Chair,
Norway wishes to thank the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Ms Yanghee Lee, for her report and briefing.
We commend Myanmar’s recent ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict and the enactment of a new law on the rights of children.
We remain concerned about the lack of improvement in the human rights situation in Myanmar, particularly in light of the upcoming election in 2020. We call on the Government to take further steps to strengthen democratic institutions, good governance and the rule of law.
Further, we are deeply worried about the conflict situation in Rakhine and Chin states. The allegations of abuse against civilians are particularily disturbing. We urge the Government to increase its efforts in implementing the recommendations made by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine, to ensure a safe, voluntary and dignified return of all refugees without further delays.
It is essential that those responsible for violations of international law be held accountable through credible national or international criminal justice mechanisms.
We reiterate our support to the mandates of the Special Envoy, the Special Rapporteur and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We urge Myanmar authorities to cooperate with all UN mechanisms, including granting them access to the country.
Thank you!