PRESS RELEASE : The continued deterioration of human rights in Myanmar – UK Statement at UN [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 November 2022.

Statement delivered at the UN Third Committee adoption of a resolution on human rights in Myanmar.

Thank you Mr Chair.

The United Kingdom reiterates our support for this resolution, which we are grateful to the European Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for tabling.

The military coup continues to bring acute suffering to the people of Myanmar. The country is plunging ever deeper into political, economic and humanitarian crises. This resolution rightly highlights the continued deterioration of human rights, including for the Rohingya and other minorities.

We strongly condemn the military’s campaign of human rights violations, including credible reports of torture, burning of villages, indiscriminate airstrikes and mass killings. The military’s use of sexual violence to terrorise vulnerable populations is of further abhorrence. Over 600,000 Rohingya remain in Rakhine state, where they continue to face systemic discrimination; and are denied their citizenship rights and access to education and healthcare. All human rights violations must end immediately.

Whilst strongly supportive of this resolution, we would like to have seen more language around the role of international arms flows, which facilitate the most egregious human rights violations in Myanmar. The UK has a comprehensive arms embargo on Myanmar, and we are strongly urging of Member States in halting the flow of arms to the military regime.

We continue to stand with the people of Myanmar, and for an immediate end to violence and a return to democracy.