Declaration on the Establishment of the Parliamentary Group “For a Democratic Belarus” in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

July 8, 2026, The Hague

We, the undersigned members of national parliamentary delegations to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly,

Guided by the principles and commitments enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, and other OSCE documents;

Emphasizing the importance of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as core values of the OSCE community;

Recalling that international observation missions of the OSCE ODIHR and the OSCE PA have for many years found that electoral processes in the Republic of Belarus do not meet OSCE commitments and standards;

Expressing concern over the continued political repression, the existence of political prisoners, and the restriction of civil and political rights and freedoms in Belarus;

Recognizing the forced emigration of a significant number of Belarusian citizens as a result of political persecution;

Recognizing the importance of supporting the democratic forces of Belarus and civil society in their pursuit of peaceful democratic change;

Welcoming the establishment of the informal Delegation of the Democratic Forces of Belarus for cooperation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly;

Agree on the following:

1. To establish, within the OSCE PA, an informal cross-party parliamentary group “For a Democratic Belarus.”

2. To define the group’s goal as promoting the restoration of democratic institutions, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the holding of free and fair elections in the Republic of Belarus in accordance with OSCE commitments and standards.

3. To coordinate efforts of OSCE member states’ parliamentarians in support of the democratic development of Belarus.

4. To maintain regular dialogue and cooperation with the Delegation of the Democratic Forces of Belarus, representatives of civil society, and other interested parties.

5. To promote awareness within the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly of the situation regarding human rights, democratic institutions, and electoral processes in Belarus.

6. To carry out other activities consistent with the goals of this Memorandum and the principles of the OSCE.
   

This Memorandum is open for accession by any member of national delegations of OSCE participating States who share its goals and principles.