A/HRC/44/55 9. Civic space remains constrained in Belarus. The legal and institutional environment remains hostile to dissenting opinions and unduly restricts the enjoyment of civil and political rights. Laws designed to prevent libel and the spread of extremist ideology continue to be used as repressive tools. Religious freedoms remain limited and space for genuine civic engagement and free expression is further restricted as a result. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that the free flow of information and ideas about public and political issues among citizens is essential, especially ahead of the presidential elections that are due to take place before the end of August 2020. 10. While Belarus has made certain strides in combating HIV, these improvements have not always been in alignment with the State’s human rights obligations. In particular, the Special Rapporteur expresses her concern that mandatory reporting policies in the medical profession discourage vulnerable groups from seeking medical advice and support. As a result of the lack of appropriate awareness-raising policies and an anti-discrimination law, people living with HIV and their families continue to suffer from discrimination and social stigma. The quality of health care available to persons deprived of their liberty remains a concern. 11. Discrimination in employment remains an issue in Belarus, most notably with regard to discrimination against women, persons with disabilities and persons living with HIV. Belarus has developed a draft law to better protect persons with disabilities. While this is a positive step, the Special Rapporteur remains concerned about the prevalence of structural discrimination and the lack of inclusive, accessible working environments for persons with disabilities. She deplores that the Roma community continues to face systemic discrimination in employment, which increases social exclusion and stigma. 12. Despite its prohibition in legislation, forced labour continues to be systematically used in Belarus, notably in detention centres and in so-called labour treatment centres. This has a negative effect on vulnerable communities. The Special Rapporteur noted with concern that children are not spared by this illegal practice. In addition, Belarus continued its suppressive policies towards trade unions during the reporting period, and also continued to systematically discriminate against unemployed persons. 13. Discrimination also continues against speakers of the Belarusian language, particularly in higher and secondary education. Alongside threatening the language’s survival, this also negatively impacts cultural life in Belarus. Whereas Belarusian is a constitutional State language, speakers and promoters of Belarusian continue to be discriminated against. The same holds true for speakers of Polish: they represent a sizeable minority in Belarus, but are left with little opportunity to educate their children in their mother tongue. 14. Belarus continues to censor cultural expression, including by considering one-person happenings in public spaces as “mass events” requiring notification or authorization. The Special Rapporteur notes with particular concern limitations on the freedom of expression of LGBTQI artists and the continued use of homophobic language by State authorities in their official capacity. 15. Given the observations detailed in the present report, the Special Rapporteur maintains her opinion that continued attention should be paid to the human rights situation in Belarus. She reiterates her availability to contribute to the improvement of the situation. B. Methodology 16. The Special Rapporteur’s mandate is guided by the principles of independence and impartiality, as well as the independence of sources. The Special Rapporteur is committed to fulfilling her mandate in compliance with the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council. She continues to pay special attention to protecting her sources of information. 17. As was the practice in previous years, on 4 December 2019, the Special Rapporteur submitted a request to visit Belarus in her official capacity. Her request remained unanswered. The Special Rapporteur would welcome opportunities to constructively engage with the Government of Belarus, and encourages the Government to review its position towards her mandate. 3