HRC51: Oral statement during ID with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Item 4:ID with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (oral update)

Organisation:Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Claire Denman

Thank you, Mr President.

CSW thanks the Special Rapporteur for his update and continued work.

On 25 July the Tatmadaw announced that it had executed four democracy activists who were accused of helping to carry out terror acts.

While we welcome the widespread condemnation that followed these executions, including from yourself Mr Rapporteur, we maintain that the members and observers of this Council must move beyond expressions of concern and the initial imposition of sanctions by some countries, to a more coordinated response which includes a full and comprehensive global arms embargo against the military and coordinated and comprehensive sanctions against its enterprises.

The same military that carried out these executions is responsible for historic, widespread and egregious violations against the Rohingya people. The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission established by this Council claims that such violations may amount to genocide.

Despite over five years having passed since the Tatmadaw’s most sweeping attacks on the Rohingya, and over four years since the Fact-Finding Mission first published its findings, action to hold the military to account has been frustratingly slow.

We welcome the International Court of Justice’s rejection of Myanmar’s objections to the case brought by the Gambia, and we urge UN Member States to commit to following and supporting this case to ensure that a swift and just outcome is achieved.

The Tatmadaw also continues to wage widespread violence against the people of Myanmar, with the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in Burma reporting that over 2,200 people have been killed and over 15,500 arrested since the coup began. Over 12,400 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.

Thank you