UN Human Rights Council 43: UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar
International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivers UK statement for theInteractive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar
Thank you, Madam President,
Thank you High Commissioner for your report. We are deeply concerned by ongoing human rights violations against Rohingya, Rakhine, Shan, Kachin, and other minorities in Myanmar, and by the Tatmadaw’s culture of impunity for acts of sexual violence.
The UK is concerned by growing restrictions on freedom of expression. We call on the Government of Myanmar to lift the internet shut down in Rakhine state. The situation there should not be used to place further restrictions on Rohingya, Rakhine and other communities.
The UK is alarmed at intensified fighting between the Arakan Army and the Tatmadaw in Rakhine. This obstructs efforts to improve conditions, and makes the safe return of displaced people, including the Rohingya, impossible. The UK urges all sides to stop fighting and to protect civilians.
Accountability for atrocities is essential for peace and stability in Myanmar. We encourage the Government of Myanmar to comply with the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice, and to implement the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission and the Independent Commission of Enquiry. These are important steps towards meaningful domestic accountability.
High Commissioner, in your view, how can the International community best support accountability and justice to ensure perpetrators are held to account?
Thank you.