We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the situation in Myanmar. Thousands of civilians, including women and children, have been jailed, tortured, or killed. The military is increasing its use of airstrikes, mass burning of villages and civilian infrastructure, and conflict-related sexual violence.

We urge the military regime to immediately cease violence, engage in meaningful dialogue, and return Myanmar to the path of democracy. We continue to call for justice and accountability for crimes committed against the people of Myanmar.

We welcome the UN Security Council Resolution 2669 on the situation in Myanmar which calls for the upholding of universal human rights, the provision of full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians.

We reaffirm our strong support for the leading role of ASEAN and its Special Envoy to Myanmar, as well as the work of the UN Special Envoy to Myanmar. We urge the military to implement ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus without delay.

Australia asks: how can the Council best support international efforts to maximise prospects for conflict de-escalation and the protection of civilians in Myanmar?