Human Rights Watch

The risks for the LGBTQI+ community intensify amidst ongoing human rights concerns, with the passage of a new anti-gay law.

Lithuania, which referred Belarus to the ICC, alleges that since 2020, “crimes against humanity – including deportation, persecution and other inhumane acts – have been carried out against the civilian population of Belarus”.

The ruling United Russia party proposed the bill, saying it will protect “traditional” and “family values,” prevent the “degradation of public institutions,” and counter “depopulation”.

Rights groups warn that authorities have weaponized the use of the death penalty as a tool to repress freedom of expression in the country.

Azerbaijani authorities have used politically motivated, bogus criminal charges to prosecute and imprison activists, journalists, and human rights defenders ahead of COP29 in November.

The proposed legislation threatens to undermine fair trial protections and entrench abuses by authorities, warn human rights groups.

Authorities target prominent human rights defender Sihem Bensedrine, amid rising repression ahead of the presidential election.

HRW presents a Q&A focusing on the human rights implications of COP29 and the human rights concerns associated with holding the conference in a repressive state that relies heavily on fossil fuels.