MYANMAR
20 June 2024
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, as represented by the National Unity Government, welcomes the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as OHCHR’s corresponding report on the situation ofhuman rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.
As the High Commissioner told the Council on 18 June, “we are bearing witness to a country being suffocated by an illegitimate military regime”, where “the disintegration of human rights continues at breakneck speed.”
Similarly, OHCHR’s report describes the human rights situation in Myanmar as in “freefall”, with the military junta ramping up its widespread and systematic violations and abuses against civilians, including minority communities. Rohingya, Rakhine, Chin, Kayin and Kayah are among the affected communities that OHCHR identifies. The junta’s continuing unlawful rollout of forced conscription of Myanmar youth, including Rohingya, adds collective punishment to its appalling span of atrocity crimes.
The High Commissioner also on 18 June addressed the grave situation in Rakhine, which has seen Rohingya and Rakhine communities forced to flee their villages as the conflict envelops them. No effort should be spared in ensuring that all civilians and their homes and property are protected, and that humanitarian assistance urgently reaches all persons in need.
The National Unity Government has repeatedly acknowledged that shameful past actions and failures in Myanmar allowed horrendous atrocities to be committed against minority communities, including the Rohingya, Rakhine, and others in Rakhine State. We are committed to ensuring that these crimes are never repeated.
Myanmar supports the recommendations set out in the High Commissioner’s report. The National Unity Government is fully committed to its international humanitarian and human rights law obligations, including through our military Code of Conduct. We hold ourselves to this standard and expect the same of all actors and forces in Myanmar.
At the same time, the National Unity Government, ethnic organizations, and civil society are providing lifesaving and essential public services across Myanmar. As OHCHR’s report says:
These initiatives offer a vision towards a post-coup democratic Myanmar in which military institutions do not have a role in the administration of civilian affairs. Opposition to the military, including armed and peaceful opposition, is diverse and disparate, but the various strands appear to be increasingly united in a view of a future federal Myanmar that is entirely free from military control.
The National Unity Government is also fully committed to promoting social cohesion, inter-communal dialogue and the rights of all ethnic and religious communities. We will continue to build trust, mutual respect, understanding and tolerance. All attempts to foment divisions between ethnic communities in Myanmar must end.
Myanmar repeats its thanks to High Commissioner Türk andOHCHR’s Myanmar team for their abiding solidarity with its people.
Ministry of Human Rights
National Unity Government