The African Regional Organisation of the ITUC speaks out in defence of Belarusian trade unionists

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has issued a statement calling for the immediate and unconditional release of trade union leaders, activists and all political prisoners in Belarus.

The statement, published on 27 March, stresses that Belarusian trade unionists are being persecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of association, freedom of expression, and for defending the interests of workers.

It underlines that the criminal cases brought against trade union leaders are evidence of a deliberate and systematic attack on the independent trade union movement in Belarus. Workers are being criminalised for organising, taking part in strikes, and defending dignity and justice in the workplace.

ITUC-Africa called on the Government of Belarus to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, including all detained trade unionists, and to annul all convictions arising from the exercise of fundamental freedoms. The statement emphasizes that no worker should be imprisoned for standing up for their rights.

“The struggle of Belarusian trade unionists is a struggle for dignity, justice and democracy — values that unite workers across continents. African workers stand firmly in solidarity with them,” the statement says.

In addition, the African regional organisation of the ITUC called on the Belarusian authorities to take urgent steps to restore civic and democratic space, including:

• full respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining;

• an end to harassment, intimidation and criminal prosecution of trade union activists;

• restoration of independent trade union structures and activities.

The statement also calls not for a reduction, but for a strengthening of international solidarity and advocacy efforts through public mobilisation, diplomatic pressure and coordinated campaigns.

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