We thank the Special Rapporteur for his update.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar. It is over 7 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 and detained have been young people exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and expression.

Australia urgently calls on the regime to refrain from further violence, immediately release all those arbitrarily detained, including Australian Professor Sean Turnell, and return Myanmar to the path of democracy.

We call on the regime to protect all medical personnel and humanitarian workers, and refrain from targeting human rights defenders, civil society and labour union members and journalists. Given the ongoing violence, we also call on the international community to prevent the flow of arms to Myanmar, consistent with the 18 June UNGA Resolution on The Situation in Myanmar.

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

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