Hennadz Fiadynich: Human Rights Are Declared, But They Must Always Be Fought For

This is especially true for those who got into the “database of parasites” in Belarus.

December 10 is Human Rights Day. This year, this date is significant because exactly 70 years ago, one of the most important documents on human rights was adopted – the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is imbued with the spirit of combating discrimination, the conviction that all people are equal and have equal rights, spring96.org reports.

Hennadz Fiadynich, the leader of the independent trade union REP, was sentenced to 4 years of freedom limitation for his active trade union activities this year. But until now, he actively continues to help people protect their labor rights. Together with Ihar Komlik, he was nominated for the Human Rights Defender of the Year in the National Award of Belarusian human rights defenders to be held on December 10. Noting the importance of Article 23 of the Declaration, Hennadz Fiadynich emphasizes:

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted 70 years ago, but even now many articles are relevant especially for Belarus. As for Article 23 of the Declaration, it states that each person has the right to work, and not the obligation, as the Belarusian authorities interpret it. This is evidenced by the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. The state explains “protection against unemployment” in its own way as well. Unfortunately, in Belarus it is seen as to employ everyone somewhere and somehow. Without thinking about what will be the size of the salary and the living standards of the citizens.

We know a lot of facts when people get different money for the same work. First of all, because these people have their own opinion on what is happening at the enterprise and what is happening in the country. For this they get less salary.

Today, every official should have this declaration, especially the officials in those commissions on social parasites. Let them read and finally understand that their actions do not correspond to the essence of law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the primary source of law in Belarus, and the decrees have a different meaning.

I would encourage everyone who wants to have dignity, read the Declaration and defend their rights. They are not given just like that, human rights are declared, but they must always be fought for.”