As delivered by First Secretary Sean Lobo
We thank the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Ms Yanghee Lee for her briefing (and welcome her comprehensive report on Myanmar).
Norway continues to be deeply worried about the human rights and humanitarian situation in Rakhine State. The escalation of conflict in Kachin and Shan States, allegations of serious human rights violations and decreasing humanitarian access are also matters of concern.
There is a pressing need for the authorities in Myanmar to end all violence, ensure full protection of all civilians without discrimination and fully observe international human rights and humanitarian law. Unhindered and safe humanitarian access should be granted to all parts of Myanmar for the United Nations, the Red Cross-Red Crescent movement, and other humanitarian organizations.
The Government of Myanmar needs to establish a credible and practical process to enable the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of all refugees to their original places of residence. We welcome the recently signed MoU between Myanmar and UNHCR/ UNDP.
The issue of accountability is highly important and we thank the Special Rapporteur for her emphasis on this. We encourage the Government of Myanmar to resume its cooperation with the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission established by the Human Rights Council. We welcome Myanmar’s announcement of a commission of enquiry and encourages Myanmar to ensure its independence and legitimacy.
We would appreciate further reflections on how the international community could best contribute to advancing accountability in Myanmar.
Thank you.