News & Events in Belarus

Belarus Interior Ministry, UN sign agreement on UNHCR legal status in Belarus

MINSK, 28 July (BelTA) – The Interior Ministry of Belarus and the United Nations Organization signed a cooperation agreement and an agreement on the legal status of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office and its personnel in Belarus, BelTA learnt from the information and public relations department of the Belarusian Interior Ministry. 

 The document was signed by Belarus’ Interior Minister Anatoly Kuleshov and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres who is on a visit to Belarus on 28-29 July.

The Interior Ministry informed that the agreement will facilitate the bilateral cooperation and enhance Belarus’ image on the international arena.

Antonio Guterres is scheduled to meet with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov, senior officials of the State Border Committee, representatives of international and non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions.

The sides will discuss strategic partnership for protection of asylum seekers and refugees. In particular, the sides will examine some aspects of program activities and international technical assistance projects to help Belarus effectively address the pressing problems of migration.

Belarus has been cooperating with the UNHCR since 1996. Since then around 3,500 foreign citizens from 48 countries have applied to the authorities for refugee status or additional protection. As of 1 June 2010, 819 foreign citizens were recognized refugees.

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