Events

MINSK, 31 May (BelTA) – The United Nations Office in Belarus has plans to launch a three-month campaign Inclusive Belarus to draw public attention to the vulnerability of victims of violence and human trafficking and also migrants, refugees, and people with disabilities. The matter was discussed at a meeting between Belarusian Interior Minister Igor Shunevich and UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Sanaka Samarasinha on 31 May, BelTA learned from the information and public relations department of the Belarusian Interior Ministry.

Sanaka Samarasinha suggested setting up a high-level advisory group to draft a program document on the rule of law and access to justice. He expressed hope that the Interior Ministry will contribute to the effort. “Sanaka Samarasinha thanked the minister for the readiness for an open dialogue and noted that the meeting will advance the bilateral relations built on the basis of mutual assistance and constructive approach,” the Interior Ministry said.

Igor Shunevich, for his part, thanked UN agencies for the support and assistance in building up national law enforcement capacity. He welcomed the signing of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for Belarus for 2016-2020 and expressed readiness to contribute to the implementation of the document bearing in mind the tasks and priorities set for the Belarusian law enforcement agencies.

Igor Shunevich said that the Belarusian Interior Ministry has plans to pay more attention to the reform of the correctional system. He stressed that the ministry is interested in attracting the greatest possible donor support to the initiative to transform juvenile correctional facility No.2 of Bobruisk into an educational center for offenders under the age of 18 and to complete the construction and fitting out of the national general hospital for prisoners.

“Igor Shunevich secured support from the UNDP Resident Representative who promised to help find potential donors and attract financing,” the Interior Ministry added.