Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) - Belarus (Ratification: 1956)

The Committee takes note of the observations of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), received on 31 August and 16 September 2025 and of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), received on 2 September 2025. The Committee notes with concern that the BKDP and the ITUC allege that following their release, Mr Aliaksandr Yarashuk, the Chairperson of the BKDP and a Member of the ILO Governing Body, and Mr Hennaed Fiadynich, Vice-Chairperson of the Belarusian Union of Radio and Electronics Workers, were unlawfully deported to Lithuania and their passports and personal medication were confiscated. They further allege that more than 70 trade union and labour leaders and activists remain under criminal prosecution, and 21 trade union leaders and activists are still imprisoned or detained. The BKDP and the ITUC also allege that the eradication of independent trade unions has resulted in a total absence of genuine social dialogue in the country. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments thereon.

The Committee also notes the observations of the International Organisation of Employers, received on 1 September 2025, referring to the June 2025 discussion and conclusions of the Committee on the Application of Standards of the International Labour Conference (Conference Committee) at its second special sitting concerning the application by the Government of Conventions Nos 87 and 98, in application of the resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 111th Session (June 2023).

Follow-up to the conclusions of the Committee on the Application of Standards (International Labour Conference, 113th Session, June 2025)

Follow-up to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry appointed under article 26 of the Constitution of the ILO

The Committee takes note of the above-mentioned conclusions adopted by the Conference Committee, which 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 its refusal to accept and implement them.

The Committee notes the appointment by the Governing Body of the ILO, in June 2025, of the Special Envoy to Belarus with a mandate to: (1) engage with the Government and all social partners, including those mentioned in the recommendations of the ILO Commission of Inquiry, with a view to: (a) visiting the detained trade unionists, (b) facilitating their release, and (c) exploring avenues for the re-recognition of the BKDP; and (2) engage with the UN agencies and all the relevant stakeholders, within its mandate, with a view to ensuring coordinated action on the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. The Committee further notes that, at its November 2025 session, the Governing Body extended the mandate of the Special Envoy until the end of 2026. On that occasion, it also had before it the information submitted by the Government, the BKDP and the ITUC. In this respect, the Committee notes with deep regret that the Government provided no new information on the measures taken to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and subsequent recommendations of the supervisory bodies and its statement that it did not support the appointment of the Special Envoy.

In view of the above, the Committee once again deplores the absence of progress in implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and in addressing the outstanding recommendations of the supervisory bodies. With reference to the decision of the Governing Body, the Committee urges the Government to review its position and to fully collaborate with the Special Envoy. It further urges the Government to take concrete measures to implement the remaining recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, subsequent recommendations of the supervisory bodies and the decisions of the Governing Body. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the specific measures taken in this regard. It will address these, as well as the pending issues from its previous comments, at its next examination of Belarus’ compliance with the Convention.

[The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2026 .]