The issues of Belarusian youth were raised at the UPR pre-session in Geneva

On 29 August, the pre-session of the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) took place in Geneva. Maksim Zafranski, Youth Rights Advisor at the Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA,” presented a joint report prepared by “RADA” and the European Youth Forum. Maksim himself talks about how the event unfolded, why participation in this process is important, and what benefits it can bring.

• What is the UPR? How would you explain it to someone hearing this abbreviation for the first time?

“The Universal Periodic Review is a UN monitoring mechanism in which all member states report every five years on their progress in the field of human rights. The state prepares a report, and other countries provide recommendations on what could be improved in the coming years. Civil society can also participate and propose ideas that should be included in the recommendations.”

• How does the pre-session in Geneva take place?

“During the pre-session, representatives of civil society have five minutes to present their statements and recommendations. Member states can ask additional questions. In addition, there’s an opportunity for direct meetings with diplomats.”

• Why is this important?

“For today’s Belarus, the likelihood that the authorities will implement serious recommendations is low. However, for “RADA”, it is an opportunity to highlight the unique problems of Belarusian youth at the international level, so these issues don’t remain in the shadows.”

• What was your main message going to Geneva?

“During the previous UPR cycle, youth issues weren’t raised at all. Therefore, my main goal was to make them visible. Particularly important issues include access to higher education, freedom of association and assembly at universities, as well as combating gender discrimination and discrimination against people with disabilities.”

• What does participating in this process and event mean to you personally?

“For me, this is the first such experience. It is very interesting to visit an organization that plays a key role in the field of human rights, to gain practice in public speaking, and to see how Belarusian colleagues work. It’s also a valuable opportunity to interact with diplomats from different countries and convey the issues that concern us.”

Joint report of the Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” and the European Youth Forum: