On political prisoners in Belarus
The number of political prisoners in Belarus continues to grow and now numbers well over 1,400. Read More»
Right of Reply to Belarus
The Belarusian regime has imprisoned now close to 1,500 political prisoners and kept them in the worst conditions of detention, often involving torture, often sending many of these political prisoners to intensive care units as a result of mistreatment that occurs. Read More»
Right of reply to Belarus
RIght now it seems as though the Lukashenka regime is making decisions that seem more in the interests of President Putin and his cronies than in the Belarusian people. Read More»
Joint statement on the anniversaries of the Moscow Mechanism Report on Belarus and the invocation of the Vienna Mechanism
The Belarusian authorities have further increased harassment and intimidation efforts by widening of the scope of the death penalty to vaguely defined “attempted terrorist activities”. Read More»
On the Sentencing of Political Prisoners in Belarus
The Lukashenka regime continues to employ brutal tactics to suppress dissent. Read More»
U.S. Statement for the Forum for Security Cooperation: Opening Statement
Russia’s war against Ukraine must continue to be the key focus in weekly discussions in the FSC, just as it is in the PC. Read More»
On the Second Anniversary of the Fraudulent Elections in Belarus
The United States stands with the people of Belarus as they pursue a democratic, sovereign, and prosperous future. Read More»
On the Forced Landing of Ryanair Flight 4978 in Minsk on May 23, 2021
We call on Belarus to implement the Moscow Mechanism Expert Mission’s recommendation to release all political prisoners immediately, including Pratasevich and Sapega, to stop its repression of the pro-democracy movement in Belarus, and to allow for free and fair elections. Read More»
Right of Reply to Belarus “On the Climate of Engagement of Delegations at the OSCE”
If your government feels threatened by a discussion with a political opponent, I would say that says much more about the state of affairs in Belarus than about the conduct of diplomacy in the OSCE. Read More»
Response to the Report by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro
I think it is fair to say that the situation with regards to media freedom in the OSCE region has gone from terrible to worse than terrible. Read More»
Political Repression and the Death Penalty in Belarus
The United States, along with our allies and partners, will continue to hold the Lukashenka regime to account for its ongoing attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms. Read More»
Right of Reply to Belarus on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine
Right of Reply to Belarus on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine As delivered by Ambassador Michael Carpenter to the Permanent Council, Vienna March 24, 2022 Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, with regards to the intervention, just now, from the Belarusian representative, where he says that his country has no plans to attack Ukrainian ... Read More»
Right of Reply to Belarus on Russia’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine
You are a co-aggressor, your territory has been used as a launch pad for a vicious, barbaric attack on a neighboring state, and you bear responsibility for that. Read More»
Statement on Political Prisoners In Belarus
We again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus. Read More»
Statement on Belarus Referendum
A non-transparent referendum is neither a viable – nor a credible – path forward for Belarus. Read More»
Joint Statement on the Upcoming Constitutional Referendum In Belarus
Is Belarus intending to request ODIHR’s legal assessment of the proposed changes to the Belarusian constitution? Read More»
The Politically Motivated Convictions of Belarusian Opposition Figures
The United States condemns the December 14 politically motivated convictions of Belarusian opposition figures. Read More»
Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the OSCE Ministerial Council
The OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security and the fundamental wisdom and integrity of the Helsinki Principles are as relevant now as they were when enshrined more than 40 years ago. Read More»
Joint Statement On The Situation In Belarus
Belarus must cease these actions, commit to regional stability, abide by international law, and reestablish good relations with its neighbors. This can be the only path forward. Read More»
Right of Reply to Belarus on the Invocation of the Vienna Mechanism on Belarus
It is unfortunate that we no longer have our Public Affairs Section or our USAID offices in Minsk, because these were opportunities for dialogue. Read More»
Invocation of the Vienna Mechanism on Belarus
We remain deeply concerned by the Lukashenka regime’s continued repressive actions to silence dissent and crack down on civil society, as evidenced by decisions taken last week. Read More»
Joint Statement on behalf of 35 OSCE states to invoke the Vienna Mechanism in relation to serious human rights violations in Belarus.
Since the publication of the Moscow Mechanism report, almost a year ago, the situation in Belarus has deteriorated. Read More»
The Lukashenka Regime’s Continuing Disregard for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
We condemn the politically motivated conviction and shameful sentencing on September 6 of Belarusian democratic opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Maksim Znak. Read More»
One Year Anniversary of the Fraudulent Presidential Election in Belarus
Three days ago, we marked the one-year anniversary of the August 9 fraudulent presidential election in Belarus and the subsequent violent crackdown by the Lukashenka regime. Today, our thoughts remain with Belarusians who continue to peacefully demand respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Read More»
Migrants Irregularly Crossing from Belarus to Lithuania
The United States shares the concerns of our Lithuanian and European allies regarding the significant uptick in migrants and asylum seekers irregularly crossing from Belarus to Lithuania. Read More»
Recent Developments in Belarus
One year ago, the world witnessed the incredible strength and courage of the Belarusian people as hundreds of thousands gathered in squares across the country to peacefully protest authoritarianism and call for new free and fair elections. Read More»
On Recent Developments in Belarus
The human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate. The abuses and repression of pro-democracy activists, independent media, and civil society continue to grow. Read More»
On Recent Developments in Belarus
The repression and severe abuses against pro-democracy activists, independent media, members of the opposition, and civil society based on politically-motivated charges continue to grow. Read More»
On the Forced Landing of Ryanair Flight FR4978 and Unjust Detention of Raman Pratasevich
The United States strongly condemns the forced diversion to Minsk of a flight between two EU member states and NATO Allies which appears to have been based on false pretenses and the subsequent arrest in Minsk of journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofiya Sapega Read More»
Joint Statement On The Human Rights Situation In Belarus
In the face of massive, systematic and brutal violence following the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, 17 OSCE participating states invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to look into serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus. Read More»
Recent Developments in Belarus
We are particularly concerned by the authorities’ provocative, politically-motivated arrest of members of the Belarusian Polish community. Read More»
On Recent Developments in Belarus
I look forward to the day when we will no longer need to raise pressing human rights challenges in Belarus in this chamber, but today is not that day. Read More»
Call for New Dialogue to Lead to New Presidential Election in Belarus
The United States is proud to support today’s renewed calls for genuine dialogue between Belarusian authorities and the political opposition. Read More»
Role of Women in Belarus’s Fight for Democracy
Today, I would like to honor a new generation of women in white clothes, this time from Belarus, who just like the Suffragettes did, are standing up for civil and political rights, and by so doing, shaping the future of their country. Read More»
Continuing Human Rights Concerns in Belarus
The United States expresses its deep concern regarding the February 16 raids on the homes and offices of Belarusian journalists, human rights defenders, civil society leaders, and independent workers’ organizations in Minsk and elsewhere across the country. Read More»
Right of Reply to Belarus on the “All-Belarusian People’s Assembly”
The “All-Belarusian People’s Assembly” is neither genuine nor inclusive of Belarusian views. Read More»
Statement on the 51st Round of the Geneva International Discussions (Conflict in Georgia)
Statement on the 51st Round of the Geneva International Discussions (Conflict in Georgia) As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna December 17, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States welcomes the successful effort to convene the 51st round of the Geneva International Discussions in Geneva on December ... Read More»
Human Rights Violations in Belarus
Human Rights Violations in Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna December 17, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. Mr. Chairperson, at the final PC of the year, it is appropriate that we take stock of events in Belarus since the fraudulent August 9 presidential election. We continue to ... Read More»
Joint Statement on Belarus
Joint Statement on Belarus Statement Delivered by H.E. Päivi Laivola de Rosière, Ambassador of Finland, to the OSCE Ministerial Council Tirana, Albania (remotely, via Zoom) December 4, 2020 I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the following 36 participating States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, ... Read More»
OSCE Ministerial – Belarus Side Event Closing Remarks
OSCE Ministerial – Belarus Side Event Closing Remarks As prepared for delivery by DAS George Kent to the OSCE Side Event on Belarus Tirana, Albania (remotely, via Zoom) December 3, 2020 As we conclude today’s event, I want to express my government’s thanks to our UK colleagues, the other co-sponsors, and Minister Kofod of Denmark ... Read More»
On Human Rights Violations in Belarus
On Human Rights Violations in Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 19, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. The European Union is right. And we follow on behind their statement. The right to peaceful assembly is one that Americans jealously defend. But it’s more than that, Mr. Chairperson. ... Read More»
Right of Reply to the Report under the Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Belarus
Right of Reply to the Report under the Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 5, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ve listened closely to the discussions that have been held from some of the other countries and I think it’s ... Read More»
U.S. National Statement on the Report under The Moscow Mechanism in Relation To Belarus
U.S. National Statement on the Report under The Moscow Mechanism in Relation To Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 5, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the United States thanks OSCE Moscow Mechanism Rapporteur Professor Wolfgang Benedek for his compelling, thorough, and exceptionally well documented report. ... Read More»
Joint Statement on the Report under The Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Belarus
Joint Statement on the Report under The Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Belarus Statement Delivered by H.E. René Rosager Dinesen, Ambassador of Denmark to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 5, 2020 Mr Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following delegations who, acting together, on 17 September invoked the Moscow Mechanism ... Read More»
On Recent Developments in Belarus
Statement to the Permanent Council Read More»
Attacks on Freedom of Opinion and Expression of Media Freedom in Belarus
Statement to the Permanent Council Read More»
On the Unjust Detention of a U.S. Citizen in Belarus
Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council Read More»
Statement at the Human Dimension Webinar
Statement at the Human Dimension Webinar Read More»
Press Release: The OSCE Invokes the Moscow Mechanism for Belarus
Press Release issued on September 17, 2020 Read More»
Joint Statement on Invoking the Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Serious Human Rights Violations in Belarus
Joint Statement by Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the UK, and the United States Read More»
On Recent Development in Belarus
Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council Read More»
Attacks on Freedom of Opinion and Expression and Media Freedom in Belarus
Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council Read More»
On International Day for the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
Statement to the Permanent Council Read More»
Deputy Secretary of State Biegun’s Meetings in Vienna, Austria
Media Note by the Office of the Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State Read More»
Call for Belarus to Uphold its OSCE Election-Related Commitments and Respect Human Rights
Statement by Deputy Secretary Stephen E. Biegun to the Special Permanent Council Read More»
Press Release: U.S. Ambassador Gilmore Denounces Belarusian Internet Blockage
Press Release on Ambassador Gilmore Denouncing Belarusian Internet Blockage. Released August 12, 2020 Read More»
On latest Developments in Belarus in the Context of the Upcoming Elections
Statement delivered to the Permanent Council on July 23, 2020 Read More»
On World Press Freedom Day
Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on May 7, 2020 marking World Press Freedom Day. Read More»
Joint Statement announcing the 2020 Democracy Defender Award Recipient
A joint statement delivered to the Permanent Council announcing this year’s Democracy Defender Award winner. Read More»
On the Parliamentary Elections in Belarus
Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on the Parliamentary Elections in Belarus. Read More»
HDIM 2019 Statement on the Moscow Mechanism in Turkmenistan and Belarus
Statement delivered at the Human Dimesnsion Implementation Meeting 2019 under Any Other Business. Read More»
Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2019: Working Session 6
U.S. Statement delivered at HDIM 2019 Working Session 6 on the Freedom of Assembly Read More»
Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2019: Working session 1
U.S. Statement on Fundamental Freedoms of Free Expression and Media delivered at HDIM's Working Session 1. Read More»
HDIM: Working Session 3 – Freedom of the Media
Statement at HDIM Working Session 3: Freedom of the Media (Part 2) Read More»
Restrictions on the Freedoms of Expression, Association and Peaceful Assembly in Belarus
We have been following with deep concern reports regarding the response by government authorities to peaceful public demonstrations that took place in several locations in Belarus over the last weekend. Read More»
Response to the Report by Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović | Statement to the PC
The office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media has been a vocal and courageous advocate for freedom of expression, both on- and off-line. Read More»
Freedom of Movement | Statement at Working Session 13 of HDIM 2016
In Vienna in 1989, all participating States committed to, “respect the right of everyone to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State, and to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.” This right is still not fully respected in all participating States. Let me make it ... Read More»
Freedom of Expression, Information, and Media Freedom | Statement at Working Session 6 of HDIM 2016
In establishing the Representative on Freedom of the Media in 1997, the OSCE participating States recognized that “free, independent, and pluralistic media are essential to a free and open society and accountable systems of government.” Read More»
Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly | Statement at Working Session 5 of HDIM 2016
Freedom of association is necessary for the fullest exercise of the freedoms of expression and of religion or belief, and for the conduct of free and fair elections. It is a cornerstone for the rights of persons seeking to form independent trade unions. Read More»
Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly | Statement at Working Session 4 of HDIM 2016
In many participating States, the exercise of peaceful assembly and association is subject to undue and serious restrictions. Read More»
Democratic Institutions | Statement at Working Session 1 of HDIM 2016
Elections are an essential element of democracy and a cornerstone of democratic institutions. The U.S. greatly appreciates the OSCE’s invaluable role in election observation – indeed, this organization has developed what is known as the “gold standard” for its methodology on evaluating elections. Read More»
Freedom of Expression Concerns in the OSCE Region: Statement to the PC
The actions of some participating States in the past few weeks do not appear consistent with OSCE commitments on free expression. Read More»
On the presidential election in Belarus: Statement to the PC
The United States joins other participating States in welcoming the peaceful conduct of the October 11 presidential election in Belarus. We were, however, disappointed that the election fell significantly short of Belarus’ OSCE commitments and international standards for holding democratic elections, as demonstrated by reports from the OSCE ODIHR and Parliamentary Assembly election observation mission. ... Read More»
Closing Reinforced Plenary – Any Other Business: HDIM 2015
The United States, for several years, has used this agenda item to follow up on the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism concerning Turkmenistan and Belarus. The United States believes it is important that we continue to use our human rights mechanisms – and that means we, the participating States, need to take action based on the outcomes of ... Read More»
On the Release of Political Prisoners in Belarus: Statement to the PC
For many years, and as recently as May, the United States has used the Permanent Council to call on the government of Belarus to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, and to restore fully their political and civil rights. Consequently, the United States welcomes the August 22 release from prison in Belarus of Mikalai ... Read More»
On Mikolai Statkevich, Mikalai Dziadok, and other political prisoners in Belarus: Statement to the PC
The United States is concerned by recent developments in the treatment of political prisoners in Belarus. On May 4, former presidential candidate Mikolai Statkevich was sentenced to harsher prison conditions and increased security measures for alleged violations of prison rules. Mr. Statkevich is serving a six-year sentence related to his participation in peaceful protests following ... Read More»
Closing Reinforced Plenary: Any Other Business | HDIM 2014
The United States for several years has used this agenda item to follow up on the recommendations made by the fact-finding missions resulting from the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism concerning Turkmenistan and Belarus. Because the conditions that gave rise to invocations of the Mechanism remain ongoing, my delegation will again address these serious issues. ... Read More»
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