UN Human Rights Council – 56th Session
Interactive Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS
Thank you Mr. President,
CIVICUS and the Burma Human Rights Network thank the High Commissioner for his report and remains concern about the states of civic space and the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.
The report reflects our ongoing concerns about the closure of civic space by the junta and the thousands of political prisoners including human rights defenders that remain in detention on fabricated charges. Many face torture and degrading treatment and as the report notes, at least 1,703 have died in custody, in a climate of complete impunity. We are also concerned about the indiscriminate attacks against civilians with weapons supplied by countries like China, Russia and India and the impact of the conscription law.
Your report also notes that in addition to persistent discrimination, members of the Rohingya community experienced new violence and violations since the resumption of hostilities in Rakhine in November. Access constraints have further reduced humanitarian support. Those who ultimately decide to attempt to leave face immense challenges. All these violations and abuses make clear that no safe return of refugees to Myanmar is presently possible.
ASEAN has continued to fail to address the crisis in Myanmar and it’s time for the international community to do more. We welcome your recommendations calling for the release of all political prisoners. There must also be an end to all violence and attacks directed against civilians, including the Rohingya. UN member states must ensure all existing obstacles to humanitarian access is removed, including in Rakhine State. It must also support all accountability efforts.
We ask the High Commissioner, what should the Council do to adequately and promptly halt the assault on civic space and serious human rights violations committed by the junta and other armed groups and to push ASEAN to end its inaction on Myanmar?
We thank you.
Civic space in Myanmar is rated as 'Closed' by the CIVICUS Monitor.
