UN Human Rights Council – 52nd session
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
20 March 2023
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Mister Vice-President, Mister Special Rapporteur,
After more than two years of the illegal junta’s murderous misrule, the human rights situation in Myanmar is spiralling out of control.
Since the previous Interactive Dialogue, the number of political prisoners has spiked by more than 30%, reaching an all-time high of about 17,000.
The number of people killed in junta attacks has soared by more than 35%, to more than 3,000, amid increasing airstrikes, artillery fire, and other armed attacks against civilians.
In five months between October and February, Myanmar had the highest number of airstrikes with civilian casualties in the world.
Displacement has worsened. The safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to their homes in Rakhine State appears as distant as ever. Last year saw a 568% rise in the number of refugees, mostly Rohingya, fleeing by sea.
The continuation of this trend will inevitably spell disaster not only for Myanmar but also for its regional neighbors.
The people of Myanmar have spoken. They reject the illegal junta and military persecution. They want to see more international action now.
UN member states can support their quest for democracy, civilian protection, and human rights by pushing for a UN Security Council’s arms embargo on the junta and a referral of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.
Thank you.