The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has suspended Belarus's membership due to the refusal of the head of the Belarusian Red Cross, Dmytro Shevtsov, to step down from his position as demanded by the federation.

This was reported by the press service.

The suspension is the result of noncompliance by the Belarus Red Cross with the request for the dismissal of Mr. Dimitry Shevtsov, Secretary General of the National Society. This follows the decision of the IFRC’s Governing Board of 3 October 2023 relating to the investigation into the allegations against Belarus Red Cross Secretary General for his statements, including on nuclear weapons and on the movement of children to Belarus, and his visit to Luhansk and Donetsk.

The suspension means that the Belarus Red Cross loses its rights as a member of the IFRC. Any new funding to the Belarus Red Cross will also be suspended. Further, the Belarus Red Cross will not be able to participate in the General Assembly of the IFRC, nor vote or be elected in any IFRC statutory meetings.

The Belarus Red Cross can be reinstated once the National Society complies with the decision of the Governing Board further to the Compliance and Mediation Committee recommendation.