The United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Miklos Haraszti, has warned that "no changes" have been initiated in the country to alter the "oppressive laws and practices" since the October presidential election.
"Unfortunately, the dismal state of human rights has remained unchanged in the country," Haraszti said in a February 9 statement.
"The authorities have not ceased the systematic harassment of those who attempted to practice their individual, civil, political, and other rights, despite the partial suspension of EU and US sanctions, decided in anticipation of further advancement of human rights," the UN special rapporteur said.
"Neither have they shown any willingness to reform the entrenched, highly oppressive legal system."
The upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for September, will be an opportunity for the authorities to "attest of their commitment to reform," Haraszti added.