Opinions & Interviews
Belarus at OSCE PA: Respect for human dignity is impossible without respect for state sovereignty
An archive photo
MINSK, 18 November (BelTA) – Respect for human dignity is impossible without respect for state sovereignty, Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives and head of Belarus’ National Assembly delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, said as he spoke at the panel session “Human Dignity First: Protecting Lives, Upholding Rights, and Supporting Families and Communities” during the 23rd Autumn Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, BelTA has learned.
“Respect for human dignity should be the cornerstone of any international system, including the OSCE. Human dignity is not a slogan or a political tool. It is the right to live in peace, without fear and pressure, the right to development and identity, the right to be heard and respected. This is exactly the guiding principle of the policy pursued in Belarus,” Sergei Rachkov said.
According to the Belarusian representative, it is impossible to talk about human dignity in Europe when millions of Europeans suffer from the consequences of economic sanctions imposed by their countries against other states, and also experience serious difficulties due to unemployment, rising prices, and the energy crisis.
“We believe that respect for human dignity is impossible without respect for state sovereignty. The principle of non-interference in internal affairs is not a formality, but the basis of equal international communication,” the Belarusian parliamentarian emphasized.
He stated that today human rights are becoming an instrument of pressure and interference in the internal affairs of a state, and the application of unilateral restrictive measures is a collective punishment that violates basic human rights.
“Belarus is convinced that true human dignity is forged within the family, not through political campaigns or social media,” Sergei Rachkov said. He added that Belarus pays special attention to people with disabilities, orphaned children and everyone who needs state support.
The parliamentarian also stated that Belarus resolutely condemns attempts to rewrite history, glorify Nazism and discrimination on religious grounds, which contradicts the fundamental principles of the OSCE. Belarus consistently advocates respect for historical truth, preservation of memorials and support for interfaith peace.
“Human dignity first means every country, every people and every person are respected,” the chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs concluded.
On the sidelines of the 23rd OSCE PA Autumn Meeting, head of the delegation of Belarus’ National Assembly Sergei Rachkov met with OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons. The parties discussed the participation of the Belarusian side in the OSCE PA events, the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue with the parliaments of Europe with the assistance of the OSCE PA, and the possibilities of using parliamentary diplomacy to resolve conflicts in the OSCE area.
Sergei Rachkov invited the OSCE PA leadership to take part in the 4th Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security that will serve as a platform for strengthening multilateral dialogue. The invitation was received positively.
The OSCE PA president noted Belarus’ important role in ensuring security in the region, supported the importance of developing inter-parliamentary contacts, including the participation of the Belarusian delegation in the OSCE PA meetings and missions, including election observation missions.
Earlier, a meeting was held with Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş. The Belarusian parliamentarian conveyed greetings from Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeyenko to Numan Kurtulmuş, as well as an invitation to visit Belarus on an official visit. The parties emphasized the friendly nature of relations between Belarus and Türkiye, and the potential for a dialogue of mutual interest.
In addition, the meeting focused on the results of the recent visit to Belarus of the Türkiye-Belarus friendship inter-parliamentary group of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye led by Selman Eser.
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