Human Rights Council 37: Human Rights Situation in Burma
This UK statement was delivered at the 37th Session of the Human Rights Council during Interactive Dialogue with the Fact Finding Mission and Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Burma, held on 12 March 2018.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission for their reports to the Council. The Government has refused access and failed to cooperate with both parties. This is a direct challenge to the will of the Council, when both have been mandated to provide a full and objective picture of the human rights concerns in the country. Despite this, both parties have presented wide-ranging reports on the serious deterioration of human rights in Burma, in particular, the atrocities committed against the Rohingya in Rakhine State.
The disproportionate response to the ARSA attacks on the 25 August has had a devastating impact on civilians, in particular the Rohingya Muslim Community. The reports of human rights violations including murder, torture and sexual violence are appalling. This is ethnic cleansing. The perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable.
The UK supports the democratic transition and the promotion of freedom, respect and diversity in Burma and stands ready to work with the Government in addressing these and other long-standing human rights challenges.
Ms Lee
With a high number of children in camps in Bangladesh, what steps need to be taken to protect their rights?
What protections, support and access to healthcare are being provided to survivors of sexual violence and children born of rape?
Mr Darusman
Do you have the resources you need to ensure the necessary archiving of your important findings for any possible future use