Australian Statement

Australia thanks the High Commissioner for her oral update.

We welcome this Interactive Dialogue as an important opportunity for the Council to discuss the concerning human rights situation in Myanmar.

It is over 5 months since the military coup in Myanmar, and with each month that passes, the death toll and number of arrests continue to rise. Many of those killed have been young people exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and of expression.

Australia urgently calls on the regime to end the horrific violence, immediately release all those arbitrarily detained and return Myanmar to the path of democracy.

We call on the regime to end the incomprehensible attacks on medical personnel and humanitarian workers, on civil society, labour union members and journalists - people who protect and promote human rights.

We also remain deeply concerned about the impact of ongoing conflict on humanitarian crises across Myanmar, and the setback the coup poses to prospects for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya and other displaced persons.

The international community cannot lose focus on accountability − including for abuses perpetrated in Rakhine State. Now more than ever, Australia supports the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and broader efforts to hold the regime to account.

Australia will continue to work with others, especially ASEAN, to promote de-escalation, dialogue and a return to democracy in Myanmar.

We ask the High Commissioner what more can states do to respond to the increase in instances of arbitrary arrest and detention of political and human rights advocates?

259 Words [Limit = 180 words]