HRC58 - NB8 statement - ID with the SR on the situation in Myanmar

Human Rights Council - 58th Session  
Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights situation in Myanmar  
Statement delivered by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic States

President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and presentation. The Nordic-Baltic States remain deeply disturbed by what he refers to as “the campaign of terror” of the military junta.

[The ruthless violence against the civilian population in Myanmar must stop, and those responsible must be held accountable.]

Reports of continued brutal military tactics, including against women and children, are devastating.

These include: An alarming increase in indiscriminate airstrikes harming schools, places of worship, hospitals and displacement camps.

Beheadings, torture, and the use of human shields.

The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The persecution, arrests and imprisonments of democracy activists, human rights defenders and journalists are utterly unacceptable.

We are gravely concerned about widespread food insecurity and expected critical gaps in the humanitarian response, particularly during the peak lean season.

This is now one of the world’s worst human rights crises.

Women,children and persons with disabilities are in particularly vulnerable situations.

We call on all parties to pursue deescalating measures, to respect human rights and humanitarian law, and allow full and unhindered humanitarian access And we call for justice and accountability for all human rights violations and abuses, including conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence in Myanmar.

Special rapporteur,                                                                        

What can be done to ensure a strong child rights and gender-responsive approach to the human rights crisis in Myanmar?