Statement by Senior Adviser Turi Bakke at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council. Item 4 – Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation for human rights in Myanmar. Delivered at 10 March 2020.
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Madame President,
Norway wishes to thank the Special Rapporteur Ms. Yanghee Lee for her report and briefing. The human rights violations detailed in the briefing are serious and continue to be a cause for great concern.
We call on the authorities in Myanmar to ensure the full protection of all civilians without discrimination and fulfill the obligation to ensure humanitarian access in Rakhine as well as Kachin and Shan States. Those responsible for violations of international law, including human rights violations and abuses must be held accountable through credible national or international criminal justice mechanisms.
We call on Myanmar to ensure that this year’s elections are free, fair and inclusive, also in conflict areas. An important part of this is ensuring that freedom of speech and freedom of association and peaceful assembly are respected. We are concerned about the internet shutdown in parts of Rakhine and Chin States, and urge Myanmar to end these restrictions.
We commend Myanmar for initiating efforts to counter hate speech and misinformation. These efforts should be given even greater focus leading up to the election.
Norway supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. We wish to thank Ms. Yanghee Lee for serving in this capacity these last six years.
We urge Myanmar authorities to cooperate with all UN mechanisms, including granting them access to the country.
Thank you.