Item 4: Interactive dialogue on oral update from the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Ellis Heasley

Thank you Mr President,

CSW thanks the Special Rapporteur for his update, ongoing work, and commitment to human rights in Myanmar.

The situation for human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief, remains highly concerning in light of the military coup of February 2021.

For example, on 8 April an estimate of 40 soldiers from the Myanmar army forcibly occupied the Sacred Heart Cathedral during a Lenten prayer service, detaining the congregation for approximately three hours and placing the Archbishop of Mandalay, his staff, and around 20 diocesan priests under temporary house arrest.

The soldiers claimed that they were searching for weapons after an informant alleged that the Archbishop was supplying weapons to rebels throughout the country. However, no weapons were found on the premises.

Just days later, on 10 April, 13 people were arrested during a raid on the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sharge village, Hinthada township.

One of the detainees, Father Richard Nay Zaw Aung, was held until 19 April, while the others were all released after being questioned for several hours.

Such cases are indicative of the continued antagonism of the Myanmar army towards religious groups in the country.

The army also continues to wage widespread violence against the people of Myanmar, with the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in Burma reporting that over 2,000 people have been killed and over 14,200 arrested since the coup began, and over 11, 000 remain in detention.

We call on the military to end all hostilities against civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities, and to release all religious and political prisoners.

The need for a global arms embargo remains clear, and we urge Member States to co-ordinate robust and targeted sanctions against the Myanmar military and military-owned enterprises with a view to restoring democracy in the country.

Thank you