Permanent Representative of Belarus L.Belskaya participates in the 115th session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration

On November 27, 2024 the Permanent Representative of Belarus to International Organizations in Geneva, Larysa Belskaya, addressed the 115th session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration. 

The Belarusian diplomat noted that the illegal sanctions imposed by the European Union against Belarus had destroyed previously successful joint border management to curb illegal migration.

The Permanent Representative stressed that Belarus consistently calls on the EU, primarily the neighbouring Eastern European states, as well as the Western European countries where illegal migrants flock, to resume constructive professional dialogue on migration issues and find ways to ensure security and save human lives on the common border.

The Permanent Representative noted with regret that instead of resuming cooperation, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia use violence against displaced persons, forcing them into the territory of Belarus, which leads to suffering and death of people. Over the past few years, Belarusian law enforcement agencies have recorded 70 deaths of migrants who were forced out of the EU territory, the number of injured and maimed amounts to hundreds.

L.Belskaya informed the IOM Council about the International conference on migration held in Minsk on November 15, 2024 which was attended by heads of relevant government agencies, representatives of public organisations and civil society, as well as the diplomatic corps and specialized international structures, including IOM, UNHCR, OHCHR, etc. Belarusian diplomat expressed confidence that the results of the conference will contribute to a more effective and comprehensive response to illegal migration, while strengthening the protection and observance of the human rights of all vulnerable persons on the move.

The Belarusian diplomat also informed about the priorities of the Concept of Migration Policy of the Republic of Belarus for 2024–2028, approved by the Government in early 2024.

The IOM Director General, Amy Pope, welcomed the development of this document and assured of the Organization's readiness to assist in its implementation, including in studying best practices in facilitating legal migration routes, as applied to the needs of the Belarusian labor market. 

A.Pope emphasized that the call of the Belarusian authorities on the need to resume interstate cooperation in the area of joint border management and combating illegal migration has been taken into account by the IOM and noted the Organization's readiness to provide all possible assistance in this area.