UN Human Rights Council 46: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar
The UK's Minister for Asia delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar.
Thank you, Madam President.
The violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in Myanmar is completely unacceptable. Perpetrators of the coup must be held accountable for the appalling human rights violations committed.
The United Kingdom welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report. We are deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Myanmar. The people of Myanmar’s wishes, and the result of the November 2020 General Election, must be respected. Democracy must be restored.
As the Resolution from the Special Session we convened on 12 February highlighted, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons arbitrarily detained in Myanmar, and the lifting of the state of emergency. Arbitrary detentions set an extremely dangerous precedent for enforced disappearances and ever-increasing draconian measures.
At the time of speaking, since 1 February, 1857 protesters have been arrested, charged, or detained on political grounds. Over 60 people have now been killed. In line with this Council’s resolution, we urge the international community to express, in the strongest terms, our collective concern.
The coup will have consequences beyond the political sphere, exacerbating conflict, poverty, and the exclusion of minority groups, including the Rohingya.
Special Rapporteur, in your view what steps should the Human Rights Council take to ensure the release of all those arbitrarily detained?
Thank you.