UN experts on Monday raised alarm over allegations of poor conditions, inhumane treatment, and other international law violations at a Belarus detention center.
Following confidential meetings with a Navapolatsk Correctional Colony psychologist, experts heard reports of “detainees…subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, disciplinary sanctions and physical punishments after suicide attempts, [and] denial of essential medical care.” Detainees were also reportedly denied contact with family members and legal counsel.
Experts said allegations that authorities have labeled certain detainees as terrorists and extremists, “despite no related conviction,” were particularly alarming. Among these detainees is Ihar Losik, a journalist and blogger who was “arbitrarily detained” from 2022-2025 on “politically motivated charges.”
In 2024, rights group Viasna drew attention to reports that officials had placed prisoners at Navapolatsk in solitary isolation, “deprived of visits, broadcasts and calls,” and barred from sending correspondence. The group also alleged officials tortured detainees by depriving them of suitably warm clothing in cold conditions. Earlier this year, 18 human rights groups published an open letter to the UN Human Rights Council, warning of likely human rights violations inflicted on detainees.
Such actions contained in various reports contravene international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The experts reminded the Belarusian government that under international human rights law it is obligated to “ensure humane detention conditions, guarantee access to independent medical and psychological care, and conduct credible investigations into all reported deaths and serious injuries in custody.”
