"On November 26, 2024, the Government of Canada and representatives of the Belarusian Democratic Forces, including Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her office, members of the United Transitional Cabinet, and individuals from Belarus' civil society, convened in Ottawa for strategic consultations. These consultations, which were held for the first time, focused on the protection of fundamental human rights, democratic resilience, targeted sanctions, democratization, the rule of law and efforts to ensure accountability for the Lukashenka regime.
"Participants expressed grave concern over the continued lack of respect of the will of the Belarusian people, especially as we move towards Belarus's 2025 presidential election, that is expected to be neither free nor fair.
"Both parties strongly condemned the systematic use of torture and inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment, incommunicado detention, and other forms of repression in Belarus, and called for the immediate release of all political prisoners and the restoration of democratic freedoms in Belarus.
"Canada underscored its commitment to bolstering international efforts to counter Russian influence operations and uphold Belarusian citizens' rights, including the right to self-determination. The parties emphasized the importance of connecting Belarusian civil society with European and North American democratic institutions and strengthening international networks that empower the Belarusian people in their struggle for freedom, human rights, and independence.
"The Canadian government reaffirmed its dedication to using targeted sanctions against individuals and entities that violate human rights and those who support directly or indirectly Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
"Recognizing the critical role of independent media, both parties agreed to support Belarusian journalists and media organizations, particularly those providing accurate information to audiences within, and outside, Belarus.
"Canada's consultation with Belarusian democratic forces reaffirmed a shared vision of a free and democratic Belarus - free from oppression, corruption, and interference - and expressed their commitment to continuing to stand in defense of shared democratic values and freedoms, deepening their partnership through enhanced collaboration, and joint initiatives aimed at building a future where Belarus is free from oppression and external interference."
