On 7 November, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Michelle O’Neil. The meeting took place in Melbourne.
The discussion focused on support for Belarusian trade union leaders and activists who are currently imprisoned, as well as continued international pressure for their release. They also addressed joint efforts within the framework of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the implementation of Article 33, which provides for sanctions against governments that violate workers’ rights.
The parties paid particular attention to the case of trade union activist Vatslau (Viachaslau) Areshka, who has nearly lost his sight in prison and must be released immediately.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Australian trade unions for their solidarity with Belarusian workers and for supporting the struggle for freedom, dignity, and labor rights.
