Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 9 December (BelTA) – Belarus is stepping up its orientation towards cooperation within the framework of the human rights observation mechanisms. Head of the European Union Delegation to Belarus Andrea Wiktorin made the statement during the panel discussion held on 9 December to take a look at human rights in correlation with the 2030 sustainable development agenda from the point of view of the national plan on human rights, BelTA has learned.

Andrea Wiktorin said: “Since I had the honor of tracking the creation of the national plan on human rights in Belarus, I should say that a lot of effort went into it. It indicates that Belarus is stepping up its orientation towards cooperation as part of the mechanisms meant to ensure the observance of human rights.”

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Belarus remarked that in accordance with the plan the advisability of setting up a national institute on human rights in Belarus will continue to be closely examined. “The European Union always supports the idea. I am convinced that the deliberations will result in the establishment of such a structure in the country in the end,” said the diplomat.

Andrea Wiktorin added that the observation of human rights is the foundation of stability, prosperity, and development of any country. “The European Union is ready to support Belarus in the implementation of the national plan on human rights,” said the Head of the European Union Delegation to Belarus.

The national plan on human rights is an interagency program document designed as a roadmap. The document outlines the main vectors of action for the Belarusian state to honor its commitment to observing human rights. The document expects that about 100 events and projects will be carried out in 2016-2019. They will be implemented by government agencies of all levels in association with scientific and religious organizations, public associations. The financial and technical potential of international bodies will be tapped.