UN Human Rights Council 56th session.
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN,
Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.
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President,
I am honored to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.
We express our extreme concern about the situation in Myanmar, which - as stated in the High Commissioner’s recent report - is in “freefall, with the total absence of human rights protections and civilian rule of law”.
We witness a multifaceted crisis with reports of severe human rights violations and abuses including torture, enforced disappearances, severe threats to the safety and physical integrity of children, sexual and gender-based violence, and forced recruitment, not least in Rakhine state.
We are also deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation and the safety of civilians and children currently residing in IDP camps.
We welcome the appointment of Julie Bishop as Special Envoy. Her leadership will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges in Myanmar.
Special Rapporteur,
On May 23, you warned that “thousands of innocent lives will be lost if the international community fails to respond to ominous signs of another Rohingya bloodbath in Rakhine State“.
Which actions do you recommend States to take to contain the situation?
How can States best contribute to protecting civilians, particularly children, in the short-term?
Thank you.