PRESS RELEASE : UN HCR53 – Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Myanmar [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar (oral progress report). As delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.
Thank you, Special Rapporteur, for your update.
The continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Myanmar, in particular the targeting of the Rohingya community and other minorities, is extremely concerning.
This year has seen further indiscriminate attacks by the military on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including the use of air strikes and arson attacks. Schools, hospitals and places of worship have been targeted. 11th April saw the deadliest attack on civilians since the military coup, with over 165 killed in airstrikes in Sagaing.
Civilians must be protected. Human rights abuses and violations must cease immediately. We reiterate the calls of UN Security Council Resolution 2669 for an immediate end to violence, and for all parties to respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for his important update on the Myanmar arms trade. The UK is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo on Myanmar. We have imposed targeted sanctions to reduce the military regime’s access to finance and arms.
No member state should sell arms to Myanmar, which fuels violence, instability and atrocities.
Special Rapporteur,
What more can the international community do to pressure those who sell arms to the military?
Thank you.
