Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
 
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Mr. President,  

Amnesty International shares the concerns of the Special Rapporteur regarding the situation of human rights in Myanmar, which has deteriorated significantly in the last year.

In Rakhine State, security forces have waged an apparent campaign of violence against the Rohingya community. Reports of the Special Rapporteur, OHCHR, as well Amnesty International, found that women and girls have been raped, hundreds of people forcibly disappeared and an unknown number killed in a disproportionate response to attacks by armed groups. Tens of thousands of Rohingya are now displaced – many after their homes were burned to the ground by state security forces. Amnesty International shares the view of the High Commissioner that these attacks may amount to crimes against humanity.

In northern Shan State, Kachin pastor Dumdaw Nawng Lat and his assistant Langjaw Gam were forcibly disappeared after helping journalists report on alleged military airstrikes. The Army disclosed their whereabouts only after international pressure, although both now face politically motivated charges. Their experience reminds us of the risks faced by those who speak out against military abuses.

Mr. President,  

In the space of just four months, 100,000 people were displaced in Myanmar as a result of conflict. Despite this, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that humanitarian access is the worst it has been at any point in recent years.

The international community can no longer adopt a “wait-and-see” approach. The military continues to violate rights with impunity, and the new administration appears unwilling or unable to counter discrimination and impunity.

In light of the worsening human rights situation, Amnesty International calls on the Council to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur under item 4, and request her to provide more regular reporting to the Council and the General Assembly.

Amnesty International also calls on the Council to establish an independent international investigation into human rights violations and possible crimes against humanity committed in Rakhine State.

Thank you Mr. President.

Download this oral statement in English HERE.