natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
In this regard, Lithuania should serve as an inspiring example for her neighbour to the East. 
In this regard, Lithuania should serve as an inspiring example for her neighbour to the East.
Because 1991 was also the year when Belarus declared independence. 
Because 1991 was also the year when Belarus declared independence.
But its path since then has been starkly different from that of Lithuania. 
But its path since then has been starkly different from that of Lithuania.
And for far too many years, the Belarusian people have not had the opportunity to express their will through free and democratic elections. 
And for far too many years, the Belarusian people have not had the opportunity to express their will through free and democratic elections.
President Lukashenka’s rule has defied fundamental rights and liberties, including that of academic freedom. 
President Lukashenka’s rule has defied fundamental rights and liberties, including that of academic freedom.
That is the reason we are here today. 
That is the reason we are here today.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to speak at the European Humanities University. 
I am honoured to have the opportunity to speak at the European Humanities University.
Your history, your statute [– and your name! 
Your history, your statute [– and your name!
put you at the very heart of what is a core European value: The universality of human rights. 
 put you at the very heart of what is a core European value: The universality of human rights.
Because a key component of our understanding of what a university should be, is freedom: Academic freedom, freedom of thought, freedom of speech, to name but a few. 
Because a key component of our understanding of what a university should be, is freedom: Academic freedom, freedom of thought, freedom of speech, to name but a few.
These freedoms are part of the foundation of our modern European society – but we must remind ourselves that we cannot take them for granted. 
These freedoms are part of the foundation of our modern European society – but we must remind ourselves that we cannot take them for granted.
Especially the Belarusians among you may know this from your own experience, from your own country. 
Especially the Belarusians among you may know this from your own experience, from your own country.
That is why this university, the European Humanities University, is now situated here in Vilnius, and not in Minsk – where it was closed down by the authorities in 2004. 
That is why this university, the European Humanities University, is now situated here in Vilnius, and not in Minsk – where it was closed down by the authorities in 2004.
With the brutal crackdown on dissent in the wake of the presidential elections last December, we are witnessing another setback in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus. 
With the brutal crackdown on dissent in the wake of the presidential elections last December, we are witnessing another setback in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus.
Hundreds of people were arrested simply for having exercised their freedom of expression, for having made their voice heard. 
Hundreds of people were arrested simply for having exercised their freedom of expression, for having made their voice heard.
Among them were about a hundred students, including some of your friends from this university. 
Among them were about a hundred students, including some of your friends from this university.
As in the current events in the Middle East, the young people took to the streets in Belarus. 
As in the current events in the Middle East, the young people took to the streets in Belarus.
They protested against elections that international observers deemed to have fallen way short of international standards – standards to which Belarus, as a member of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, has committed itself. 
They protested against elections that international observers deemed to have fallen way short of international standards – standards to which Belarus, as a member of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, has committed itself.
Despite the domestic and international outcry over the violent crackdown on protesters, and despite the obvious harm that Belarusian authorities are causing to their own country and people, there is little sign of imminent improvement in the situation. 
Despite the domestic and international outcry over the violent crackdown on protesters, and despite the obvious harm that Belarusian authorities are causing to their own country and people, there is little sign of imminent improvement in the situation.
Many of you present here are students of languages, political science, law, philosophy, media, journalism and other subjects. 
Many of you present here are students of languages, political science, law, philosophy, media, journalism and other subjects.
Some of you study here for three, four or five years, and then you will embark on your professional career with a solid basis of knowledge. 
Some of you study here for three, four or five years, and then you will embark on your professional career with a solid basis of knowledge.
You should have been able to enjoy the same academic freedom at home in Belarus. 
You should have been able to enjoy the same academic freedom at home in Belarus.
The fact that you can’t – in a European country in the 21st century – is totally unacceptable. 
The fact that you can’t – in a European country in the 21st century – is totally unacceptable.
Some would use stronger words. 
Some would use stronger words.
Regardless of the words we choose, this is a situation that we cannot tolerate, whether we are young citizens of Belarus or friends and neighbours. 
Regardless of the words we choose, this is a situation that we cannot tolerate, whether we are young citizens of Belarus or friends and neighbours.
For Belarus has committed itself to the same values, rights and principles as other members of the OSCE and, indeed, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 
For Belarus has committed itself to the same values, rights and principles as other members of the OSCE and, indeed, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
These values, rights and principles must be upheld. 
These values, rights and principles must be upheld.
Sadly, this is not yet the case. 
Sadly, this is not yet the case.
Since last December, we have even seen a worsening of the situation. 
Since last December, we have even seen a worsening of the situation.
Meanwhile, as you – and all of us – continue working towards this goal, I am very glad that the EHU had the opportunity to recreate a free section of the Belarusian academic world here in Vilnius. 
Meanwhile, as you – and all of us – continue working towards this goal, I am very glad that the EHU had the opportunity to recreate a free section of the Belarusian academic world here in Vilnius.
Knowledge entails obligations. 
Knowledge entails obligations.
Knowing about a country’s commitment to human rights and the obligations of all states is not enough. 
Knowing about a country’s commitment to human rights and the obligations of all states is not enough.
This knowledge must be acted upon. 
This knowledge must be acted upon.
These are commitments that must be turned into practical reality. 
These are commitments that must be turned into practical reality.
This is a challenge we face as Europeans, as students in democratic societies and – personally – I face it every day as Foreign Minister. 
This is a challenge we face as Europeans, as students in democratic societies and – personally – I face it every day as Foreign Minister.
Human rights and freedoms are essential and unalterable values in any democratic society. 
Human rights and freedoms are essential and unalterable values in any democratic society.
People should not be condemned or discriminated against on national, religious, racial or other grounds. 
People should not be condemned or discriminated against on national, religious, racial or other grounds.
We all know only too well the anguish that was inflicted on 20th century Europe due to the disregard of these democratic values. 
We all know only too well the anguish that was inflicted on 20th century Europe due to the disregard of these democratic values.
We must not forget or ignore these painful lessons of history. 
We must not forget or ignore these painful lessons of history.
Because we have this knowledge, we have to do our utmost to avoid history repeating itself; we have to seek to ensure that no individual country can choose to disregard the rights and principles to which it has committed itself. 
Because we have this knowledge, we have to do our utmost to avoid history repeating itself; we have to seek to ensure that no individual country can choose to disregard the rights and principles to which it has committed itself.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights shows us which direction to move in, and – if need be – to push in, and on what basis we should hold countries accountable. 
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights shows us which direction to move in, and – if need be – to push in, and on what basis we should hold countries accountable.
In 2009, Norway became a member of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. 
In 2009, Norway became a member of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The Human Rights Council is an important arena where 47 UN member countries meet to discuss human rights issues and what can be done to enhance respect for human rights worldwide, in each and every country. 
The Human Rights Council is an important arena where 47 UN member countries meet to discuss human rights issues and what can be done to enhance respect for human rights worldwide, in each and every country.
The Human Rights Council has introduced a new mechanism – the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) – under which all UN countries submit a national human rights report to the Council every four years. 
The Human Rights Council has introduced a new mechanism – the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) – under which all UN countries submit a national human rights report to the Council every four years.
This means that every country takes a critical look at its own human rights record, and invites other countries to offer constructive criticism. 
This means that every country takes a critical look at its own human rights record, and invites other countries to offer constructive criticism.
Norway’s ambition is that the UPR process should lead to concrete improvements in the human rights situation in our country too. 
Norway’s ambition is that the UPR process should lead to concrete improvements in the human rights situation in our country too.
In December 2009, we presented the national UPR report prepared by the Norwegian Government to the Human Rights Council. 
In December 2009, we presented the national UPR report prepared by the Norwegian Government to the Human Rights Council.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also produces reports: one based on official UN documents and one on input and recommendations from civil society. 
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also produces reports: one based on official UN documents and one on input and recommendations from civil society.
We were required to follow up with a very specific report on the actions we would take to respond to criticisms. 
We were required to follow up with a very specific report on the actions we would take to respond to criticisms.
This report entails extensive commitments on the part of the Norwegian Government to improve human rights in certain fields. 
This report entails extensive commitments on the part of the Norwegian Government to improve human rights in certain fields.
I would like to share some of my experiences from the UPR process with you. 
I would like to share some of my experiences from the UPR process with you.
Civil society and the media followed the process closely and we realised that it was vital to include them in all phases of the process – in preparing the reports, in connection with the examination of the reports, and in the follow up of recommendations. 
Civil society and the media followed the process closely and we realised that it was vital to include them in all phases of the process – in preparing the reports, in connection with the examination of the reports, and in the follow up of recommendations.
In short, the greater the engagement of civil society, the greater commitment on the part of states, which in turn promises concrete improvements on the ground. 
In short, the greater the engagement of civil society, the greater commitment on the part of states, which in turn promises concrete improvements on the ground.
We also realised that the credibility of our government depended on an open process that included civil society throughout. 
We also realised that the credibility of our government depended on an open process that included civil society throughout.
Some may say that what I have just described is a world apart from today’s situation in Belarus. 
Some may say that what I have just described is a world apart from today’s situation in Belarus.
Nevertheless, Belarus will be subject to the same scrutiny by the UN Human Rights Council. 
Nevertheless, Belarus will be subject to the same scrutiny by the UN Human Rights Council.
For human rights are not internal affairs. 
For human rights are not internal affairs.
They are universal rights, and hence subject to universal scrutiny and accountability. 
They are universal rights, and hence subject to universal scrutiny and accountability.
Last year, Belarus was up for review and presented its national report on human rights to the Human Rights Council. 
Last year, Belarus was up for review and presented its national report on human rights to the Human Rights Council.
Belarus accepted many of the UPR recommendations. 
Belarus accepted many of the UPR recommendations.
For example, it promised full co-operation with the United Nations special procedures. 
For example, it promised full co-operation with the United Nations special procedures.
Belarus also accepted to ensure a participatory and inclusive process with civil society, including independent NGOs, in accordance with the right to freedom of association, in the follow-up of UPR recommendations. 
Belarus also accepted to ensure a participatory and inclusive process with civil society, including independent NGOs, in accordance with the right to freedom of association, in the follow-up of UPR recommendations.
In addition, Belarus has promised to apply international standards for fair trial, and that the government will respond to concerns by defence lawyers and NGOs regarding trials against human rights defenders. 
In addition, Belarus has promised to apply international standards for fair trial, and that the government will respond to concerns by defence lawyers and NGOs regarding trials against human rights defenders.
Belarus has also accepted to take concrete steps to meet its obligations on creating an environment that fosters freedom of expression and to release complete information on the two executions in March last year. 
Belarus has also accepted to take concrete steps to meet its obligations on creating an environment that fosters freedom of expression and to release complete information on the two executions in March last year.
All of these recommendations to Belarus were joined by Norway. 
All of these recommendations to Belarus were joined by Norway.
The assurances that have been given are welcome, and they are important. 
The assurances that have been given are welcome, and they are important.
But words are not enough. 
But words are not enough.
What matters are concrete measures as well. 
What matters are concrete measures as well.
The international community will be watching how the commitments made by Belarus in international forums are followed up in practice. 
The international community will be watching how the commitments made by Belarus in international forums are followed up in practice.
Let me also add that later this year, in October, Lithuania will have to present its national report. 
Let me also add that later this year, in October, Lithuania will have to present its national report.
No country is left out of this process, and all the other countries follow what is being done to improve the human rights situation in each country in the years following its UPR. 
No country is left out of this process, and all the other countries follow what is being done to improve the human rights situation in each country in the years following its UPR.
Ensuring respect for fundamental human rights is a continuous process. 
Ensuring respect for fundamental human rights is a continuous process.
Among other commitments, this entails a balancing act between upholding the rights of minorities versus the convictions of majorities in any society. 
Among other commitments, this entails a balancing act between upholding the rights of minorities versus the convictions of majorities in any society.
Upholding human rights is not only a concern in a country like today’s Belarus. 
Upholding human rights is not only a concern in a country like today’s Belarus.
Ensuring support for human rights is also a continuous process in countries like Lithuania and Norway. 
Ensuring support for human rights is also a continuous process in countries like Lithuania and Norway.
Ensuring that all people are treated equally regardless of ethnicity or the colour of their skin, sexual orientation or gender is a fundamental responsibility of a democratic society. 
Ensuring that all people are treated equally regardless of ethnicity or the colour of their skin, sexual orientation or gender is a fundamental responsibility of a democratic society.
Standing up for the rights of a minority entails some of the toughest challenges. 
Standing up for the rights of a minority entails some of the toughest challenges.
At the same time, it is the right to express a conviction not held by the majority that is a distinguishing feature of a mature democracy. 
At the same time, it is the right to express a conviction not held by the majority that is a distinguishing feature of a mature democracy.
We may also have to address difficult parts of our own history. 
We may also have to address difficult parts of our own history.
Norway is no exception, and our experiences during the Second World War are an example. 
Norway is no exception, and our experiences during the Second World War are an example.
During the occupation by Nazi Germany, Norway’s Jewish population was decimated. 
During the occupation by Nazi Germany, Norway’s Jewish population was decimated.
By the shipload, Norwegian Jews were ferried away to suffering and death in concentration camps. 
By the shipload, Norwegian Jews were ferried away to suffering and death in concentration camps.
And while this was part of the big Holocaust, it was not only a project conceived and implemented by our Nazi occupiers. 
And while this was part of the big Holocaust, it was not only a project conceived and implemented by our Nazi occupiers.
They had Norwegian helpers. 
They had Norwegian helpers.
This is fact we have to face up to. 
This is fact we have to face up to.
It also has implications for present generations. 
It also has implications for present generations.
Even in our days, neo-Nazi currents from time to time re-appear among us in Europe. 
Even in our days, neo-Nazi currents from time to time re-appear among us in Europe.
They represent a danger that has not been abolished once and for all. 
They represent a danger that has not been abolished once and for all.
And, alas, other and more common forms of xenophobia are commonplace. 
And, alas, other and more common forms of xenophobia are commonplace.
They may seem a less dangerous phenomenon. 
They may seem a less dangerous phenomenon.
But they demonstrate the need for vigilance and for a high degree of historic consciousness even today, not least among the young people. 
But they demonstrate the need for vigilance and for a high degree of historic consciousness even today, not least among the young people.
This is a common European responsibility – in Norway, in Lithuania and in the rest of the European family of nations. 
This is a common European responsibility – in Norway, in Lithuania and in the rest of the European family of nations.
It is also in this European family that Belarus should take part. 
It is also in this European family that Belarus should take part.
What perspectives could we have for Belarus and its relations with the rest of Europe and the wider international community? 
What perspectives could we have for Belarus and its relations with the rest of Europe and the wider international community?
There is readiness to engage with Belarus not only on the part of the UN and the OSCE, but also on the part of the Council of Europe, the European Union and individual countries. 
There is readiness to engage with Belarus not only on the part of the UN and the OSCE, but also on the part of the Council of Europe, the European Union and individual countries.
If we wish to see Belarus become a normal, democratic European state, then isolation is not the answer. 
If we wish to see Belarus become a normal, democratic European state, then isolation is not the answer.
That is why Norway supported the inclusion of Belarus in the EU Eastern Partnership, as well as in the Northern Dimension cooperation between Norway, Iceland, Russia and the EU – as an observer. 
That is why Norway supported the inclusion of Belarus in the EU Eastern Partnership, as well as in the Northern Dimension cooperation between Norway, Iceland, Russia and the EU – as an observer.
We have stepped up our engagement with the country in recent years – primarily through increased support for forces that promote respect for human rights and democracy, including an active role for civil society. 
We have stepped up our engagement with the country in recent years – primarily through increased support for forces that promote respect for human rights and democracy, including an active role for civil society.
Our support for the European Humanities University is part of this picture. 
Our support for the European Humanities University is part of this picture.
What now, after what happened over the past few weeks? 
What now, after what happened over the past few weeks?
Should we slam the door shut and give up? 
Should we slam the door shut and give up?
Of course not. 
Of course not.
We must respond in several ways. 
We must respond in several ways.
And we are doing so: 
And we are doing so:
First, we must make our views known to President Lukashenka and his government. 
First, we must make our views known to President Lukashenka and his government.
This is done in many ways. 
This is done in many ways.
I have done so through public statements, and our views have also been conveyed directly to Belarusian authorities. 
I have done so through public statements, and our views have also been conveyed directly to Belarusian authorities.
Another example is that of my colleague in the Norwegian Government, our Minister of Research and Higher Education. 
Another example is that of my colleague in the Norwegian Government, our Minister of Research and Higher Education.
Picking up on an initiative from the European Students’ Union, she invited European colleagues to join her in an appeal to their Belarusian colleague to express their common concern about reprisals against students who had participated in the post-election demonstration in Minsk, and the violation of academic freedom in Belarus. 
Picking up on an initiative from the European Students’ Union, she invited European colleagues to join her in an appeal to their Belarusian colleague to express their common concern about reprisals against students who had participated in the post-election demonstration in Minsk, and the violation of academic freedom in Belarus.
I am pleased that one of those who joined her in this initiative was her Lithuanian colleague. 
I am pleased that one of those who joined her in this initiative was her Lithuanian colleague.