Australia thanks the High Commissioner for his report.

Since the coup d’état two years ago, we have repeatedly called on Myanmar to engage in constructive dialogue and find a peaceful and durable resolution to the ongoing crisis.

Despite these calls, the regime has continued its anti-democratic actions against the Myanmar people. The regime has responded violently to any form of political expression. There is evidence thousands of civilians, including children, have been jailed, tortured, or killed.

Australia calls for justice and accountability for crimes committed against the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya and other minorities. We continue to provide robust support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and other justice mechanisms.

Australia continues to press for the cessation of violence, safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, and the release of all those unjustly detained. We call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and a return to the path of democracy. Australia strongly supports ASEAN’s leadership as a key element in responding to the crisis.

Together with Bangladesh and the global humanitarian community, Australia remains steadfast in our commitment to support Rohingya refugees and their host communities, including through the announcement in November 2022 of A$135m of humanitarian assistance in 2022-23, building on the A$480m provided since 2017.

We ask the High Commissioner: how can we best support his Office in ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses committed against Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar?