The Expert Council on NGO Law of the Conference of INGOs published an opinion on the compatibility with International and regional standards of recent amendments to the Belarusian legislation affecting NGOs.
This opinion examines the compatibility with international and regional standards and best practices of amendments to the legislation of the Republic of Belarus that are likely to have an impact on the operation of NGOs and the exercise of the right to freedom of association.
It finds that, through an overly broad conception of “extremist activities” and excessive controls relating to the organising and holding of mass events, the operation and continued existence of NGOs in Belarus is seriously threatened. Furthermore, the opinion considers that the adoption of these amendments only adds to the particularly hostile environment for NGOs in Belarus. As such the amendments are clearly incompatible with international and regional standards.
