UN Human Rights Council – 51st session
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Progress Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
22 September 2022
Mister President, Mister Special Rapporteur,
FIDH and its members ALTSEAN-Burma and Women’s Peace Network welcome this oral report.
October marks six years since the first wave of genocidal “clearance operations” launched by the military against Rohingya men, women, and children in Rakhine State.
The safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar appears as distant as ever. Recently, more Rohingya have attempted to flee into Bangladesh. Rohingya continue to face harassment, arbitrary arrest, and imprisonment for exercising their legitimate right to freedom of movement within Myanmar.
We are troubled by more frequent reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence against women committed by the junta with complete impunity as part of their attacks on civilians throughout the country.
Mister President, as the people of Myanmar continue to suffer from unprecedented repression under the junta, stronger international action is urgently needed.
Human Rights Council members must recognize the National Unity Government as the legitimate government of Myanmar, support the UN Security Council’s referral of the situation of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, and impose a global arms embargo on the junta.
These actions would show a true commitment in support of the people of Myanmar’s struggle for peace, security, democracy, justice, and accountability.
Thank you.