UN expert on Myanmar: Security Council resolution not strong enough on ‘systematic blatant human rights violations’
Thomas Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmaradmitted it was “remarkable” that the Council had drafted and introduced a draft to avoid a veto, but “with all due respect”, said that the resolution passed yesterday was not yet enough.
“’Request to perform certain actions without using any Security CouncilChapter VII rights, will not stop the illegal Myanmar government from attacking and destroying the lives of 54 million people being held hostage in Myanmar,” he said in a statement. statement.
“What is needed is action.”
Resolution is far from coming
The resolution expressed “deep concern” at the state of emergency that has continued since the military took power and the “serious impact” of the coup on the people of Myanmar.
It also calls for “concrete and immediate actions” towards implementing a peace planwas agreed upon by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and called for the maintenance of “democratic institutions and processes”.
The council has long been divided over how to respond to the crisis – with China and Russia arguing over strong action. They, along with India, abstained in Wednesday’s vote while the remaining 12 members voted in favor.
After the vote, Chinese ambassador Zhang Jun said his country wanted the Security Council to adopt an official statement on Myanmar, not a resolution. The Russian ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said that because Moscow does not consider the situation in Myanmar a threat to international peace and security, it believes that the Council should not deal with the issue.
Resolution lacks power
Mr. Andrews pointed out that “serious and systematic human rights violations – equivalent to war crimes and crimes against humanity – are perpetrated on a daily basis against the people of Myanmar by an illegitimate military junta.” requires strong concerted action by Member States of the United Nations”.
He acknowledged that the requirements of the resolution – including an immediate end to all forms of violence, the release of political prisoners, unfettered humanitarian access and respect for women’s rights, and children – is “crucially important” but omission is the “consequence of failure”. to respond to them and the imposition of sanctions and accountability for the crimes the military has committed to date.”
He agreed with Security Council members Norway, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Iceland and Mexico in saying the language of the resolution should be stronger.
‘Wake up’
However, the resolution makes it clear that the action needed to end the crisis will not come from the Security Council, the UN expert said.
“Therefore, it is imperative that countries with the political will to support the people of Myanmar take immediate coordinated action to end the carnage.”
He stressed that the resolution should not become “a dead end… which entails more international inaction”.
He continued: “This will be a wake-up call for countries that support a people under siege.
“Clearly the time has come to form a working coalition of countries ready to stand with the people of Myanmar by providing what they need most – action.”
Young people participate in a pro-democracy protest in Myanmar.
international failure
UN experts agreed with the Secretary-General’s statement last month saying that the international community had failed Myanmar.
“This failure cannot be remedied by resolutions that leave no consequences,” Mr Andrews said.
Instead, targeted action is needed, including coordinating sanctions, cutting revenues that fund junta military strikes, and embargoes on weapons and technology. dual use.
“What is needed is political will,” he concluded.
Special Rapporteur appointed by the United Nations based in Geneva Dong Nhan Quyen Association arrive check and report back about a country’s particular human rights situation. Professionals are not paid for their work.
