UN Human Rights Council 56: High Commissioner’s Report on Myanmar
Interactive Dialogue: High Commissioner’s Report on Myanmar, delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.
Thank you, High Commissioner, for your report.
The conflict across Myanmar is escalating alarmingly, inflicting huge suffering on civilians and driving a devastating human rights and humanitarian crisis. Across Rakhine State, all communities are being targeted by ongoing airstrikes and shelling. The spread of disinformation is stoking intercommunal conflict and dividing communities. Recent attacks in Buthidaung and in Byain Phyu have fuelled further displacement and caused the loss of innocent lives.
The suffering of Rakhine communities, including the Rohingya, has been compounded by restrictions on humanitarian access. Food and medical supplies are urgently needed. The international community must consider all options for reaching those in Rakhine.
Since 2017, the UK has provided over £45 million to the Rohingya and other Muslim minorities in Myanmar, and £391 million to Rohingya living in camps in Bangladesh. The current conditions in Rakhine State are not conducive to returns, which must be voluntary, safe and dignified.
Accountability is crucial. We recall the provisional measures made by the International Court of Justice, and continue to support evidence gathering, including by the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism.
High Commissioner,
What more can the Council do to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in Rakhine?