UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement for the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar

Madame Vice President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his update and remain alarmed by the severe and escalating human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar. Civilians continue to face indiscriminate airstrikes, mass displacement, arbitrary detention, torture and sexual and gender-based violence.

The military's deliberate denial of humanitarian access is endangering millions, worsening food insecurity and denying life-saving medical care. The military must urgently allow rapid, full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access. Madam Vice President, the recent military-run elections were neither free nor fair. The UK continues to support the ASEAN Five Point Consensus and the efforts of the ASEAN and UN Special Envoys.

We urge all parties - especially the Myanmar military - to cease hostilities, protect civilians, and release all those arbitrarily detained, including children.

Accountability is essential to end impunity for atrocity crimes, including those committed against Rohingya minorities. The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar remains one of the most credible routes to justice. We are also proud to support the Myanmar Witness project, gathering and preserving credible evidence to support international justice efforts. As penholder at the UN Security Council, the UK is committed to spotlighting the crisis and advancing accountability for the people of Myanmar.

Thank you.