👉 Let’s shed light on how Belarus is weaponizing migration and waging hybrid attacks on its neighbors. LET THESE FACTS SINK IN - what the instrumentalization of migration by Belarus looks like 👇 🔴 For more than 5 years, Latvia and Lithuania have been exposed to the deliberate instrumentalization of migrants by Belarus to undermine our territorial integrity and national security. 🔴 The Belarus regime is escalating its hybrid campaign. ❗️This year alone, Latvia has prevented ~ 12 000 illegal crossings. ❗️ 🔴 Lukashenka’s regime cynically exploits thousands of vulnerable people from Africa, the Middle East and Asia, luring them to Belarus and facilitating their dangerous journey to Europe. Belarus’ actions openly disregard the international human rights order and facilitate these people becoming victims of exploitation, trafficking, and smuggling. 🔴 This week, on 5–6 October, the National Armed Forces of Latvia encountered the deliberate and organized facilitation of illegal migrants from Belarus. A group of at least 20 migrants, escorted by masked individuals, attempted to illegally cross Latvia’s border. The @Latvijas_armija prevented the attempted crossing. ❗️We condemn the deliberate exploitation of vulnerable people by Belarus to exert political and physical pressure on its neighboring states and the European Union. ‼️ We call on Belarus to end these practices and respect its obligations under international law, and we encourage all UN Member States to join this call. 🇱🇻🇪🇪🇱🇹 Full Latvia’s statement (Right of Reply to the statement by Belarus during the 9th plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly’s 2nd Committee) on behalf of the Baltic States: www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/newyork/s… FYI video recording of the meeting webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1e/k1…