UN Human Rights Council 43: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar's human rights situation
UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar.
The UN Human Rights Council takes place in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.
Thank you, Madam Vice President,
Ms Lee, the UK thanks you for your huge contribution throughout your term as Special Rapporteur. The United Kingdom welcomes your report. We recognise the difficult circumstances in which you operate and we urge Myanmar to cooperate with your mandate.
We are deeply concerned by ongoing human rights violations and abuses against Rohingya, Rakhine, Shan, Kachin and other minorities.
The UK is alarmed by growing restrictions on freedom of expression. We urge the Myanmar government to lift the internet shutdown in Rakhine and Chin states as it obstructs reporting of human rights violations and abuses, and adversely affects the lives of Rohingya, Rakhine and other communities. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must be legal, legitimate, necessary and proportionate, with transparency for those affected.
We call for the immediate release of the three imprisoned members of the Peacock generation. The UK remains concerned by the use of legislation such as the Telecommunications Law, the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens, the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law and the Unlawful Associations Act, to restrict free speech and criticism of the authorities. We urge Myanmar to reform such laws to ensure they are not used to limit freedom of expression.
Special Rapporteur, in your view what steps should the Government of Myanmar take to protect freedom of expression?