98. Yet, regrettably, Belarusian authorities have systematically violated their commitments under the ILO fundamental Conventions, and the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. This year’s report of the Committee of Experts paints yet again a deeply troubling picture of persistent and systemic violations of the ILO fundamental Conventions by the Belarusian authorities. Our Governments note with serious concern that no substantial changes in either legislation or practice have been reported. Instead, despite clear evidence of systematic repression against independent trade unions, their leaders and members, the alarming and deteriorating human rights situation, the systematic shrinking of any civic space, and strong and consistent condemnation from the ILO constituents, the Belarusian authorities maintain that the situation in the country has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. We are particularly concerned with the continued reports from the BKDP, UN Special Rapporteurs, and others, of mass repression against independent trade unions, criminal action taken against workers and their families for exercising their fundamental labour rights, and the judicial harassment of trade union members, including arrests, prosecution and imprisonment. The Belarusian authorities have deliberately dismantled independent civil society, including depriving workers of the ability to organize and advocate for their rights. We further condemn the growing practice of trials in absentia and without basic fair trial guarantees, and demand an immediate halt to such trials as well as full access to legal representation and transparent judicial proceedings.

The reports of politically motivated actions against independent businesses and their workers in Belarus, including arbitrary inspections, raids, searches, administrative fines or closures, are a matter of grave concern. We deeply deplore the climate of State violence, intimidation and fear against peacefully protesting workers in Belarus.

We strongly denounce the Belarusian authorities’ total disregard for international labour obligations. Belarus must halt the violations of its obligations without further delay and fully implement the guidance, conclusions and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, the supervisory bodies and the Governing Body.

To that end, we demand full transparency of law enforcement proceedings which bear the hallmarks of political cases. All trade union leaders and members arrested for their participation in peaceful industrial actions or protests in line with their legitimate right to freedom of association must be immediately and unconditionally released and all related charges must be dropped. Each instance of intimidation or physical violence must be investigated without delay through an independent judicial inquiry. The dissolved trade unions must be allowed to function and fully participate in national tripartite bodies. The rule of law must be upheld, a predictable and transparent business environment must be ensured, and all enterprises must be guaranteed the ability to operate free from political interference or retaliation. We urge the Belarusian authorities to accept, with the utmost urgency, an ILO tripartite mission to assess the situation and visit trade unionists that are currently in prison or detention, as well as an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent doctors can visit all imprisoned trade unionists. We call on Belarus to immediately and unconditionally cease its support of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, which severely impacts Ukrainian lives and livelihoods, including workers, employers and their families.

We note with concern the repeated grave allegations regarding the close affiliation between the Belarusian authorities and the FPB, which has not shown to be a free, genuine and independent organization of workers. We urge the authorities to refrain from showing favouritism towards any particular trade union. Considering the need for permanent and continuous monitoring of the situation in Belarus, we encourage the ILO Director-General to appoint a Special Envoy in Belarus as soon as possible. It is also crucial that the Director-General further engages with other UN agencies, special procedures and relevant international bodies with a view to ensuring coordinated and joint action towards the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and the supervisory bodies.

To conclude, we reaffirm our strong support of the application of article 33 of the ILO Constitution and are committed to continuing to work with the ILO and its constituents to secure compliance by the authorities of Belarus with the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. We will continue to support a special sitting of this Committee so long as Belarus has not been shown to have fulfilled its obligations under ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98.

Government member, Canada – I am speaking on behalf of the Governments of Australia, Japan, New Zealand the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and my own country, Canada.

We thank the Committee of Experts for their most recent observation about the situation in Belarus. Echoing the Committee of Experts’ deep regrets, we strongly deplore that Belarus has indicated that no significant change in law and practice has been implemented since 2023, despite multiple reports on the worsening of the human and labour rights situation in the country and numerous calls from this Organization to fully implement the recommendations of the ILO supervisory bodies. Persistent and widespread human rights and labour rights violations and abuses being perpetuated against workers and trade union and labour leaders for exercising their fundamental rights at work are well documented by the BKDP, UN reporters and others.

We are deeply concerned by reports of more than 50 trade union and labour leaders still under criminal prosecution, either imprisoned or under a penalty of restriction of freedom, or released but not exonerated, the use of the judicial system to persecute trade union and labour leaders, as well as the growing practice of conducting trials in absentia without fair trial guarantees, the criminal sanctions including imprisonment for up to ten years for anyone associating with free and independent trade unions and the practice of mass detention of workers.

Notwithstanding such overwhelming evidence, the Belarusian authorities continue to systematically deny any violations of Conventions Nos 87 and 98, and maintain that the recommendations of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry have been implemented. For more than 20 years, the authorities of Belarus have repeatedly failed to protect workers’ fundamental rights showing a complete and blatant disrespect for the ILO supervisory system at the expense of its workers. Once again, we urge the authorities in Belarus to fully comply with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and to accept an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent doctors can visit all imprisoned trade unionists to assess their health and offer medical assistance, accept an ILO tripartite mission to assess the situation and visit trade unionists that are currently in prison or detention, release all trade unionists imprisoned or criminalized for exercising their fundamental labour rights immediately and unconditionally, and stop widespread attacks against workers and their leaders, including mass detention and arbitrary dismissals.

We strongly believe that the resolution adopted by the Conference in 2023 under article 33 was the only remaining available option to urge the authorities of Belarus to fully comply with ILO fundamental principles and rights at work, their obligations freely agreed under the ILO Constitution and the findings of the ILO supervisory mechanism.

We reiterate our full support to the ILO supervisory system, including for the work of this tripartite Committee, which has for over 100 years been able to engage in a constructive dialogue to provide guidance toward the realization of the ILO mission, that is to promote social justice and fundamental principles and rights at work, which are essential to achieve a universal and lasting peace.

We urge the authorities of Belarus to respect the ILO supervisory system’s expertise and impartiality and integrity, and to fully cooperate with the ILO to implement without any further delay all outstanding recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and the ILO supervisory bodies. Finally, we encourage all ILO constituents to continue taking all possible measures in accordance with the resolution of the 2023 Conference, with a view to bringing Belarus into compliance with its obligations under the ILO Constitution and Conventions Nos 87 and 98.

Employer member, Canada – I am speaking as a representative of the Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and Communications (FETCO), a Canadian employer’s association, to express our deep concern regarding reports of the continued violations of the right of social partners to freely associate in Belarus.

The freedom to associate is a cornerstone of the work that we do at the ILO. Conventions Nos 87 and 98 establish the rights of workers and employers, without distinction, to establish and join organizations of their own choosing, free from interference and without prior authorization. These rights are essential for fostering balanced, constructive tripartite dialogue which, in turn, is critical for addressing economic and social challenges. The reported ongoing restrictions and punitive measures against independent organizations and their members in Belarus represent a clear violation of these principles. As an employers’ organization, we recognize that the ability of both workers and employers to organize and advocate for their interests is vital for maintaining industrial harmony and advancing mutual interests. We therefore urge the Government of Belarus to align its laws and practices with its international commitments by ensuring that both employers’ and workers’ organizations can operate freely and without fear of reprisal.

Interpretation from Chinese: Worker member, China – We have taken note of the statements made by all sides in this Committee. Our position is consistent. Sanctions are not the goal, rather, truly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of workers is our shared objective. To this end, we call for all concerns to be duly addressed, for strengthened consultation and dialogue, and for efforts to promote an early resolution of this case.

Government member, Pakistan – Pakistan acknowledges the commitment of the Government of Belarus to upholding international labour standards and its continued cooperation with the ILO. We believe dialogue and engagement are essential for addressing concerns and promoting labour rights. We take note of the measures undertaken by Belarus to implement the 2004 recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. We further encourage the exploration of alternative mechanisms to address outstanding issues, rather than proceeding under article 33 of the ILO Constitution. Pakistan underscores the importance of upholding the principles of national sovereignty and advocates for dialogue and cooperation as the preferred means of resolving differences within the ILO framework.

Worker member, Brazil – I will begin my statement by expressing our deep regret concerning the repeated failure by the Government of Belarus to comply with the obligations under Conventions Nos 87 and 98. For over two decades, we have observed non-compliance with the recommendations of the ILO Commission of Inquiry. And now, we are witnessing the blatant transgression of the last resort invoked by the ILO in response to persistent violations: the application of article 33 of the ILO Constitution. The forced dissolution of all independent trade unions in Belarus has de facto eliminated freedom of association and labour relations.

The report submitted in July 2024 by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Anïs Marin, has increased our concern by highlighting that the “level of engagement, which has never been satisfactory, has significantly deteriorated over the years following the human rights crisis unfolding in the context of the 2020 presidential elections”. Regarding freedom of association, the report underscores that, in 2022, Belarus reintroduced section 193-1 into the Criminal Code to criminalize the organization of and participation in unregistered associations, indicating that, today, registration procedures are more restrictive than ever.

There can be no genuine social dialogue if the Government is liquidating all independent trade unions and imprisoning their members.

In this context, any official figure related to collective agreements, labour disputes, or trade union membership has no legal or democratic legitimacy as it excludes a significant proportion of workers by failing to recognize independent trade unions. These data do not reflect free labour relations but rather the outcome of coercion and repression.

I wish to draw particular attention to the abusive effects of the collective agreements concluded by trade unions recognized by the Government. Collective bargaining exclusively benefits those persons affiliated with pro-government trade unions, therefore depriving members of independent trade unions of bonuses, medical insurance and pensions. This discriminatory practice has been institutionalized since 2020 through coordinated reviews of collective agreements in major enterprises such as the Minsk Electrotechnical Plant.

Through the forced and illegal liquidation of all independent trade unions and the de facto impossibility of creating new ones, any worker who is not a member of an official trade union is completely excluded from the collective bargaining process, and is left without any representation, voice or protection.

The international community cannot remain silent before this systemic repression. The erosion of trade union rights in Belarus is not only a national crisis but is a direct challenge to international labour standards and the ILO fundamental principles.

Government member, Cuba – We thank the Government of Belarus for the information presented today.

We can see that the Government has implemented most of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, confirming the authorities’ will and efforts to implement, to the extent possible, those recommendations within the existing legal framework. Belarus is demonstrating, once again, a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue and constructive cooperation with the ILO. Cuba welcomes these positive actions, which must be recognized by the Organization.

Member States’ sovereignty and self-determination must always be respected. It is on this basis that a government can honour its commitments and make progress in cooperation efforts. It is imperative that the supervisory bodies of the ILO consider the information submitted by governments impartially, objectively and in strict adherence with their mandates. It is concerning that the responses sent to the supervisory bodies by some governments are not evaluated on an equal footing with the allegations made by the social partners.

The dividing line between legitimate trade union interests and issues of a political nature seems to be all too frequently irrelevant to the supervisory bodies of the ILO. There is a need to, as a matter of priority, bring clarity to these processes, which are marked by selectivity, politicization, partiality and double standards that harm the Organization’s standing and credibility.

The implementation of a plan of action for any country that contains elements outside the mandate of the ILO is unacceptable for Cuba. This Committee cannot be a tool for coercing States. The principles of impartiality and objectiveness must always be respected. Cuba rejects and will continue to oppose draft resolutions, mandates and recommendations that are selective, interfering or politicized that run counter to the ILO’s mandate and purpose. We will consistently defend approaches based on cooperation and constructive and respectful assistance, and we will always oppose punitive and coercive approaches. Confrontational, politically motivated mandates and mechanisms imposed against the will of the States concerned, as in this case of Belarus, are fruitless, ineffective and destined to fail.

The ILO and its supervisory bodies continue to urge Member States to provide information on the adoption of coercive measures against Belarus. Unilateral coercive measures are unacceptable and must be abolished. As well as contravening international law, they undermine economic development and social justice, worsen the situation of workers and increase unemployment and poverty among the most vulnerable.

Cuba has defended, and will continue to defend, tripartite dialogue and consensusseeking as principles that are fundamental and vital to the ILO’s effective fulfilment of its important mandate and its responsibilities.

Government member, Islamic Republic of Iran – The Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledges Belarus’s continued engagement with the ILO and its long-standing membership, having ratified 51 ILO Conventions, including fundamental ones. We recognize the constructive efforts outlined by Belarus to address labour matters through its tripartite mechanisms, including the National Council on Labour and Social Issues for the improvement of legislation in the social and labour sphere. We note Belarus’ significant efforts in establishing technical cooperation projects, conducting legislative reforms to strengthen social dialogue, and enhancing trade union rights through joint initiatives with the ILO. We are confident that the ILO will continue to focus on its core mandate in a manner that prevents politization regarding Member States’ cases, including Belarus.

We call upon this Committee to recognize Belarus’s legitimate implementation efforts and genuine commitment to international obligations, and to focus on constructive dialogue based on technical cooperation. We urge the ILO to prioritize technical assistance and constructive cooperation, ensuring that the Organization’s actions align with its constitutional mandate and respect the sovereignty of Member States. Only through genuine tripartite dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the ILO’s fundamental principles can we fulfil our mandate of promoting social justice and decent work for all. The ILO’s strength lies in facilitating cooperation and technical expertise. In conclusion, we support continued engagement between Belarus and the ILO, grounded in mutual respect. We encourage all parties to resolve outstanding issues through constructive dialogue and technical cooperation.

Government member, Azerbaijan – The delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan commends the Government’s efforts to promote a consistent policy of raising the income level of the population and providing social guarantees for the most vulnerable groups of people. Information provided by the Government confirms that it prioritizes the development of social and labour issues in accordance with the generally accepted international standards and Conventions of the ILO. The Government demonstrates its readiness to cooperate with the ILO in areas related to the mandate of this organization. For this reason, my delegation will not be able to support the conclusions of the Committee regarding Belarus.

Worker member, Denmark – I speak on behalf of the Nordic workers and the workers of Spain. Freedom of association and the right to organize is, in many ways, the foundation of a democratic society – a society based on dialogue with the goal of growth for all its members. It is imperative for freedom as well as for stability and for peace. Unfortunately, in Belarus, and in far too many regimes alike, it is not a freedom for the people but a threat for the Government. If freedom of association were ever to be achieved, the regimes’ terrifying and destructive hold over its people would be disrupted. Because of this, the State does not allow genuine unions to exist. If you are a trade union independent from the State, such as Salidarnast or the Belarusian Radio and Electronic Industry Workers’ Union, the KGB will label you as an extremist formation. For such unions, the consequences are serious: liquidation of the organization and the jailing of the people involved.

From then on, simply “liking” these unions on social media can be deemed a criminal extremist offence and you risk dismissal, arrest and interrogation. Since 2020, 22,500 such “extremist offences” have been recorded simply for union-related activity. This is a systematic criminalization of trade union activity, meant to keep the people and the workforce subservient and afraid. While free trade unionists face systematic oppression, the state-led, so-called “unions” have free tax exemptions aplenty. They are legally allowed to grant discriminatory benefits through faux collective agreements to those who sell their souls, become members and thereby enablers of the State’s actions. Let us all remember though, that for the people of Belarus there are no alternatives. Even since article 33 was invoked in 2023, nothing has happened. Belarus has shown no respect for its international obligations. Belarus refuses to change. If Belarus is ever to have true social progress and be a trustworthy state, it must change.

The case of Belarus serves as a reminder for us all that true freedom of association is something that must be fought for, with full solidarity. With Belarus’s stranglehold on its people, the international community must keep up the pressure, with all means available, for social justice, peace and stability, and for our brothers and sisters in Belarus.

Government member, Lao People’s Democratic Republic – At the outset, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic takes note of the 410th Report on the Freedom of Association, and other documents by this Committee, and sincerely thanks Belarus for the comprehensive updates on the current ILO-related cooperation and work in Belarus. My delegation commends Belarus for the continued efforts in fulfilling its obligations under the ILO Conventions and mechanisms, including implementation of the decisions and recommendations adopted during the Governing Body sessions, this Committee and other related conferences. In this regard, we would like to recognize ongoing efforts and significant progress made by the Belarusian Government, which include: first, the promotion of the full employment of the population; second, the consistent policy of raising the population’s income level and providing social guarantees for the most vulnerable categories; third, the Government’s engagement with ILO social partners to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry; and fourth, the awareness-raising campaigns on ILO work and initiatives carried out nationwide.

We recognize the importance of tripartite participation in the ILO’s work in the decision-making process and consider that tripartite representation must be designated by the country concerned. Regarding the ILO action plan and the proposed appointment of an ILO Special Envoy "to supervise all activities related to ensuring prompt and effective implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry”, as well as the ILO action plan or technical assistance, we are of the view that the activities should be based on the request of the country concerned. For that reason, my delegation is not in a position to support the draft decision.

Worker member, Germany – I am speaking on behalf of the German trade unions and Swiss workers align themselves with the statement. I would like to draw your attention to the inhumane and degrading prison conditions faced by political prisoners in Belarus, many of whom are trade union leaders, activists and members. These are people who have dared to exercise the fundamental right to freedom of association which is enshrined in Convention No. 87. They are now behind bars for doing just that. In Belarusian colonies and prisons, political prisoners are labelled extremists and marked with yellow tags. This marks them as enemies of the State. They are subjected to increased surveillance, restrictions on correspondence, isolation and psychological pressure. They are held in harsh conditions: overcrowded cells, absence of medical care, food shortages, denial of family visits and, in some cases, solitary confinement. In the detention centres, they are prohibited from taking advantage of educational opportunities, and participating in sports and cultural events. Many are forced to work, even in hazardous activities, for example, dismantling cables containing heavy metals without any protective equipment. This is a direct violation of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), and yet these practices continue.

We have testimonies from former political prisoners who are only released after serving their full sentence. Not only are they forced to work in hazardous conditions, they also work with almost no pay, often less than €1 a month. They have absolutely no choice in the tasks that they are given. Let us be clear, this is retribution for political opinions. It is an instrument to suppress and intimidate trade unions, and any dissenting opinion. Female prisoners, including mothers of young children, are also subjected to repression. They have been sentenced to five years or more and throughout this time, they have been denied the right to see their children. This is systematic state-sponsored cruelty against people who dare to speak their minds, yet the Belarusian Government continues to deny the existence of repression.

We call on the ILO and its Members to confirm the findings of the Commission of Inquiry to pursue the measures set out in article 33 of the Constitution, to demand access for independent monitoring of prisons and colonies, send medical personnel to prisons and colonies, urge the Belarusian Government to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, and explicitly name forced labour as an instrument of political persecution. This is not just a Belarusian issue. It is a matter of principle for every worker and every trade union in the world. Let our voices in this chamber be louder than the silence imposed on our comrades behind bars.

Government member, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela – The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomes the information provided by the Government of Belarus which demonstrates its commitment to the principles of constructive dialogue and mutual respect.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms that direct, genuine and unconditional social dialogue within the ILO is the best tool to strengthen cooperation and reach viable, sustainable agreements. On the other hand, political, media or institutional pressure, far from achieving specific aims for the benefit of workers, fosters increased tensions, confrontation and, ultimately, the unravelling of conflicts; this is, in short, the failing of diplomacy and negotiation.

Any attempt to influence international cooperation and the protection of labour rights for geopolitical purposes or with the aim of attacking state sovereignty or integrity must, therefore, be rejected. It is vitally important to recall in this Organization that any decision that affects a State must be taken in the spirit of constructive social dialogue, be based on verifiable facts and respect independence and national legislation. We therefore encourage all parties involved to act with objectivity and fairness, helping to strengthen cooperation and mutual respect.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly rejects the imposition of punitive measures, which are outside the mandate established by the ILO and have proven to be ineffective. Such an approach does not align with the Organization’s functions or principles, and its adoption is inappropriate, in addition to setting a dangerous precedent. We therefore reiterate the importance of acting always in accordance with the principles of sovereignty, equality and noninterference, and we call for efforts to find avenues for dialogue and cooperation that strengthen peace, social justice and mutual respect in our multilateral system.

Worker member, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – Imagine that by listening to this debate, you were committing a crime. Imagine that just by listening to most of the speeches from the workers’ benches today, including this one, whether directly or through the sterling work of our superb interpreters, you were considered to be an extremist, regardless of what you did with the information I am sharing with you. But that is not far from the reality for trade union members in Belarus right now. In today’s Belarus, it is not only dangerous to stand up for workers’ rights, it is dangerous to even read that you have rights.

In March 2024, a court ruled that the materials, symbols and even the media resources of Salidarnast, a network of independent trade union activists, were “extremist”. This was a logical continuation of the repression aimed at completely excluding workers from the free information space. From that moment on, any interaction with independent trade unions became a crime. From reading union news – just to read it, not necessarily to act on it – to subscribing to an independent telegram channel, or liking or forwarding a post, you can be arrested, fired or sent to prison. Sometimes without the right to defence, and with a yellow label saying “extremist”. Workers can no longer freely receive information about their rights, about the situation in their workplaces or even the events of this Conference. The only authorized source of information is the pro-government FPB. Everything else is illegal.

As we have heard from 2020 to 2024, more than 22,500 so-called “offences of an extremist nature” were registered in the country. This term does not refer to terrorism or violence but to postings, subscriptions and interviews. People’s smartphones are checked directly at their workplaces – in factories, schools and offices. The Law on countering extremism has become an instrument of total intimidation. This is not a fight against extremism. This is a fight against the truth. This is a ban on the existence of an independent trade union movement.

In my intervention last year, I talked of how the free exchange of information is at the very core of trade unions’ ability to represent the interests of members, that workers’ rights cannot be achieved without the sharing of knowledge of what such rights are and the coordination of activities to defend them. Huge amounts of trade union time and resources go into communicating with members, with an increasing array of digital tools deployed to bring those members into the decision-making of our unions, as well as to make sure they know the law and practice of our labour rights. As democratic organizations, this is fundamental.

But today in Belarus, the right to freedom of information itself is under attack and with it, the right to freedom of association, freedom of expression and the basic dignity of working people. As internationalists, we defend the rights of our sister centre trade unionists just as we do our own, in the knowledge that to allow the abuse of rights somewhere, is to risk it happening anywhere. We will not allow this terrible situation to be considered normal and therefore call on all those concerned to protect the right of Belarusian workers to be informed, to express themselves and to organize in independent, democratic and communicative trade unions.

Worker member, Japan – Belarusian trade union activists are continuing to face harsh repression by the regime, both inside the country and in exile. Following are two of the most alarming and high-profile cases of the repression.

Leanid Sudalenka, a trade union lawyer and human rights defender, served three years in a Belarusian penal colony under Article 342 of the Criminal Code of Belarus on the organization and financing of protest. He was released on 21 July 2023 but due to ongoing political repression was forced to emigrate. From abroad, Leanid continued to inform the international community about the situation in Belarus, including the inhumane conditions in Belarusian prisons. As a result, on 1 November 2023, a new criminal case was opened against him. He was declared wanted, not only in Belarus, but also in the Russian Federation. On 17 June 2024, he was sentenced in absentia to five years in a high-security prison for repeated offences, along with a fine of approximately €8,000. On 1 March 2025, Belarusian security forces once again raided Leanid’s home. They also stormed the home of his 87-year-old mother, searching for him. As a result, the older woman suffered a heart attack and required urgent medical care. This represents not only the continued persecution of Leanid himself but also targeted psychological pressure on his family.

Maksim Pazniakou, acting President of the BKDP, was forced to flee Belarus in 2022 after serving one month of administrative detention and facing continued threats of persecution. From abroad, he has continued his work with the BKDP and has kept the ILO informed about the situation in Belarus. He regularly speaks at ILO platforms, including sessions of the Governing Body and the Conference. For his active stance, a criminal case was opened against him in December 2024, and he was declared wanted in both Belarus and the Russian Federation. Police have repeatedly visited the home of his 75-year-old mother, conducting searches and interrogations. Other family members have also been subjected to pressure and questioning.

We call on the international community to strictly uphold the principle of nonrefoulement, that is the non-return of Belarusian trade unionists and human rights defenders to a country where they face serious risk of persecution, ensure appropriate protection for the activists, as well as for their family members, provide support for their legal status, and facilitate access to residency and documentation in their host countries. Today, international solidarity is urgently needed to protect those who continue to fight for workers’ rights under dictatorships.

Interpretation from Russian: Another Government representative – I would like to request that attention be given to the way in which some speakers are describing a sovereign country in the words that they are using. I would invite you to cut off those who use unacceptable language within the framework of the international system of the ILO.

Government member, Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan acknowledges the long-standing engagement of Belarus with the ILO, its expressed commitment to social and labour standards, and efforts to foster a tripartite partnership system. We also note the Government of Belarus’s information on the steps taken to implement the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, as well as its openness to dialogue with social partners and the ILO, evidenced by past cooperation with ILO missions and technical projects. Regarding the conclusions by ILO supervisory bodies on the importance of the full implementation of Conventions Nos 87 and 98, we believe it is key to enhancing constructive engagement between the Government and the ILO to address these matters in a collaborative manner.

Worker member, Poland – Two years ago, at the 111th Session of the Conference, we took the extraordinary step of invoking article 33 of the ILO Constitution in response to the grave and persistent violations of freedom of association in Belarus. Today, we must state clearly, the Belarusian authorities continue to ignore the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, as well as their obligations under Conventions Nos 87 and 98. The clearest example of this repression is the case of Aliaksandr Yarashuk, President of the BKDP, Vice-President of the ITUC, and a long-standing member of the ILO Governing Body. He was arrested on 19 April 2022 during coordinated raids against independent unions and, in December of that same year, sentenced to four years in prison for so-called “calls for restrictive measures”, which, in reality was his public criticism of the Lukashenko regime and of this Organization. But Yarashuk is not alone. In January 2023, Hennadz Fiadynich and Vatslau Areshka were sentenced for the same reason to nine and eight years of penal colony, respectively. In total, at least 27 independent union leaders and activists are currently sentenced for their activity, and more than 70 individuals are recognized as political prisoners connected to the trade union movement. Any criticism of the Government or of State enterprises is criminalized and punished. We must therefore echo the question that has just been asked by the Worker member of the United Kingdom. Will everyone who speaks at this special sitting, or at other ILO or international events, have to fear arrest and imprisonment in Belarus, simply for defending freedom of association and criticizing authoritarian rule? Supporting freedom of association in Belarus is our duty; we must not fail.

Government member, Lebanon – Lebanon takes note of the report presented by the delegation of the Republic of Belarus, highlighting the significant progress made by the Government in implementing several recommendations and obligations arising from the ILO Conventions, particularly Convention No. 87 and Convention No. 98.

In a constructive spirit, we encourage the Government to continue aligning domestic legislation and policy frameworks with the provisions of these two Conventions. In this regard, continuous commitment to inclusive dialogue with social partners and the ILO is key for overcoming all the challenges. We firmly believe that fostering well-balanced mechanisms for the involvement of the tripartite partners in shaping and implementing social, economic and labour-related policies highly contributes to reinforcing trust and positively impacts the work environment. In conclusion, we wish the Republic of Belarus prosperity and a successful cooperation with the ILO.

Worker member, France – I am speaking on behalf of the French and Belgian workers. In 2025, the ITUC’s Global Rights Index, concerning trade union rights and freedoms worldwide, once again classified Belarus among the ten worst countries for workers. The systematic violations of freedom of association are rooted in the brutal suppression of the public transport workers’ strike in 1995. Three decades later, the trade union landscape has been devastated and the independent trade unions annihilated.

Deprived of the fundamental freedom to organize to defend their rights, workers are exposed to the arbitrariness of the public authorities. Today, the repression of Belarussian workers is only increasing.

Across all the country’s public enterprises and administration, there is a service responsible for ideology that monitors the degree of workers’ loyalty to the State. These structures are integrated into management and human resources departments. Workers suspected of political disloyalty are forced to make a public apology or are dismissed.

Raids by police and the security services on workplaces are frequent and are carried out in public and private enterprises and on foreign capital. The agents who carry out these arrests are armed and are usually in charge of fighting common law criminals. Workers can be targeted if they are subscribers of independent information channels, if they “like” a social media posting, if they appear in photos of the 2020 demonstrations, if they make donations to a civil society initiative, if they support human rights activists or if they support families of political prisoners. Yes, there is suppression and intimidation in workplaces.

All of the country’s workers are subjected to coercive labour relations. Fixed-term contracts, which can only be unilaterally modified or broken by the employer, is the rule. Workers are constantly afraid of losing their jobs.

In a large public enterprise that produces nitrogen fertilizer, lie detectors are used systematically, to decide on both contract renewal and recruitment. There is also evidence that lie detectors are used in other State enterprises. Candidates for recruitment are obliged to provide recommendations from their previous employer. Loyalty is a key factor in recruitment decisions. There are unofficial lists of « disloyal » citizens who are refused a job.

The stalemate in which the system of work in Belarus is in demonstrates that freedom of association is a cornerstone of democracy, crucial in the defence of workers’ fundamental rights.

Interpretation from Russian: Government member, Russian Federation – We share entirely the views expressed by the representative of the Government in its assessment of this special sitting. We have to note that, over the last year, there has been zero constructive movement from the ILO regarding the Belarusian question. Once again, we would note the blatant politicized character of the resolution adopted by the 111th Session of the Conference on the use of article 33, and we have a similar view of the assessment made and decisions taken on the Belarusian question by the Governing Body on a regular basis. We would once again draw attention to the fact that, at all stages, the Government has shown a constructive approach to dialogue with the ILO. The Government has implemented the vast majority of the 12 recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry of 2004 and is also taking a number of measures in law and in practice to, for example, protect workers’ rights, strengthen social dialogue, and liberalize the registration and regulation of trade union organizations.

However, these steps are being ignored by the supervisory mechanisms of the ILO when it comes to considering the Belarusian question in favour of a small group of countries and other interested parties who want to exert political pressure on Minsk. It is telling that the substantial share of accusations against Minsk, which are unfounded, relate to the alleged persecution of trade union activists. Once again, allow me to emphasize that these individuals have been tried by courts and found guilty of serious crimes.

In full accordance with the legislation of Belarus, we will not tire of pointing out that the fact that one belongs to a political movement – and the so-called independent trade unions of Belarus are political movements that have nothing to do with protecting workers’ rights –does not give individuals a free pass, and demands for quashing or giving retrials to such individuals constitute interference in the internal affairs of the State and, furthermore, go well beyond the ILO mandate.

Allow me to conclude with a slightly rhetorical question. What are the results, after two years of a campaign of sanctions waged against Belarus, one element of which is today’s special meeting? The answer is simple - none, if you do not include the discreditation and isolation of, and discrimination against Belarus, and the worsening of the situation of Belarusian workers and enterprises. We do not understand how these measures can be supported by supposedly right-thinking States. We call on those present to educate themselves on the facts on the ground. The Russian Federation fully rejects any measures against the Republic of Belarus that can be adopted at the conclusion of this special sitting. We would be compelled to call for a vote on any such decisions being considered by the Committee.

Worker member, Canada – Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Canadian Labour Congress and workers in Canada. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO), the most representative trade union federation in the United States of America, also joins this statement.

In Belarus, the release of political prisoners does not mean restoration of rights or rehabilitation. On the contrary, systemic persecution continues even after prison. Former detainees remain under so-called “preventative supervision,” which restricts their movement, prohibits attendance at public events, and obliges them to report to the police weekly. In some cases, they cannot even leave their place of residence without special permission. All of them are included on official lists of “extremists” – and in some cases, even “terrorists.” This is not just a label, it has serious consequences: frozen bank accounts, bans on employment, exclusion from education, and widespread fear and stigma.

Trade union activists released from prison are still unable to return to their professional life. Their diplomas, employment records, pension, and healthcare rights are often inaccessible. Social stigma and pressure from law enforcement persist.

We must stress that this is not about isolated incidents, but about a policy of continued punishment beyond prison walls. It is a form of control, intimidation, and exclusion, without trial, without appeal, and without the right to forget. We call on the ILO and its Member States to: reaffirm the need for full legal and social rehabilitation of all trade union activists who have suffered repression; recognize the practice of “preventative supervision” and extremist labelling as a form of administrative persecution; continue to demand not only the release, but the full restoration of rights for everyone punished for their trade union or civic engagement. Without rehabilitation, there is no freedom. Without restoration of rights, there is no justice.

Government member, Algeria – We have listened closely to the statement by the Government of Belarus, in which it indicated that it gives full attention to the observations and recommendations of the ILO supervisory bodies. The Algerian delegation welcomes the significant measures taken by the Government of Belarus. We feel that the situation is positive, particularly given the efforts made to facilitate the registration of trade unions and the necessary steps envisaged to protect trade union rights and combat all forms of anti-union discrimination. Algeria encourages the Government to continue its efforts and its technical cooperation with the Office. Hence, my country strongly advocates maintaining an open dialogue between Belarus and the competent ILO bodies, to achieve mutual understanding and to resolve the concerns expressed in a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.

Worker member, South Africa – I deliver this statement on behalf of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) to express our deep concern at the continuing systematic violation of trade union rights in Belarus, particularly the arbitrary detention and punitive treatment of independent unionists.

Since 2020, Belarusian authorities have pursued a deliberate strategy to dismantle independent trade unions. Today, at least 27 trade unionists remain in prison on politically motivated charges, including Aliaksander Yarashuk, President of the BKDP. The conditions of these unionists have worsened. Mr Yarashuk has been transferred to a high security prison, and he is now denied visitation and severely restricted in his communications. Alarmingly, detained union leaders are now being labelled as “terrorists” under domestic law, blocking material support and threatening their survival in detention. The case of lawyer and unionist, Ales Bialiatski, further highlights this repression.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention recently declared his detention arbitrary and unlawful. His forced transfer from the Russian Federation and 15-year sentence mirrors this wider pattern of abuse. This campaign now targets not only prominent leaders but also local activists. They face harsher prison regimes, total denial of visits and reprisals against any expression of solidarity. What we are witnessing is not isolated abuse. It is a systematic attempt to extinguish the right to independent association in Belarus. We call upon the ILO to intensify scrutiny and mobilize all available mechanisms to protect Belarusian workers, unionists and their institutions.

Interpretation from Chinese: Government member, China – We thank the Government representative of Belarus for the introduction. The Government has taken practical measures to simplify union registration procedures, conduct international labour standards training and create a favourable environment for social partners to exercise their legal rights freely. The unemployment rate in Belarus has decreased and the social security system has improved. This should be recognized and valued by this Committee.

The Government values the fulfilment of its obligations, addressed the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry and maintains constructive dialogue and cooperation with the social partners and the ILO. Out of the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry, most have been implemented. This reflects its efforts and active stance. China’s position on the case of Belarus is consistent. As a specialized UN agency, the ILO adheres to the belief that social justice is the foundation for lasting peace. To achieve this, the ILO should adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation on the basis of respect for the sovereignty of Member States, rather than confrontation and division. We should be vigilant about some countries and forces that politicize labour issues, and use them to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries for their own geopolitical purposes, which will damage the credibility of the ILO. Article 33 of the Constitution is the most severe measure of the ILO and the refusal of Member States to accept recommendations is the prerequisite. We firmly oppose the arbitrary expansion and misuse of such a measure, and oppose sanctions against countries that are serious about fulfilment. Sanctions have already and will continue to impact economic and social aspects of the country and infringe on the rights of workers and employees, which is not in line with the mandate of the ILO.

Equality before the law is a basic principle of the rule of law and no one should have privileges beyond the law. Illegal acts should be punished according to the law.

We urge this Committee and ILO tripartite constituents to respect the sovereignty of Belarus, look at the social and labour situation comprehensively, listen to its introduction and commitments, review its information fairly and equally and evaluate the situation in a realistic manner to avoid the misuse of such a resolution which means that the case of Belarus remains indefinitely in our discussions. We encourage the Office to communicate and exchange in depth with the Government to provide more technical support, help the Government to better implement Conventions, protect the rights and interests of workers and employers, and promote the economic and social development of the country.

Worker member, Philippines – Today, I rise to speak for those who cannot, for the brave members of the BKDP, dissolved by the Belarusian authorities along with every single independent union under its wing. Since 2022, the regime in Belarus has done the unthinkable, it has erased independent trade unionism. Offices locked, assets seized, and unionists thrown behind bars. Their “crime”? Daring to stand up for workers. Some are now serving sentences of 7, 9, even 15 years, not for violence, not for corruption, but for trade union work. This is not merely a breach of Convention No. 87. This is the total annihilation of freedom of association. Today in Belarus: Forming or registering an independent union? Impossible. Conducting union activity? Prosecuted. Workers pressured to join state-run “zombie” unions that speak for no one but the regime. Hundreds of activists have lost their jobs, many languish in prison, and others live in exile or under constant watch, knowing a knock on the door can come any day.

We thank the ILO for invoking article 33, a rare and necessary step, and for the Commission of Inquiry’s findings. Yet the Belarusian regime continues to shrug it all off, pretending no repression exists. Our message today is clear and unwavering: recognize that freedom of association in Belarus lies in ruins; demand the immediate, unconditional release of jailed unionists; reject any puppet “workers’ representatives” created by the authorities; maintain unrelenting pressure until genuine, independent unions can rise again. Let us not kid ourselves: this is not some “internal matter”. If union rights can be crushed in one country with impunity, then the entire global house of labour is on shaky ground. An injury to one is an injury to all.

Observer, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) – I address you today not only as a representative of workers from Myanmar, but also as someone who shares the same painful reality as the workers in Belarus.

This year, our country, Myanmar, like Belarus before it, was placed under the article 33 procedure of the ILO Constitution. This is a historic and rare measure, but for us it is not just a legal procedure. It is the recognition of a shameful and intolerable truth: fundamental labour rights are being violated in our countries. In Myanmar, labour activists continue to be arrested, tortured and even killed. Our people face forced labour, violent mobilization and daily terror. We have no freedom of speech, no right to organize, not even the right to live in dignity. And yet the workers are resisting.

The situation in Belarus is just as grim. Today, independent trade unions are banned and their leaders are behind bars. Thousands have been forced to flee the country or remain silent. Trade union organizations have been classified as “extremist”, not because they use violence, but because they give workers a voice and defend their interests, not those of the ruling elite. In both countries, the dictators fear the same thing: organized workers who know their rights and are not afraid to fight for them. This is why government terror against its own people has become commonplace in Belarus and Myanmar. The article 33 process is not a solution to the problem, nor is it the end, but only the beginning of real action. Let us prove together that this is not a formal procedure, but something that violators of international norms should fear.

Support – morally and politically – the free trade union movement in Belarus, both within the country and in exile. Workers pay the highest price every day. Do not leave them to fight this battle alone.

Government member, Zimbabwe – The discussion in the special sitting on Belarus has been on the table for quite a long time in the ILO. The Government of Zimbabwe has followed the discussions and takes note of the submissions by the Republic of Belarus. In particular, we welcome the clarity provided on the intention of its legislative amendments and implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. Belarus continues to demonstrate commitment towards fulfilling its obligations on ratified Conventions and continues to submit progress reports to the ILO.

We also take note of Belarus’s submission concerning the FPB as an autonomous and bona fide trade union and all the other issues that have been said about trade unions in that country. Zimbabwe reiterates that social dialogue is a critical ingredient for fostering sustainable economic and social development and promoting decent work. Hence, the Government should allow the unions to come together in an appropriate and progressive manner that allows for peaceful co-existence and the development of their country.

Zimbabwe is, however, very concerned about the continued use of illegal unilateral coercive measures, which continue to be compounded by the negative impact of regional geopolitical tensions. These continue to militate against Belarus’ ability to deliver on its mandate to promote and protect the rights of its workers and employers. Unilateral coercive measures impact the full enjoyment of labour rights.

In the same vein, it is our considered view that the ILO supervisory structures should remain objective and neutral, and aim to promote constructive dialogue without pursuing political agendas that hinder the participation of Belarus as a Member State of the ILO. It is of concern to expect Belarus to deliver on its mandate of promoting decent work and social justice in the world of work in an environment that does not promote the same.

We therefore call upon this Committee in its conclusions to consider resumption of ILO cooperation with Belarusian tripartite partners on a pragmatic, non-political basis to allow constructive social dialogue.

Worker member, Morocco – We are deeply concerned by the rapid deterioration of the safety and health conditions of incarcerated trade unionists in Belarus. The conditions in the detention centres in Belarus are inhumane. The prisons are heavily overpopulated, poorly ventilated, and without provision of adequate food and drinking water. People with chronic diseases are often left without essential care, which puts their lives in immediate danger. There are significant restrictions on the provision of medications to prisoners by their families and friends.

We would like to draw your attention to the urgent and critical humanitarian situation of two trade unionists in particular:

• Vatslau Areshka, aged 70, a long-term activist of the Belarusian Union of Radio and Electronics Workers (REP) and editor of its newsletter, was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2023. Since being imprisoned, Mr Areshka’s health has deteriorated alarmingly. Today, he is almost blind and almost unable to walk, as a direct consequence of the harsh prison conditions and the refusal of medical assistance.
• Hennadz Fiadynich, aged 67, the Vice-Chairperson of the REP, was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2023. He has a serious heart condition and diabetes, and has only one kidney. Despite these medical conditions that threaten his life, he is also detained with reinforced security restrictions, and does not receive the medical care he urgently needs.

The two men are detained in conditions equivalent to a slow execution. We call on the international community to act as a matter of urgency. We urge the ILO, the governments, workers and employers to use all available mechanisms to demand that the Belarussian Government saves these trade unionists. We also demand the Belarussian Government to comply with the Office’s request to give immediate and unobstructed access to independent medical care for all detained trade unionists, and we call for the unconditional release of all persons imprisoned for their peaceful trade union activities. Their health – and their lives – cannot wait. They are dying in the name of freedom of association, for all of us, right now.

Interpretation from Russian: Government member, Turkmenistan – Turkmenistan welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Belarus and expresses its gratitude for the detailed information provided on the current situation relating to the implementation of Conventions Nos 87 and 98.

I would like to take this opportunity to share our positive experience of cooperation with the ILO. In particular, this applies to the adoption of the successive road maps between the Government of Turkmenistan and the ILO. In particular, this includes the conduct of review missions, the stepping up of tripartite interaction and coordinated work on the reform of labour legislation. Complementing this cooperation, Turkmenistan is also developing partnerships with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which is contributing to broadening the participation of national social partners and strengthening the capacity for social dialogue in the country.

It should be noted that the case of Turkmenistan has been repeatedly examined within the ILO’s supervisory mechanisms, including in the Committee.

In this regard, it was precisely the constructive dialogue, mutual respect for respective positions and the rejection of pressure that became the key factors in achieving positive results. This approach has strengthened trust and opened the way to practical cooperation. This is an experience that demonstrates just how productive cooperation between a State and the Organization can be. It shows how the ILO can support States in implementing recommendations and how governments can demonstrate their willingness for open and responsible cooperation.

We acknowledge the efforts of the Government in ensuring full employment, occupational safety, the creation of decent working conditions and the observance of fundamental rights. Turkmenistan reaffirms its readiness to share its positive practices in order to contribute to effective and results-oriented dialogue.

In conclusion, we wish the Government a successful discussion.

Worker member, Italy – I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Italian Confederation of Workers’ Trade Unions (CISL) and I would like to inform this Committee that our organization has always been very committed to the legitimate BKDP, and is bewildered by the detention of 27 trade union leaders and more than 1,400 activists and exponents of democratic civil society in Belarus. There is no one better than the present international trade union community to say who is the true, autonomous, legitimate and representative trade union organization in Belarus. Finally, let me say that we are close to and in solidarity with the "diaspora" of Belarusian citizens who have found refuge in our country to avoid imprisonment and repression of every democratic right.

We are profoundly convinced that article 33 must be applied because we observe an entire society under checkmate in Belarus. There is neither the slightest element of legal certainty nor the slightest respect for social dialogue, so the future of the country is uncertain. There is no official recognition of the election of the current Government, which is also involved in supporting the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine.

The pressure on the Government must be strong and authoritative. We have seen the analysis published on the repression of businesses in Belarus. We would like to point out that, in Italy, we have asked both the Government and the employers’ organizations to share these concerns, these analyses, and to work together to intervene with every means of international pressure to change the situation and restore democracy.

Furthermore, we are monitoring our country’s companies operating on Belarusian territory and we have also asked the organizations of Italian employers to exert pressure so that these companies leave the country and do not become accomplices to the brutal system of repression of every right and every democratic principle.

In the light of what is happening in Belarus, we are convinced that, in all countries, social actors, employers and workers must play an important role together in isolating the Government and reaffirming the fundamental workers’ rights and principles upon which this Organization, the ILO, is based.

As Italian trade unions, we strongly support the call for Belarus to receive an ILO mission and to demonstrate how, in light of the current repression of workers and employers, it is complying with its obligations under Conventions Nos 87 and 98. Belarus is an overwhelming example of the importance of the role of this Committee and its authoritative role in enforcing article 33 and sanctioning the Government.

Government member, France – France aligns itself with the statement by the European Union and with the statement by a like-minded group read out by Denmark.

France is particularly concerned about the persistence of shortcomings in the application of fundamental Conventions Nos 87 and 98 by the Government of Belarus. The lack of progress is documented in observations by the Committee of Experts, the Committee on Freedom of Association, this Committee, and by UN Special Rapporteurs and trade unionists in exile. Those who participated in the side event organized by the permanent representations of France, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland on 4 June also heard this first-hand from victims and leading observers of the situation.

Specifically, the observations in the Committee of Experts’ report, which serve as the basis of our discussions today, are particularly disappointing: the Belarusian Government itself has acknowledged that since its 2023 report, no notable changes have been made that would affect the application of Convention No. 87.

Yet, as noted by the Committee of Experts, violations of freedom of association and civil liberties have worsened. Even as we speak, trade union leaders and trade unionists are being held in dire conditions. While the authorities reiterate that these prison sentences punish unlawful acts, no copies of the relevant judicial decisions have been provided, despite express and repeated requests. However, the publicizing of judicial decisions lies at the heart of the right to a fair hearing, and the absence thereof contributes to maintaining a climate of insecurity and fear, which can affect the exercise of trade union rights.

Similarly, there has not been any progress on any of the six points raised by the Commission of Inquiry in 2004, even though they relate to the very foundations of freedom of association.

We therefore urge the Belarusian authorities to commit, with ILO assistance, to adopt all measures guaranteeing the right to a fair hearing, such as independent and impartial investigations into allegations against trade union representatives, as well as the rights to form workers’ organizations, to demonstrate, to strike, and consult truly representative workers’ and employers’ organizations.

This is a matter of respecting the commitments made by Belarus upon joining the ILO, which implies recognizing both the legitimacy of its supervisory mechanism and the need to comply with the obligations arising from the ratification of its Conventions.

Worker member, Ukraine – On behalf of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU), I make this intervention to the special sitting on Belarus.

In July 2022, the Supreme Court of Belarus ordered the dissolution of the BKDP and its affiliated organizations: the BNP (established in 1991), the Belarusian Radio and Electronic Industry Workers’ Union (REP, with a 34-year history), the Free Trade Union of Belarus (SPB, established in 1991), and the Free Trade Union of Metalworkers (SPM, established in 1995). Concurrently, the Government designated the REP as an “extremist organization”, effectively outlawing union activities after arresting independent trade unions leaders and activists earlier in the year and declaring them “extremists”.

Between March and August 2023, the Supreme Court of Belarus dismissed three complaints filed by independent trade unions, challenging the July 2022 liquidation decisions. As a result, the forced dissolution of these trade unions rendered them incapable of legally appealing the decisions.

Ongoing repression has created a climate of fear, discouraging workers from forming new independent trade unions. The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Belarus, Anaïs Marin, highlighted, during the high-level roundtable of 2024 and in her Report from 9 May 2024, that, in 2022, enterprises without trade unions were instructed by the Government to establish them. In such an environment, existing and newly created organizations under the legal name “unions” remain under state control and lack independence. Consequently, the FPB cannot be considered as an independent representative body of workers. The new Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Belarus reiterates the recommendations made in the reports of his predecessor, Anaïs Marin.

Given the current circumstances, where workers are systematically denied the right to freely establish and join trade unions of their choice, and in the absence of effective legal protections for freedom of association, it is imperative that the ILO take urgent action. The ILO must promptly implement its action plan and develop further measures in line with the resolution adopted by the Governing Body under article 33 of the ILO Constitution concerning the situation in Belarus.

Interpretation from Arabic: Government member, Egypt – We have before us the situation of Belarus. We have studied all the reports presented by the Office. We have read the documents sent by Belarus concerning the application of the resolutions previously adopted by the Office and the Governing Body.

We would like to underscore the necessity that all countries comply with their obligations. Efforts should be strengthened with regard to the application of international standards. The ILO should also help these countries to apply them, and improve such application. It is its duty as a UN agency in charge of work-related issues and as part of its tripartite mission.

The delegation of Egypt calls for the continuation of the positive dialogue between the two parties in order to apply the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and the implementation of all the Conventions, especially Convention No. 87 and the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144).

Interpretation from Arabic: Government member, Sudan – We have listened to the statements of the Government of Belarus and we support what has been said. We do not think the sanctions are helpful. They only serve to politicize the work of the Organization. We believe that the duty of the Organization is to provide technical assistance within the framework of a dialogue and positive cooperation to achieve the best results possible.

Observer, International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) – This year marks a quarter of a century since the first violations of trade union rights in Belarus were reported to the ILO. It began with government interference in union affairs, pressure on delegates and elected union leaders, and targeted attacks on local unions and their representatives.

Year after year, this pressure intensified and ultimately led to mass arrests. Independent unions in Belarus have been dismantled, their offices raided, and their leaders imprisoned –including Aliaksandr Yarashuk, a member of the ILO Governing Body. He is no longer able to address this Committee and to respond to the Government— an absence that contradicts the spirit of this forum as a high-level platform for social dialogue. His absence is actually self-speaking on the situation in the country.

There was hope that the application of article 33 of the ILO Constitution would help resolve the deadlock. However, even this measure has failed to prompt the Belarusian Government to reverse its repressive policies towards freedom of association.

For years, ILO supervisory bodies have documented persistent and systematic violations of trade union rights in Belarus. We have heard government statements, reviewed expert reports, issued conclusions, and adopted recommendations.

For years, the case of Belarus has become emblematic – not only of a blatant refusal to uphold the ILO’s fundamental principles, but also of a prolonged delay in restoring justice. This delay puts the credibility of the ILO at stake. When violations are this grave and extensively documented, an endless circle of observations is not enough.

We deeply regret that we are observing once again the unchanged position of the Government, and we call on the ILO to take meaningful and decisive action, including further development of the enforcement mechanisms in line with article 33, to ensure the compliance of Belarus with the fundamental ILO Conventions.

Again, we also urge the Government to immediately release Aliaksandr Yarashuk and all detained trade unionists, and to fully restore the right to freedom of association – as it is obliged to do under Conventions Nos 87 and 98.

Observer, IndustriALL Global Union – I am speaking here on behalf of 50 million members of IndustriALL Global Union. Although we have had many sessions on Belarus in this house, like the one that we are holding today, the repression and criminalization of democratic unionism in the country continue to an alarming degree, and all free and democratic unions, the national centres, the BKDP and industrial affiliates, such as the PMB, BNP and REP, have been dissolved through so-called judicial process based on groundless claims.

As there is no separation of powers in the country, there is no fair trial and rule of law, and it is obvious that the dissolution of trade unions was carried out in line with political decisions. It is not us making the matter politicized, as is being claimed; the Government itself is politicizing it by putting forward political arguments regarding the concrete violations of fundamental workers’ rights.

In addition to dismantling organized labour, the Government continues to carry out relentless persecution of union members and activists, and many leaders of our affiliates have been imprisoned on politically motivated charges, demonstrating a blatant disregard for fundamental rights and freedoms.

Today, even here at this meeting, we have heard direct blatant accusations against our fellow trade union comrades, which we strongly condemn and refute. Our imprisoned comrades love their country much more than those accusing them, even during this session. Trade unionism is not a crime but putting genuine trade unionists in prison, and preventing them from performing their duties, constitute the real crime. Poor health conditions, psychological pressure and various kinds of mistreatment have been reported.

We wish to call attention to the unjust imprisonment of Henadz Fiadynich and Vatslau Areshka, leaders of IndustriALL affiliate REP, sentenced to nine and eight years, respectively. Both are suffering from deteriorating health. In addition, at least five female trade union leaders and activists remain imprisoned in Belarus under brutal and inhumane conditions, sentenced to between two and 11 years for their peaceful protests.

Among them is Volha Brytsikava, Chairperson of Belarusian Independent Trade Union of Miners and Chemical Workers, affiliated with IndustriALL, who was targeted for her anti-war stance and relentless commitment to defending workers’ rights.

Following repeated arrests and highly politicized trials, she was sentenced to five years in prison. Her whereabouts are unknown. Her case, along with those of Hanna Ablab, Hanna Karneyenka and Alena Nazarava, highlight the regime’s ruthless crackdown on independent trade unions. These women have endured relentless abuse, including solitary confinement in freezing cells, prolonged isolation from their children and systematic torture for the slightest acts of defiance.

The Government must immediately end this cruel treatment, abolish forced labour in correctional institutions, and remove all obstacles to freedom of association, allowing workers to form and join unions without fear of persecution.

Interpretation from Russian: Observer, International Trade Union Confederation, (ITUC) – I am the acting Chairperson of the BKDP. I am addressing you on behalf of workers who right now are under the yoke of repression in Belarus.

In 2022, the authorities in Belarus, by force, put an end to the BKDP and all of its organizations and, since then, workers in Belarus have been deprived of their right to freely create independent organizations or to join them. Today workers are obliged to be part of a state organization that calls itself the FPB, and they have to do that in order to avoid repression, to keep their jobs, and to have the possibility of feeding their families. All of this is confirmed by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, the UN group of independent experts, as well as international human rights and Belarusian organizations.

Two years ago, a resolution was adopted referring to the application of article 33 with reference to Belarus for violation of the right to freedom of association and non-compliance with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. However, the Government has continued to ignore the recommendations of the Commission, this Committee’s conclusions and decisions by the Governing Body and the Conference. The Government of Belarus is jeopardizing the whole supervisory system, accusing the ILO of partiality and going beyond its mandate. It is clearly an issue that Belarus is politicizing in order to avoid discussion of repression and violation of freedom of association.

This is an absolutely not a constructive position. It is not acceptable. Despite the unfounded accusations levelled against us by the Government, we once again call on the Government to refrain from this dead-end approach of opposition and confrontation, and to begin, not with words, but with deeds, to comply with the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

The ILO is a unique organization. It can and should become a platform for serious and fair dialogue on Belarus’s exit from the socio-political crisis and international isolation. The voluntary release of all trade union leaders and activists, without exception, from detention by the Belarusian authorities and recognition of the mandate of the Special Envoy of the Director-General could be the start of such a dialogue.

Chairperson – Before giving the floor to the Government of Belarus, the Office would like to provide a response to the question posed by the Workers’ group, and I invite the representative of the Secretary-General, Ms Corinne Vargha, to provide this response.

Representative of the Secretary-General – In the initial statement of the Worker ViceChairperson, there was a question to the Office about the follow-up to the November 2024 Governing Body decision in respect of two issues, the first one being the Special Envoy, and the second one being the establishment of a working group between the ILO and other UN institutions to improve the coordination and impact of our action.

In respect of the Special Envoy, I am pleased to inform you that at the next session of the ILO Governing Body on 14 June, straight after the Conference, there will be formal notification for approval by the Governing Body of the appointment of the Special Envoy. The DirectorGeneral was able to identify a person who has his full trust in terms of their ability to engage constructively with the Government of Belarus. So for those interested and who would be attending, the reference to the Governing Body paper is GB.354/INS/11. It should be up early next week.

In respect of the question concerning the establishment of a working group of the ILO and other UN institutions to coordinate and bolster joint action, I am also pleased to report that while we had good coordination but not in any institutional manner, we have now established formally a Joint Working Group between the ILO and the Office of the High Commissioner to precisely follow up on the Governing Body decision.

Interpretation from Russian: Government representative – First and foremost, I wish to express heartfelt thanks to all those who participated in the discussion and supported Belarus. Distinguished friends, your bold and honest position on the issue of Belarus is clear evidence of the fact that there are healthy forces within the ILO, and they are numerous, who are ready despite pressure and threats to defend the fundamental principles in the work of this Organization, to fight for justice and to ensure that we can abolish any practice of double standards.

Now, as for those who have spoken against Belarus, here is the first thing that I would like to note: all of these statements are based on only one source, information that has come from representatives of the former BKDP, and this is something that no longer exists. It no longer operates because of its anti-constitutional and extremist actions. People who were part of this are now abroad and therefore they are being funded by Western countries who have an unfriendly policy towards Belarus.

The ILO supervisory bodies receive information from this source and consider it to be a reliable source as to information on what is going on in Belarus, and that is extremely naive and, more to the point, it is very harmful and counterproductive.

After all, it is clear to everyone that representatives of the BKDP are ready to fabricate any kind of complaint, accusations, anything because in fact their strings are being pulled by representatives of the EU, and they do that because they want to receive Western money. The information therefore is simply falsehood, and it is playing fast and loose with the facts. It is fabrication and this means that we end up with the Committee of Experts making absurd allegations about an atmosphere of violence and fear within Belarus.

Anyone who has been to Belarus could certainly tell you that it is a place where you have peace and security that reigns, and you can feel that wherever you go in our country. You feel friendship, you feel hospitality, and that in fact is something that has always been noted by the ILO experts when they have come to visit.

Today we have heard what our opponents have said. They have tried to call into question the colossal amount of work done by the Government of Belarus with its social partners in seeking to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, and I note that detailed information about the implementation of those recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry has been repeatedly submitted to the supervisory bodies of the ILO.

Belarus has indeed done serious work, and as a result of that work most of the recommendations – and there were 12 of them – have indeed been implemented. Ten of the 12 have been fully implemented, and the other two have also been implemented to the extent that they do not run counter to the national interests of Belarus. All of this has been done in close cooperation with the ILO, including on the basis of joint plans of action and joint work programmes. All of the programmes have been commended by the relevant supervisory bodies of the ILO.

So let me be absolutely clear, if we think back to 2009, here it was noted that indeed there had been progress within Belarus in terms of giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, and we also had a direct contacts mission that came to Minsk in 2014 and that also commended the work of the tripartite bodies and social partnership within our country.

As a result of its work, we prepared a proposal for a whole package of measures that would take us forward in further improving the way that we work with our social partners, developing our collective bargaining process, and also mechanisms for resolving labour disputes. All of these proposals were worked out by the Government with its social partners and the ILO, and they were all successful.

Then in 2015, to implement the second recommendation, we made changes to our legislation by abolishing the requirement for at least a 10 per cent threshold to establish a trade union, and when we did that it was noted in the Committee of Experts’ report with interest.

All of these positive steps were taken by the Government of Belarus, and all of this meant that in 2017 for the first time Belarus was not included in the shortlist of the Committee, and consideration of issues relating to Convention No. 87 was in fact simply put within the regular reporting cycle.

Clearly, these changes in the approach to considering the issue of Belarus within the platform would not have been possible unless serious steps forward had been taken by the Government and unless there had been a positive view of those steps from the supervisory bodies.

Sadly, following the political events of 2020, what happened was that the relationship between Belarus and the ILO was virtually frozen, and that was not our wish. Repeatedly we have referred to the situation and to what happened after the presidential elections in 2020. I do not think that I need to go through all the details of that again.

I just wish, once again, to emphasize that all of the action taken by the Belarusian authorities was intended to keep constitutional order in the country, to guarantee security and to protect the lives of our citizens. The ILO standards were not violated in that process.

The Republic of Belarus is a fully-fledged Member of the ILO. We regularly pay our contributions. We send tripartite delegations for participation. Despite all of the efforts taken to discriminate against us, we now find ourselves in a situation where we are not getting any expert help from this Organization, any expert assistance.

In fact, we now see that the resolution on article 33 adopted at the 111th Session of the Conference two years ago is the most obvious and discriminatory decision against Belarus.

The Western countries who were behind that in fact could not say that there had been any instance where we had failed to cooperate. However, they simply wanted to cooperate with us no longer, but just to introduce restrictions and freeze the way in which we work together.

We have to recognize that the resolution is one of the most unsuccessful and erroneous documents ever adopted in the whole history of this Organization. The policy of isolation, a blockade on possible cooperation, unilateral coercive sanctions; all of this is simply a dead end. Ultimately, it will only undermine the authority of the ILO and the fundamental principles and rights on which this Organization is based. We believe that the discriminatory resolution adopted under article 33 must be immediately repealed.

Despite the fact that cooperation between the ILO and Belarus is de facto frozen at present, there is still the potential, an opportunity, for such cooperation. The system of social partnership within our country does work and function in a normal and proper way. Regularly, we have meetings of our National Council on Labour and Social Issues, and at that Council we discuss the most important issues relating to the socioeconomic development of our country.

In January this year we had a meeting of this National Council when we signed a new general agreement involving the Government and employers’ and workers’ organizations for 2025–27.

As regards some direct issues that relate to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, here we have created a National Tripartite Council. At this Council, together with experts from the ILO, we crafted approaches that will allow us to improve the way in which we resolve issues collectively. Unfortunately, we have not been able to conclude the work that we were doing on tariff and local agreements, but we stand ready to renew our cooperation in that respect also.

In recent years we have seen that opponents of Belarus within the ILO have succeeded in ensuring that politicized decisions are unfairly taken against Belarus and our people. The ILO is a very special organization, which focuses on a very unique and constructive form of interaction. The ILO has to be in favour of dialogue and cooperation. That is what it stands for.

We in Belarus, for our part, are interested in finding points of convergence and moving forward in terms of constructive dialogue with the ILO in the interests of Belarusian society and our people. If that is to happen, then the ILO bodies must be interested in playing fairly. They must recognize the realities of the world in which we live today and listen to what we are saying, as well as taking into account our own national interests. We will not allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs under any pretext.

Having any kind of policy that is against the stable development of Belarus, well-being and welfare of our people is something we will not accept. We want to have agreement within our society. We want to have an unshakable respect for our State and its independence and sovereignty, and we will not accept anything else. Anti-Belarus activity in the ILO and decisions lead to a dead end. And the repeal of those decisions, a move away from the unfair discriminatory policy pursued against Belarus, is something that could be the start of rebuilding trust and confidence and moving towards joint work in the interests of the progressive development of all spheres of industry in our country. We call on all tripartite constituents to recognize that, to do that, and we also call upon the supervisory bodies. We are open to free dialogue on an equal footing.

Employer members – We would like to thank all of the various speakers who took the floor to share their interventions and the information that was provided, of which we have taken note. We reiterate that ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98 are fundamental Conventions, which means that they require the special consideration of Governments, workers and employers.

The Employer members emphasize once again that we strongly condemn noncompliance with Conventions Nos 87 and 98 when they have been ratified. These Conventions contain critical guarantees for both workers and employers in respect of freedom of association and the right to organize. We urge the Government to start engaging, or if the Government believes that it is engaging, to continue engaging in a constructive dialogue with the ILO with no further delay, to improve the situation relating to freedom of association and the right to organize. The Employer members stand ready to constructively support this process.

To conclude, given the obvious divergent understanding regarding progress on the concerns raised by the various ILO supervisory bodies, we are confined, once again, to recommend that the Government:

• immediately take steps to release trade union leaders and members arrested for participating in peaceful assemblies or for exercising their civil liberties pursuant to their legitimate trade union activities and to drop all related charges;
• accept an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent doctors can visit all imprisoned trade unionists and the ILO tripartite mission to assess the situation and visit trade unionists who are currently in prison or detention;
• take measures to amend without further delay several legal provisions in order to bring them in line with Conventions Nos 87 and 98;
• receive, without further delay, an ILO tripartite mission with a view to assessing the situation and engaging with the ILO with a view to implementing the recommendations of the ILO supervisory bodies.

Worker members – We thank all those who have taken the floor in this important and very lively discussion. At the same time, we are deeply concerned as we saw some officer of the FPB recording our colleague, Maksim Pazniakou, a representative of the ITUC when speaking. This is against the rules, and we assume that the Office is going to take action on that. We know the person who was recording, and we are ready to cooperate with the Office on follow-up.

The situation of Belarusian workers, both those inside the country and those forced into exile, remains deeply concerning with respect to the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining as guaranteed under Conventions Nos 87 and 98.

In spite of the resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 111th Session calling for compliance with these Conventions and the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, there has been no progress at all. The interventions today affirm the ongoing destruction of trade union independence in Belarus.

The Government of Belarus maintains the same position it has held since 2004, claiming full compliance despite overwhelming and consistent evidence, including from the ILO’s own supervisory bodies, to the contrary.

We heard from colleagues that even the independent trade union centre operating from exile, the BKDP, has been designated an extremist and terrorist organization. Its leadership continues to be targeted by the authorities.

A particularly alarming development is the regulation that we heard about last year which allows for the forced removal of children from families where a parent is convicted of an offence linked to so-called extremist activities. As was said by my colleague who took the floor, the Acting Chairperson of the BKDP, Mr Maksim Pazniakou now faces charges that include facilitating extremist activities. His family, therefore, is under serious threat. We believe Maksim Pazniakou is being harassed solely due to his trade union activities.

We must emphasize that the body of evidence from the ILO supervisory mechanisms and the UN human rights system indicates clearly that the FPB is state controlled. This view is supported by the conclusions of the Credentials Committee of both the 2023 and 2024 International Labour Conferences. A resolution adopted by the European Parliament earlier this year stated unequivocally that the FPB has long been embedded in the Lukashenko regime’s government structure.

Let us recall paragraph 599 of the Commission of Inquiry report which states: “the Commission received a great deal of evidence in Minsk and during formal hearings in Geneva as to how government managers and directors have interfered in the free functioning of trade union organizations over a number of years.” So as you can see, we are where we started, and it is evident that no progress has been made.

Just days ago, a group of UN independent experts expressed serious concern over the continued violations of freedom of association in Belarus. They called on the Government to fully cooperate with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN human rights mechanisms and the ILO and its supervisory bodies in order to uphold the rights of independent trade unionists. Their message was unequivocal: “Belarus must end the repression of independent trade unionists who are also recognized as human rights defenders. The country must immediately release all trade union leaders and members imprisoned for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association and repeal laws and policies that obstruct the operations of independent trade unions.” We echo this message: immediately release all trade union leaders and members who are imprisoned for their trade union activities.

As we also heard during the discussion today, the Government continues to pressure private enterprises to establish FPB-affiliated unions. This blatant interference violates both Convention No. 87 and Convention No. 98. It must be emphasized that the deterioration of respect for these obligations not only harms workers, but also creates a climate of fear and instability for employers, damaging the broader social and economic fabric of the country.

We therefore strongly urge the Government of Belarus to:

• accept the tripartite mission to assess the current situation and meet with the trade unionists affected by repression, including those still imprisoned;
• immediately allow an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent medical professionals can visit detained trade unionists and assess their health;
• without delay, implement in law and practice the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and the ILO supervisory bodies;
• immediately cease interference in the formation and functioning of trade unions, particularly the practice of forcing the establishment of FPB-affiliated unions in private companies;
• refrain from threatening employers with liquidation if they do not establish pro-government trade unions and publicly affirm that the decision to establish or not to establish a trade union lies solely with workers and the employers for whom they work;
• amend all legislation that restricts the exercise of freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and other civil liberties to bring it into full compliance with Conventions Nos 87 and 98.

We also want to see the full implementation of the non-refoulement provision in the resolution, as well as all other steps adopted by the Governing body, and urge all Member States of the ILO to fulfil their responsibility in this regard.

As a final point, we have just heard from the FPB that they are independent in their work. What the Convention expects is that they are independent in their decision-making and in controlling their own structures. And this is clearly not the case.

Finally, we call on the Government of Belarus to engage constructively with the ILO so that by the next session of this Committee we may finally see progress towards the full restoration of fundamental workers’ rights in Belarus.

Chairperson – Distinguished delegates, I must remind you that it is strictly prohibited to film or to tweet during the discussions. I inform the Workers’ group that the Office will follow up on their request in this regard.

Government member, Plurinational State of Bolivia – The Government member of the Plurinational State of Bolivia informs the Secretariat of the Committee that, as he was not able to register on the list of speakers, his country aligns itself with the statement made by the Government member of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Conclusions of the Committee

The Committee held a second special sitting on Belarus at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference on the application by Belarus of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98), further to the resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 111th Session, concerning the measures recommended by the Governing Body under article 33 of the ILO Constitution calling on Belarus to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and the supervisory bodies.

It noted the written and oral information submitted by the Government, and the discussion that followed.

The Committee again noted with deep concern the persistent disregard of the guidance, conclusions and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, the supervisory bodies and the Governing Body by the Government and refusal to accept and implement them.

The Committee expressed its deep concern and regret at the use of criminal sanctions against trade unionists engaged in legitimate trade union activities and the judicial harassment of trade union members, including arrests, prosecution and imprisonment. It deeply deplored the repression against independent trade unions and the imprisonment of trade unionists.

It recalled that this case had been discussed repeatedly in the Committee before the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry, and deeply deplored the lack of progress towards the observance of the Conventions by the Government.

The Committee noted the action plan to implement the article 33 measures. It also noted actions taken by the ILO constituents and other international organizations in response to the ILC 2023 resolution on Belarus to review their relations with the Government and take appropriate measures to ensure that the Government cannot take advantage of such relations to perpetuate or extend the violations of workers’ rights in respect of freedom of association and collective bargaining referred to by the Commission of Inquiry. The Committee called on ILO constituents and other international organizations to continue to do so.

Pursuant to information submitted to the Governing Body and to the Committee, the Committee deeply deplored the climate of state violence, intimidation and fear in Belarus which is not conducive to the free exercise of civil liberties, the continuing deterioration of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining and the erosion of the rule of law exemplified by the complete lack of independence of the judiciary.

Regarding the continuing deterioration of freedom of association, the Committee deplored the continued interference of the Government in trade union activities. The Committee expressed serious doubts about the independence of the FPB and expected that, without further delay, the Government would work with the ILO to address those concerns and ensure that all trade unions, including independent trade unions such as the BKDP, can operate without any interference of the Government.

The Committee took note of the March 2024 Governing Body action plan to implement the ILC 2023 resolution and the High-Level Roundtable to discuss freedom of association in Belarus, which took place on 28 May 2024 and evidenced the persistent general climate of non-respect for basic civil liberties necessary to the exercise of freedom of association.

The Committee also took note of the latest report on the situation in Belarus to the 353rd of Governing Body Session, which noted with deep regret that the Government once again provided no new information on the measures taken to implement the recommendations of the Committee. It also further noted that the written information submitted to the Committee did not contain any new information in that regard.

After the discussion and noting that the Government had not provided any new information, the Committee was bound once again to repeat its call on the Government to take all possible measures with the greatest urgency to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and all subsequent observations made by the supervisory bodies of the ILO regarding compliance with the Conventions.

The Committee urged in the strongest terms the Government to immediately release imprisoned trade unionists, drop any charges and quash any convictions brought against them related to their legitimate trade union activities.

The Committee also repeated its request to the Government to accept with the utmost urgency:

• an international humanitarian mission to ensure that independent doctors can visit all imprisoned trade unionists to assess their health and offer medical assistance, as necessary; and
• an ILO tripartite mission to assess the situation and visit trade unionists that are currently in prison or detention.

Considering the need of permanent and continuous monitoring of the situation in Belarus, the Committee welcomed the appointment of a Special Envoy to Belarus mandated to interact with the Government and relevant UN agencies to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and urged the Government to engage constructively with him.

In line with the Conference resolution, the Committee welcomed the setting up of a working group of the ILO and other UN institutions with a view to ensuring coordinated and joint action towards the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and the supervisory bodies and urged the Government to engage constructively with it. In this regard, the Committee welcomed the continuous monitoring of the situation by the Governing Body.

The Committee urged governments to respect the principle of non-refoulement to ensure that trade unionists forced into exile in their countries are not returned to Belarus where they may be subject to persecution, arbitrary arrest and torture, and assist Belarusian citizens residing in their countries who may not have valid travel documents due to their inability to receive consular services to facilitate the issuance of tourist visas to Belarusian citizens persecuted for their trade union activities and their relatives, as appropriate.

Finally, the Committee decided to include the discussions and conclusions of the special sitting in a separate part of its report.

Chairperson – Can I take it that the draft is adopted?

I note that the honourable representative of the Government of Belarus is requesting the floor. Madame Ambassador, you have the floor.

Government representative – The work of the Committee is governed by Part 4 of the Standing Orders of the International Labour Conference. The provisions of Part 4 of the Standing Orders apply to all Committees appointed by the Conference. Article 42 of the Standing Orders in particular provides that the Committee shall make every effort to reach a decision by consensus which is characterized by the absence of any objections raised by a Committee member as an obstacle to the decision in question. Thus, the absence of consensus is defined as an objection by one Committee member. In the event of an objection by more than one Committee member, the Officers cannot declare that there is a consensus.

The discussion on the Belarusian case, during the Committee’s special sitting on 7 June 2025, clearly demonstrated the lack of consensus in asserting the policy of the Government of Belarus in the labour and social sphere in the country, as well as the lack of consensus on the measures recommended by the ILO to the Government of Belarus and other partners.

At least nearly 40 speakers gave a positive assessment of the national tripartite dialogue. More than a third in the dialogue noted Belarus’s significant achievement in developing tripartite partnerships, and ensuring the rights and interests of workers. A number of delegates called on the Committee and the ILO to avoid politicization when interacting with the social partners of Belarus and to build bilateral engagement in a nonpoliticized manner within the ILO mandate.

The conclusions submitted for adoption by the Committee do not adequately reflect these aspects and mislead the Conference. On the contrary, this document does not even mention the existing tripartite dialogue in Belarus and does not call on the ILO to develop a dialogue with Belarus, focusing only on pressure on the Government. Moreover, the conclusions provide a twisting and biased assessment of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FPB), which represents 4 million or 90 per cent of Belarusian workers. The position of the Belarusian tripartite delegation, as well as the FPB’s genuine role in the long-lasting promotion and protection of the workers’ rights, are completely ignored.

At the same time, the demand for the immediate release of some imprisoned activists and for the dropping of all charges against them is nothing more than an interference in national affairs. The Government repeatedly and in detail informed the ILO Member States that these persons have been convicted of offences against the law, in no way related to their legitimate trade union activities. We consider this to be a blatant manipulation in order to push for discriminatory decisions against Belarusian workers, employers and the State in the ILO.

Chairperson, given the obvious lack of consensus, the delegation of Belarus asks you to strictly follow the Standing Orders, and requests to put to a vote the Committee’s conclusions on the special sitting on Belarus. We also ask Member States to vote against these non-consensual conclusions which do not reflect the position of many delegations, including the tripartite delegation of Belarus, and which infringe on the interests of Belarusian workers and employers.

Chairperson – Thank you Madame Ambassador. We have noted your observations which will of course be reflected in the Committee’s records. I would like to evoke article 42 of the Standing Orders of the International Labour Conference. In accordance with this article, it falls upon me as Chairperson of the session and Chairperson of the Committee to make every effort to ensure that the Committee takes its decisions by consensus. Consensus is not a synonym for unanimity. As indicated in the Standing Orders, it is characterized by the absence of any objection presented by a member as an impediment to the adoption of the decision in question. That said, I am bound to recall that, since the Committee has been adopting the conclusions on individual cases, it has always, with maybe one exception, adopted its conclusions by consensus, with the differences in views systematically and fully reflected in its report. Given that the Government’s position will also be fully reflected in the report, and in the light of the prevailing opinion expressed during the discussions, may I take it that the Committee is ready to adopt the conclusions shown on the screen?

I note that the honourable Ambassador has requested the floor.

Interpretation from Russian: Government representative – Thank you, Chairperson, for your efforts to achieve consensus. However, in the course of discussions, not only the delegation of Belarus, but various delegations, expressed their non-acceptance of the recommended measures and the politicized nature of such measures; and called for the non-politicization of cooperation with the Republic of Belarus. What we are seeing in the conclusions is in full contradiction with these views. The conclusions not only fail to take them into account but fully contradict them. Accordingly, Belarus requests that there be a vote on the conclusions on Belarus. All the interpretations of the absence of consensus, of correct or incorrect views, do not align with the clear formulation in the Standing Orders and the practice, not only in the ILO, but in international organizations in general. So, I would repeat my request that the conclusions be put to a vote.

Chairperson – I see that the delegation of the Russian Federation has requested the floor.

Interpretation from Russian: Government member, Russian Federation – The delegation of the Russian Federation fully shares the assessment expressed by the Republic of Belarus we have just heard. We support the request of the Republic of Belarus that the conclusions be put to a vote. And we would call on all delegations of good faith to vote against the conclusions.

Chairperson – I also see that the delegation of China has requested the floor.

Interpretation from Chinese: Government member, China – We note that the draft conclusions have a lot of politicized content. This is opposite to positive and constructive communication. It is obvious that we lack consensus on this case. The draft conclusions are not a balanced reflection on the perspectives of all the parties. China supports the request of Belarus for a vote.

Chairperson – I see that the delegation of Poland has requested the floor.

Government member, Poland – I speak on behalf of the EU and its Member States. We attach great importance to the conclusions of the Committee being adopted by consensus, in line with the long-established practice of this Committee. We would like to stress that, according to paragraph 42 of the Standing Orders of the Conference, the Committee shall make every effort to take its decisions by consensus. Furthermore, document D1 on the work of the Committee clearly states in paragraph 32 that the conclusions regarding individual cases should reflect consensus recommendations.

Divergent views may be recorded in the Committee’s proceedings and those who disagree with the recommendations have the opportunity to express their views on the record, ensuring full transparency without undermining collective decision-making.

We therefore urge all delegations to uphold this principle and to allow the conclusions to be adopted by consensus without any action that would jeopardize independence and the critical role of this tripartite Committee in the ILO supervisory mechanism.

Chairperson – I see that the delegation of Canada has requested the floor.

Government member, Canada – I am speaking on behalf of the Governments of Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada. We must once again take the floor today to deplore that the vote is being called. Unfortunately, this vote is the second on the adoption of conclusions in the case of Belarus, breaking with the long-standing tradition of adopting conclusions by consensus in this Committee. We hold the work of the Committee in the highest regard. It is a critical element of one of the oldest and most well-respected supervisory systems in the world.

The Committee is a unique mechanism in the multilateral system, providing a platform for governments, workers and employers to share perspectives and guidance on how Member States might improve their efforts to comply with their obligations under international labour Conventions they have ratified. We condemn in the strongest terms the disruption of the well-established working methods of this Committee at the expense of improving implementation of international labour standards and protecting the rights of workers.

We call on those who support a vote to re-examine their recourse to voting here in this Committee and urge them to protect and respect our working methods, and the work jointly achieved by our social partners. We wish to emphasize that the vote today is yet another aberration, not a precedent. We call on all constituents of the ILO to respect the strong social dialogue that takes place in this Committee.

Chairperson – I also see that the delegation of Norway has requested the floor.

Government member, Norway – Norway supports the statement made by EU.

Chairperson – I give the floor back to the delegation of Belarus.

Interpretation from Russian: Government representative – We have heard the arguments against a vote being held in the Committee, but we would insist that a vote be held on this issue. It is clear to us that these conclusions have a political nature. The EU States, Canada and Norway were certainly behind the process of article 33 on Belarus. They call allegedly for the pursuit of constructive practices in the Committee. However, it is these countries that brought more than 17 packages of economic sanctions against Belarus, which harmed the interests of workers in our mining sector, in forestry and timber. These sanctions are blocking the provision in Belarus of medicines, and I could go on.

It is perhaps incorrect, almost indecent, to call for observance of the process when the measures that you have taken, in part within the ILO, are directed against the people and economy of Belarus. We therefore request a vote.

Chairperson – Thank you Madame Ambassador. Are there any more requests for the floor? I note that there are not. I invite the two Vice-Chairpersons to join me on the podium.

I inform delegations of the Committee that no consensus was reached on the adoption of the conclusions concerning the special sitting on Belarus. I have therefore decided, with the agreement of the two Vice-persons to proceed with a vote by show of hands. In order to prepare for this procedure, I propose a five-minute technical break.

I will now give the floor to the Secretariat to conduct the vote by show of hands.

(Vote by show of hands.)

Ladies and gentlemen, I will announce the results of the vote on the adoption of the conclusions for Belarus.

The votes cast were as follows:

For: 2,584 votes

Against: 72 votes

Abstentions: 112 votes

The required quorum having been attained, the conclusions for Belarus are adopted.

(The conclusions are adopted.)

I now give the floor to the representative of the Government of Belarus.

Interpretation from Russian: Government representative – We thank the Chair for closely following the procedure and for the efforts made to observe the approach reflected in the relevant provisions. We thank those delegations who supported our position and voted against, as well as those who abstained, because we understand the value of abstention and we understand the pressure being exerted on a range of governmental delegations. This decision against Belarus is a dead end, reflecting an unfair practice of pressure on the country. We call for a constructive spirit, which can become a basis and foundation of good trust and development. We call on the ILO, the Office and the tripartite constituents to open positive dialogue on an equal footing.