June 26th is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a stark reminder of the horrors inflicted upon countless individuals around the world through the abhorrent practice of torture. On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we must stand united against these atrocities and amplify the voices of those who have suffered unimaginable pain and degradation.
In Belarus, under the oppressive regime of Alexander Lukashenko, the situation is dire. As of June 2024, 196 women are languishing in custody, and 597 more are under partial house arrest, all subjected to systemic repression and cruelty. These women are political prisoners, deprived of their liberty and subjected to forced labor, psychological abuse, and appalling living conditions.
Imagine being a woman-political prisoner, enduring months in a punishment cell — a cold, windowless room devoid of basic necessities or, facing beatings and denied medical care. Countless are victims of a regime that disregards their humanity, using torture as a tool of oppression.
"The Road to Hague" project of the Belarus Women’s Foundation seeks to hold Lukashenko accountable for crimes against humanity, ensuring that the perpetrators face international legal consequences.
However, the challenges are enormous. United Nations reports confirm the widespread nature of these abuses, including sexual violence and torture tactics designed to break the spirit of detainees. Belarusian women are subject to physical violence, stressful situations and sexual violence.
On this day, let us not only condemn these acts of torture but also take concrete action.
❗We must pressure our governments to impose sanctions on Belarusian officials responsible for these crimes.
❗We must support organizations like the BWF that provide critical aid and advocate for justice.
❗We must demand that international bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), swiftly intervene and hold Lukashenko and regime accountable.
Raise your voice today for the victims of torture in Belarus and around the world. Share their stories, support organizations working on the ground, and demand justice from those in power.
For more information on how you can support the cause and take action, visit the Belarus Women’s Foundation, How They Torture Women In Belarusian Prisons, and watch the Statement & Video Message by Belarus Women's Foundation.
Let us stand together in solidarity against torture. The time to act is NOW!
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