UK Delivers Statement on Myanmar at UN Rights Council
UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report and oral update of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Thank you, High Commissioner, Special Rapporteur and all speakers for your update.
As you and others have noted, the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on 28 March has compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis. Over 22 million people across the country are now in need of assistance, many forced to flee across borders in search of safety.
The deliberate blocking of humanitarian access to areas outside military control during the earthquake was unacceptable. The UK provided £25 million through local delivery partners capable of overcoming access restrictions and reaching the most vulnerable.
The conflict in Rakhine State continues, driving mass displacement and humanitarian crisis, impacting all communities. Reports of human rights abuses and violations continue to emerge, including of arbitrary detention and forced recruitment. Since 2017, the UK has provided over £108 million to support communities in Rakhine with humanitarian aid.
The military’s airstrikes continue across the country targeting civilian infrastructure including schools and hospitals; this must stop. All parties must protect civilians.
Meanwhile, courageous journalists and activists continue to document human rights abuses and violations in Myanmar. The UK supports organisations like Myanmar Witness to collect independent, verifiable data, for future prosecution.
High Commissioner,
What more can the international community do to support accountability mechanisms to achieve justice for the people of Myanmar?
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/un-human-rights-council-59-uk-statement-on-myanmar