Opposition to help ILO prepare sanctions against Belarus’ authorities – Cichanoŭskaja

January 18, BPN. The International Labor Organization (ILO) will press for an end to the crackdown on Belarusian workers and the release of prisoners, ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo assured Sviatłana Cichanoŭskaja at their meeting in Davos.

Houngbo discussed with Belarus’ opposition leader recent prison sentences imposed on independent trade union leaders, including ILO governing body member Alaksandr Jarašuk, Cichanoŭskaja’s aide Franak Viačorka told BPN.

The opposition leader welcomed the ILO’s decision to consider sanctions under Article 33 of the ILO Charter in response to the recent wave of persecution of workers and constant violations of their rights.

It might be an extreme measure, but it might help secure the release of the workers and trade union leaders, she noted.

The Belarusian opposition is planning to provide the ILO with suggestions for the implementation of Article 33 punishing countries that systematically fail to comply with the ILO requirements and recommendations, Cichanoŭskaja added.