Demand to bring freedom of association back to Belarus was voiced in front of UN building in Geneva

June 5, 2025, Geneva. An action of solidarity with the independent trade union of Belarus took place in the Nations Square in front of the UN building. Under the slogan “Bring Freedom of Association Back to Belarus!”, the participants demanded to stop the repressions without delay, release all imprisoned union leaders, and restore workers’ right to freedom of association.

The action was held on the margins of the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) taking place these days in Geneva where Belarus, yet again, features a key case of systemic violations of workers’ rights.

Around a hundred people gathered in front of the UN building. The speakers included the leaders of major national and international trade union associations. Speaking to the participants were the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Luc Triangle, Assistant General Secretary of the IndustriALL Global Union Kan Matsuzaki, Kirill Buketov of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, and Hotel Workers’ Associations (IUF), the representative of the Builders and Woodworkers International Anna Bolsheva, Yanina Unli of the Norvegian Trade Union Confederation (LO), Vasyl Andreyev of the Trade Union Federation of Ukraine (FPU), Mikhailo Volynets of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KSPU), Haing Zar Aung of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanma (CTUM), and Magnus Meister of the largest Swiss union UNIA.

Funny but indicative: the Governmental delegation of Belarus that was passing by left the Nations Square in a hurry as soon as they saw banners and posters demanding the release of the imprisoned Belarusian unionists.

“We are here so that you could hear their voice”

The action was opened by Lizaveta Merliak representing the “Salidarnast” association and the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions. She recalled that the rally was taking place by the Broken Chair, a symbol of resistance and dignity. In her speech Merliak suggested that the participants commemorate Dan Gallin, a legendary trade union figure and a friend of Belarusian independent unions.

“We remember Dan not only for what he fought for but also for how he stood by us. He believed in us when almost nobody else did.”

Merliak quoted Gallin from his address to the Belarusian unions in 2021:

“Our history teaches us that dictatorships never last forever however strong they might appear to be. And workers will never stop organizing into democratic unions in their constant struggle for freedom and justice – for themselves and for the society.”

After the minute of silence, the floor was taken by BKDP Vice-President Siarhei Antusevich. His contribution was one of the most emotional and strongest at the rally. His opening words were:

“Today my picture is not among those of my comrades because I’m here with you – in order to bring freedom of association back to Belarus.”

He stressed that in today’s Belarus it was dangerous not only to fight for labour rights but also to simply say the truth. He recalled the union leaders still lingering in jail, including Aliaksandr Yarashuk and Gennady Fedynich, and concluded by saying:

“There is no freedom without the unions. There is no justice without solidarity. There is no future without struggle. Long live Belarus!”

“If we fight, we win”

Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), harshly criticized the Minsk regime, stressing that in Belarus they continue persecuting unionists for the very fact of their existence:

“Workers’ and trade union rights are only possible in a democratic society. In Belarus they have been destroyed. We must use all instruments available, including Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, make them work as real pressure mechanisms rather than a formality. Our power comes from solidarity. We are the largest social movement in the world. If we fight, we win. And we shall fight till we can celebrate the release of all those who are now behind bars.”

“Freedom of association is not a crime”

The speech of Kan Matsuzaki of the IndustriALL Global Union was just as sharp and devoid of diplomatic niceties. He recalled that the trade union activists in Belarus were convicted on trumped-up charges, and the authorities continue to ignore the country’s international obligations, including recommendations under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution:

“Freedom of association is the foundation of our union rights. In Belarus, it is completely suppressed. We must bring the independent unions back. We must put democracy back into the hands of the Belarusian people. Together with the international trade union movement we shall continue fighting till justice prevails.”

“What are dictators doing here?”

The President of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine Mikhailo Volynets stressed that he personally knows Belarusian unionists-victims of repressions. He also recalled the role Lukashenka’s regime played in the war against Ukraine and brought into question the participation of dictatorship regimes in the activities of international institutions:

“In this situation, one has a question: and what is the Belarusian delegation doing at the 113th session of the ILC? What is the Russian delegation doing here? It’s a shame! We must drive them out of here.”

The promise to continue the struggle

The rally was concluded by an input from the BKDP Acting President Maksim Pazniakau. He thanked all participants for their solidarity and pledged to continue the struggle:

“We are grateful for this solidarity. And we promise that as long as repressions against trade unions continue in Belarus, we shall be coming here, to the UN building, again and again. Till all our brothers and sisters are released.”

On June 7, a meeting of the ILC Committee on the Application of Standards will take place where the case of Belarus will be examined.

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