The foundation of the Belarusian state is outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, which was established in 1994 and has since undergone amendments adopted through republican referendums on November 24, 1996, October 17, 2004, and February 27, 2022.
Belarus is a unitary democratic social legal state, possessing sovereignty and full authority within its territory and independently executing both domestic and foreign policies.
The paramount value and objective of society and the state are human beings, their rights, freedoms, and the guarantee of their realization.
The democratic principles of Belarusian statehood ensure the diversity of political institutions, ideologies, and viewpoints.
The principle of the rule of law is established in Belarus. The state, all its bodies, and officials act within the framework of the Constitution and legislation adopted in accordance with it.
Belarus is a presidential republic, and the President of the Republic of Belarus serves as the head of state.
CONSTITUTION
Ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens of the Republic of Belarus is the highest goal of the state.
Everyone has the right to a decent standard of living, including adequate nutrition, clothing, housing, and continuous improvement of conditions necessary for this purpose.
The state guarantees the rights and freedoms of citizens of Belarus as provided for in the Constitution, laws, and international obligations of the state.
"Human rights are the foundation of human existence. Human rights are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. It is human rights that make us human. They are the principles through which we create a sacred abode for human dignity.
When we talk about the right to life or development, or about disagreements and differences, we talk about tolerance. Tolerance, supported, protected, and preserved, is a guarantee of all freedoms. Without it, we cannot speak of our rights.
Human rights embody the traditions of tolerance existing in all religions and cultures, which are the foundation of peace and progress. Human rights are not alien to any culture and are natural for all peoples. It is the universality of human rights that gives them strength. It endows them with the power to cross any borders, overcome any obstacles, and defeat any force."
Ensuring the rights and freedoms of the citizens of the Republic of Belarus is the highest goal of the state.
Everyone has the right to a decent standard of living, including access to adequate nutrition, clothing, housing, and continuous improvement of the necessary conditions for it.
The state guarantees the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Belarus as enshrined in the Constitution, laws, and international commitments of the state.
"Human rights are the foundation of human existence. They are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. Human rights are what make us human. They are the principles through which we create a sacred abode for human dignity.
When we talk about the right to life or to development, or about disagreements and differences – we are talking about tolerance. Tolerance, supported, protected, and preserved, is the guarantee of all freedoms. Without it, we cannot speak of our rights.
Human rights embody the existing traditions of tolerance in all religions and cultures, which are the foundation of peace and progress. Human rights are not foreign to any culture and are natural for all peoples. Tolerance and compassion have always been the ideals of governance and human behavior. Today, we call these ideals human rights.
It is the universality of human rights that gives them strength. It empowers them to transcend any borders, overcome any obstacles, and triumph over any force.
The struggle for universal human rights has always been a struggle against all forms of tyranny and injustice: against slavery, colonialism, and apartheid. Its significance has not diminished or changed.
Young friends around the world!
It is you who must contribute to the realization of these rights, now and forever. Their fate and future are in your hands. Human rights are in your hands. Use them. Defend them. Support them. Strive for them. Seek to understand them and insist on their implementation. Cherish them and enrich them.
They are the best of us. Breathe life into them."
From the message of the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the occasion of the beginning of the celebration year of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
THERE ARE NO RIGHTS WITHOUT DUTIES,
JUST AS THERE ARE NO DUTIES WITHOUT RIGHTS
Man does not live in isolation from others. We must take into account those around us, and society must respect the rights of each individual.
RIGHT - this is a system of norms established by society through representative bodies of authority, defining the rights and obligations of each person and establishing guidelines for choosing one or another behavior.
Duty - these are certain actions assigned to someone, unconditional for execution, this is the measure of proper behavior. Each person performs certain duties.
The Constitution of the Republic of Belarus is the fundamental law of our state.
Our Constitution consists of 8 chapters, 9 sections, and 146 articles.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
OF THE CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
- The right to life (Article 24)
- The right to freedom, inviolability, and dignity of the person (Article 25)
- The right to protection of family, motherhood, fatherhood, and childhood (Article 32)
- The right to work (Article 41)
- The right to rest (Article 43)
- The right to property (Article 44)
- The right to health protection (Article 45)
- The right to a favorable environment and compensation for damage caused by violation of this right (Article 46)
- The right to social security (Article 47)
- The right to housing (Article 48)
- The right to education (Article 49)
- The right to maintain one's national identity (Article 50)
- The right to participate in cultural life (Article 51)
- The right to freedom of association (Article 36)
The existence and implementation of rights and freedoms are inseparably linked to certain obligations.
Conscientious fulfillment by citizens of their constitutional duties is the most important guarantee of the realization of their rights and freedoms.
