The Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has issued concluding observations on Belarus’s ninth periodic report, highlighting significant concerns and recommendations. The Committee noted a lack of awareness and application of the Convention in judicial proceedings and recommended full translation and integration into national law. It also called for a systematic gender analysis of legislation and the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.
CEDAW expressed grave concerns about the widespread arbitrary arrests and detention of women human rights defenders, political activists, and journalists, urging Belarus to ensure fair trial rights and cease the use of counter-extremism laws against legitimate human rights work. The Committee also recommended establishing an independent national human rights institution and addressing the inhumane conditions of detention for women.