The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (URM) is currently evaluating the potential extension or renewal of an existing ban on entry for 117 Belarusian individuals. This ban, initiated in response to the authoritarian regime in Belarus and the violent suppression of opposition protests in 2020, highlights continued concerns over human rights violations in the neighboring country. The ministry made this statement through a comment provided to BNS, emphasizing the consultation with other responsible institutions in this deliberation process.

Since the ban was implemented, the political climate in Belarus has not seen significant improvement, as evidenced by reports detailing continuous systemic repression against civil society, political opposition, and independent media. According to URM assessments, these human rights violations remain rampant, with the number of political prisoners rising once again. The advocacy group Viasna reports that over 1,000 political prisoners are currently detained in Belarus, showcasing the serious challenges faced by dissenters under the current regime led by President Aliaksandr Lukashenka.

This potential extension of the ban underlines Lithuania's commitment to human rights and its stance against the oppressive measures employed by the Belarusian government. In 2021, the list of unwanted individuals was established following severe actions against the opposition following the disputed election results in 2020, where Lukashenka claimed a landslide victory, leading to mass protests that were met with brutal government crackdowns. The ongoing situation in Belarus continues to be a focal point for Lithuania's foreign policy and its support for democracy in the region.