The sanction is a response to the ongoing abuses following the disputed 2020 presidential elections
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has announced that Canada implemented a new round of sanctions against Belarus, targeting 21 individuals associated with the country's government.
This action, announced during the Ottawa visit of Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, is a response to the ongoing human rights violations following the disputed 2020 presidential elections in Belarus.
The individuals sanctioned include high-ranking officials from the security forces, the judiciary, public prosecutors, and administrators of penal and so-called "education" colonies. These figures are accused of playing significant roles in the suppression of peaceful protests against President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, which has been widely criticized for its violent crackdowns. The sanctions encompass allegations of arbitrary arrests, detentions, brutality, and intimidation, alongside the maltreatment of those detained.
“We will never tolerate a blatant disregard of democratic rights,” Minister Joly said. “We’re sending a clear message to Belarus: Canada will continue to support Belarusians in their fight to enforce their right for a democratic future. We will continue to put pressure on the Lukashenko regime and to support human rights defenders and political prisoners.”
To date, Canada has enacted 14 rounds of sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations against a total of 211 individuals and 71 entities. These measures have been closely coordinated with international allies and partners, demonstrating a united front in addressing the situation in Belarus.
In addition to these sanctions, Canada has pledged over $3 million to aid civil society organizations that promote democracy in Belarus. This support focuses on empowering women and bolstering independent media within the country.
The announcement coincides with similar Belarus-related actions by the United States, reflecting a concerted effort by North American allies to counter the Lukashenko regime's misconduct. Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on over 2,900 individuals and entities across Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova, citing violations of sovereignty and numerous human rights abuses.
