In Belarus World Declaration of Human Rights, fundamental ILO Conventions are bluntly violated, a fact established by a special commission of the International Labour Organization in 2004. In 2000 the ILO has initiated Case 2090 on the violations of workers’ rights in Belarus. The International Labour Organization has more than once recommended to the Government of Belarus to take measures to eliminate the violations of workers’ rights.

Still, this oppression of rights, prosecution of trade union leaders and activists, and limitation of workers’ rights continues. A contract-based system of employment for all workers was introduced. The condition of employment is an obligatory affiliation to a state-run trade union affiliated with the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, controlled and ruled by the Administration of the President.

Workers, affiliated to independent trade unions are subjects to repressions; they are prosecuted and dismissed from their enterprises. Protest events and actions of workers and trade unions in support of their labour rights are forbidden. Trade union newspapers and publications are prohibited.

In 2003-2004 Belarusian authorities practically dismantled the IMF-affiliated unions AAM and REI. Reprisals continue against IMF-affiliated independent Belarusian trade union REPAM, which was formed by the members of the trade unions REI and AAM, unions that adhere to the idea of independence of the trade union movement.

The authorities continue to take measures to destroy the trade union REPAM, and prosecute its activists and leaders. Despite this Belarusian trade unions keep on fighting for workers’ freedoms and rights.

Delegates of the 31st IMF Congress express their solidarity with struggle of the independent trade unions of Belarus for workers’ rights and demand that the leadership and government of Belarus stop prosecuting and baiting of trade union activists and leaders, and respect workers’ rights.