Situation at Belarus border with EU states: UK-Canada joint statement

On behalf of the UK and Canada, UK Deputy Ambassador Brown voices concerns about attempts by the regime in Belarus to engineer a migrant crisis in Europe.

From:

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Ms Deirdre Brown, Deputy Head of the UK Delegation to the OSCE

Delivered on:

11 November 2021 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you Madam Chairperson,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of both Canada and the United Kingdom.

We would like to thank the delegation of Slovenia on behalf of the European Union for putting this item on our agenda today.

We are deeply concerned about the Belarusian regime’s continued facilitation of migrants into and out of Belarus, and the serious escalation at Belarus’ border with Poland. This is the latest in a series of abhorrent actions by the Lukashenko regime to engineer a migrant crisis in an attempt to undermine Poland and others in the region. It once again highlights

the Belarusian regime’s disregard for international norms. Taking advantage of people experiencing vulnerability is a deeply cynical ploy to exert pressure on its neighbours, and will do nothing to solve Belarus’ ongoing domestic political crisis.

Tragically, there have already been fatalities as a result of Belarus’ callous actions. As temperatures continue to drop, the risk increases of further deaths. It is within the power of the Belarusian regime to halt this life-threatening activity.

We remain clear that the only way to bring an end to the current situation is for the regime to halt their destructive behaviour and engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue with all parts of Belarusian society. We stand in solidarity with, and support, our European partners and remain committed to ensuring the Lukashenko regime is held to account.

Thank you madam Chair