The Restitution concept stipulates that the issues of compensation for repressed individuals will be reviewed by the Commission for the Restoration of Justice, which will be formed by a democratic Parliament. The Commission will receive and consider applications from victims of repression while also dealing with issues of truth-finding, restoring trust in state institutions, preventing further violations of human rights, and keeping alive the memory of the actions of the Lukashenka regime. For more information on the Commission for the Restoration of Justice, please read below.
The draft Concept is available in Russian and Belarusian. Belarusians can share their feedback and proposals through the Telegram bot @AskOffice_Bot, email transitionaljustice@tsikhanouskaya.org, and the Google form.
Commission for Restoration of Justice
According to the Concept project, the democratically elected Parliament will form and monitor the activities of the Commission for the Restoration of Justice.
The Commission will include representatives of civil society, human rights defenders, lawyers, economists, and other specialists.
Its functions, particularly but not exclusively, will include:
- Recognition of repressed individuals;
- Consideration of compensation and rehabilitation for victims;
- Cooperation with non-governmental actors;
- Preparation of reports and statements.
Immediately after the democratic transition, the Commission will accept applications from repressed individuals, their relatives and lawyers, as well as those who consider themselves victims of repression. After the legal system is reformed, the prosecutors will also be able to submit applications.
There are no time limits for applying to the Commission. It is possible to reapply in case new evidence emerges. If an applicant disagrees with the Commission's decision, it can be appealed in the court.
