Deprivation of citizenship and creation of statelessness: case study of Belarus

This research paper explores the use of citizenship deprivation and trials in absentia as tools of political repression, with a particular focus on Belarus. In Belarus, an amendment to the citizenship law was passed on July 11, 2023 allowing the Belarusian president to revoke Belarusian citizenship of those abroad, even if it would render them stateless. This new amendment would also allow for trials to be conducted in absentia, with a possible sentence being citizenship deprivation. The paper also delves into the bureaucratic tactics used by the Belarusian government to exacerbate statelessness. These include the closure of consulates abroad and the requirement for citizens to be physically present in Belarus to renew their passports, making it nearly impossible for those in exile to maintain their citizenship. This leaves those in exile with minimal, if any, legal protections and access to basic rights. Additionally, the research looks at the role of international relations in exacerbating the arbitrary use of these practices, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. This conflict has intensified political repression in Belarus and prompted neighbouring countries, such as Lithuania and Poland, to introduce humanitarian visas to protect Belarusians who fled the country. By analyzing these developments, the paper highlights the devastating effects of the powers of citizenship deprivation, including the creation of stateless individuals through both legal and administrative means, and emphasizes the need for a coordinated international response to safeguard citizenship rights in these instances.