In March 2022, the Council of Europe decided to cease all contacts with the Belarus regime. Its resolution instructed the CoE bodies to deepen relations with the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society and cooperate on human rights, independent media, and youth policy. In September 2022, the decision was made to establish a Contact Group of the Council of Europe on relations with Belarus.
Alexander Shlyk, Special Representative of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Elections, explains how the Contact Group was established and how the Council of Europe will help the Belarusians.
Alexander Shlyk: “Following the decision to terminate contacts of the Council of Europe with the official Minsk, we discussed joint work with the Council during several visits of representatives of the democratic forces to Strasbourg, including two visits of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. As a result, on September 7, the highest governing body, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, decided to instruct the Secretary General of the CoE to form a contact group in cooperation with the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society of Belarus.
With its wording, the resolution instructed the Secretary General to establish the Group “in cooperation,” not after consultation. It matters as it confirms our subjectivity. The resolution mentioned that it stemmed directly from the Council of Europe's consultations with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her speeches in the governing bodies. The resolution also obliged the Secretary General to report at least twice a year on the progress of the Contact Group. Thus, the decision was made two months ago, after which we held consultations with the Council of Europe, Belarusian civil society, and political actors. And yesterday the Contact Group commenced its work”.
- Why is this important for Belarus?
“The reason is that the Council of Europe is a unique regional organization associated with human rights and fundamental European values. It is impossible to imagine any country joining the EU without being a member of the Council of Europe. Now 46 countries are member states of the Council of Europe (Russia was expelled in March). All of these countries adhere to fundamental common European values.
It is very important that we are building relations with the Council of Europe as equals. This is an unprecedented decision, and Marija Pejčinovič-Burič, Secretary General of the CoE, explicitly noted that. In fact, it is not the official Minsk that represents Belarusians for cooperation with the international organization, but the democratic forces and civil society.
The Council of Europe has an an incredibly large legal expertise and broad experience in helping states build democratic institutions, establish the rule of law, tackle courts, parliaments, legislation. Considering that we want to start building democratic institutions now for a sustainable democracy in the future of Belarus, the experience of the Council of Europe will be very valuable to us”.
- How can the Council of Europe help Belarusians now?
“There are 46 states in the Council of Europe, it covers almost all European states. They are obliged to observe and respect the rights of people under their jurisdiction – including Belarusians who happen to be on their territory.
The Council of Europe can influence countries to treat Belarusians correctly and guarantee their rights. Of course, there are nuances, because many issues are left to the discretion of national governments. The Council of Europe cannot issue resolutions binding on nations, but it can make recommendations and influence them”.
