Communication
2720/2016
Submission: 2013.06.05
View Adopted: 2019.03.29
The author is a Belarusian national who claims Belarus violated his rights under article 19(2) and 21 of the Covenant. The author submitted an application with domestic authorities to hold a peaceful assembly in Slutsk, to publically express their support for political detaintees in the country. Domestic authorities declined the application on the basis that there were no detainees in the country. The author appealed this decision, with higher courts declining on the same basis.
The author claimed that Belarus violated his right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, noting that it remains unclear what the legitimate aim for restricting these rights is.
In accordance with article 2 (3) (a) of the Covenant, the State party is under an obligation to provide individuals whose Covenant rights have been violated with an effective remedy. This requires it to make full reparation to individuals whose Covenant rights have been violated.
Accordingly, the State party is obligated to, inter alia:
The Committee required Belarus to take all measures and update the Committee on progress made within 180 days, or 29 September 2019.