On January 22, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova took part in an informal UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting, dedicated to media freedom in Belarus.

The meeting was convened by the UN Security Council members Great Britain, Estonia, Ireland, Norway, the USA and France, whereas Ukraine, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland and Germany co-sponsored the meeting.

In her speech, Emine Dzhaparova brought attention to the ongoing violence against peaceful protesters in Belarus and to a high number of politically motivated criminal cases. She noted that hundreds of journalists have been arrested in Belarus.

“Human rights violations serve an early warning of potential conflict, thus making the Security Council a relevant platform for discussing the situation in Belarus”, Emine Dzhaparova stated when addressing the UNSC members and the invited participants.

Emine Dzhaparova emphasized that Ukraine, as a good friend and neighbour of Belarus, has a keen interest in maintaining a dialogue and cooperation, based upon the democratic values.

“The independent, sovereign and democratic Belarus, where human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, will be a key element of regional stability”, Emine Dzhaparova noted.

In this regard, she pointed out that Russia impedes this process and continues its political games trying to ensure its full control over Belarus, including by strengthening its military presence, thus threatening stability and security of a wider region. 

The First Deputy Minster encouraged the authorities in Belarus to uphold the right to freedom of expression and opinion, and to ensure a vibrant media space.

Emine Dzhaparova reassured of Ukraine’s readiness to assist Belarus in overcoming the current political crisis, including within the Lublin Triangle, and of our country's support of the OSCE’s assistance under the Swedish Chairmanship.