Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2 General Debate
Delivered by May Thiri Khin, Burma Human Rights Network
Thank you, Mr President,
CIVICUS and the Burma Human Rights Network welcome the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar.
Since the 2021 coup, the junta has unlawfully killed, tortured, and imprisoned activists, journalists, and peaceful protesters. It has carried out widespread atrocities, including airstrikes, and extrajudicial killings. More than 6,000 civilians have been killed, and at least 20,000 political prisoners remain behind bars.
Arbitrary detention of humanitarian workers, lawyers, religious leaders, journalists, and children continue under draconian laws, including incitement provisions and the amended counterterrorism Act. In Rakhine State, 630,000 Rohingya remain trapped under a system of persecution and forced deprivation, as the Arakan Army, now controlling most of the state, continues the junta’s brutal policies.
Despite the efforts of international society calling for accountability of the military forces, criminal acts are ongoing, and the junta’s plans for a sham election represent a blatant attempt to entrench military rule. To further silence dissent, the junta has enacted a sweeping cybersecurity law, further restricting fundamental freedoms. The Council must act to prevent the junta’s use of violence and coercion to force participation in the illegitimate election.
We urge the Council to adopt a strong and meaningful Resolution that protects the human rights of the Myanmar people, supports their efforts to build a federal democracy, impedes the junta’s capacity to conduct airstrikes and commit further atrocities, and advances accountability through all possible avenues. Finally, we call for the release of unlawfully imprisoned human rights defenders and for guarantees of public and civil society participation in decision-making including in election-related laws.
We thank you.
