50th session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights situation in Myanmar
Intervention by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania and my own country Sweden.
Thank you, Special Rapporteur, for your update on the human rights situation in Myanmar.
Since the military coup in Myanmar last year, the country has plunged into a deep human rights and humanitarian crisis.
We continue to strongly condemn the coup and call for an immediate end to all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, mass killings, torture, airstrikes and arson. Ensuring accountability for past and ongoing serious international crimes is critical.
We are deeply concerned by the Myanmar military's reported plans to resume executions. We call on the military to refrain from carrying out any death sentences. We also reiterate our call to release all those arbitrarily detained.
We are deeply concerned about the severe humanitarian situation in Myanmar. Full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all persons in need must be ensured.
Special Rapporteur,
We are horrified by your recent statement that the children of Myanmar are not only being caught in the crossfire, but that they are often the targets of the violence.
How can the international community act to protect the children of Myanmar?