UN HRC53: Statement on High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar
Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar, as delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.
Thank you, Mr President.
Thank you, High Commissioner, for your valuable update.
The people of Myanmar continue to suffer at the hands of the military regime. The military continues to target civilians with horrific tactics, including air strikes, torture and sexual and gender-based violence. Over 17.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including over 1.8 million displaced. Thousands of civilians, including children, have been jailed, tortured and killed. And over 10,000 political prisoners remain in detention.
The pre-existing humanitarian crisis has been further compounded by the devastation of Cyclone Mocha. Reports of the military blocking humanitarian access to those in need is extremely concerning.
Mr Vice President, humanitarian aid must not be weaponised. Full humanitarian access must be granted immediately.
The UK will continue to apply pressure through international fora, targeted sanctions and other means to respond to the military’s actions. There must be an end to a culture of impunity. The UK is providing half a million pounds sterling to the Independent Investigative Mechanism and established the Myanmar Witness programme which reports on serious human rights violations.
High Commissioner, what more can the international community do to improve our response to the risk of further mass atrocities?