UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the dialogue on the involvement of the UN in the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom thanks the Secretary General for his previous statements on the situation in Myanmar and we welcome the appointment of his new Special Envoy Dr Noeleen Heyzer. His determination to fully implement the Rosenthal report recommendations is important.

Regrettably, there has been a rapid deterioration in the human rights context since the Rosenthal report was first presented.

We have been shocked by verified reports of atrocities by the military against civilians, many bearing similar hallmarks to their actions in Rakhine in 2017.

The Rosenthal report, along with reporting from the Special Rapporteur and the Fact Finding Mission, whilst noting the primary responsibility of the government of Myanmar, include lessons for the UN system and us all in preventing human rights crises in the future.

Two years ago, we were pleased that the Secretary General’s statement at the Human Rights Council referenced the importance of Human Rights Up Front initiative, and its vital role in placing human rights and early warning at the heart of the UN.

Secretary General,

In your view, how can the international community better respond to the risk of further mass atrocities in Myanmar?