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UN Human Rights Council 41: Myanmar

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to protecting human rights in Myanmar and called on the government to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur.

UN Geneva

Thank you, Madam Vice-President,

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for her update on Myanmar. We recognise the challenges she faces in fulfilling her role, and we call upon the government of Myanmar to fully cooperate with her mandate.

We remain committed to the protection of human rights in Myanmar, including those of the Rohingya, and will continue to speak out on violations committed by the Tatmadaw. We encourage the government to take action to promote human rights, through strengthening legislation, reducing impunity and improving survivors’ access to justice.

We welcome the limited developments made by the civilian government on the recommendations made by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine States. We call upon the government to continue to implement those recommendations, including on citizenship.

We remain concerned at the situation in Rakhine, and the ongoing violence between the Arakan Army and the Tatmadaw. We call on both sides to show restraint and avoid civilian casualties.

We will continue to work through the Human Rights Council to make progress on human rights in Myanmar. We look forward to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) becoming operational, as quickly as possible, with the funding needed to carry out its mandate. International cooperation is vital to ensure the mechanism has the support required to maintain its momentum.

Ms Lee, how can the international community support Myanmar’s peace process?

How can we help Myanmar create the necessary conditions required for safe return of the Rohingya to Rakhine?

Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

Published 3 July 2019