On April 12, 2024, the Government of Canada announced the Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), designated as SOR/2024-60. These amendments are Canada’s response to the severe and systematic human rights violations occurring in Belarus, particularly following the fraudulent presidential election in August 2020. The background leading to these regulatory changes stems from the August 2020 elections, during which President Alexander Lukashenko’s government engaged in widespread voter suppression and violence against peaceful protests. Numerous human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Office of the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, reported violations such as arbitrary detentions, torture, and severe restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. Since the elections, Belarusian authorities have consistently ignored international condemnation, resulting in a persistent crisis characterized by the repression of dissent and targeting of opposition figures.

In light of these human rights abuses, the Canadian government initially established the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations on September 28, 2020, imposing sanctions on individuals and entities involved in repressing the Belarusian populace. The newly amended regulations add 21 individuals to Schedule 1, targeting senior officials within the Belarusian government, including members of the security forces, judiciary, and prosecution services. These individuals have been implicated in violent crackdowns on protests and systematic human rights violations, including wrongful imprisonments and torture of dissenters.

The amendments underscore Canada’s broader commitment to human rights advocacy and its strategic approach to exerting pressure on the Belarusian government. The government aims to communicate that such violations will not be tolerated while aligning with like-minded international partners in their collective response to the situation in Belarus. Canada’s measures are intended to complement the actions of international organizations and allied countries, fostering a unified stance against ongoing violations.

Additionally, Canada’s response to the crisis has involved engagement with international bodies such as the OSCE and various human rights coalitions, emphasizing collaboration in addressing the humanitarian situation. The country has sought to support the Belarusian opposition and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the regime’s actions. The amendment process allows for the immediate application of the regulations before their publication in the Canada Gazette, reflecting the government’s commitment to rapid action in response to ongoing events. This regulatory framework is crucial to Canada’s foreign policy, reinforcing its dedication to upholding human rights and democratic principles on the global stage.

By sanctioning specific individuals linked to these abuses, Canada seeks to apply pressure on the regime while standing in solidarity with the Belarusian people and the international community in advocating for justice and democratic governance.

Canada (SOR/2024-60) April 24, 2024