London, UK — In response to a Joint Statement issued by Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America following the United Nations Security Council Consultation on Myanmar, Burma Human Rights Network calls on these nations to promote consequences for Burma’s failures, rather than more recommendations. The statement details a number of steps they believe Burma could take in regard to upcoming elections, the civil war in Rakhine, the spread of Covid-19, and concerns related to the Rohingya in Burma and in Bangladesh. The statement does not acknowledge all the ways in which Burma is currently doing the exact opposite of what they have recommended, nor does it present any consequences for their continued failure to comply with international law.

“While we are glad that these nations have highlighted these areas of concern, we are troubled that they have not fully acknowledged the ways in which Burma is currently defying all of their recommendations in the most severe ways. The country is failing as a democracy, is subjecting its citizens to brutal military operations, is continuing to deny its past atrocities despite its own soldiers now speaking out about them and has no viable path for equitable repatriation for the Rohingya. These failures deserve consequences, not more recommendations on how to move forward,” Said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.

Burma has a long history of discussing how to improve its human rights and democratic issues with the international community, and for just as long has managed to do the exact opposite of what is recommended. Without further consequences for the military and government, this cycle will continue without progress for those who need it most.

BHRN calls on Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America to utilize their power and influence to pressure Burma into actual measurable reforms which will achieve the recommendations they’ve set out. The use of targeted sanctions should be increased for the country’s failures and should be used against the government, instead of only against the military. Companies with connections to the government or military should also be considered for new sanctions until Burma demonstrates a serious effort to address its horrendous human rights violations and prevents them from recurring.

Background on the Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)

BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.

Media Enquiries
Please contact:

Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: [email protected]
T: +44(0) 740 345 2378

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