Mr Chair

Australia is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and condemns ongoing human rights abuses and violations of international law by the military regime, including against Rohingya and other minorities.

Australia calls on the regime to refrain from further violence, immediately release all those arbitrarily detained, including Australian Professor Sean Turnell, and to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders, in line with ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus.

Today’s panel reminds us that the 1 February 2021 coup must not distract from our efforts to ensure justice and accountability for ongoing crimes committed against Rohingya and other minorities. We reiterate our support for the important work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) to hold accountable those responsible for international crimes and violations of international law since 2011.

Australia is committed to international efforts to pursue accountability for war crimes and atrocities committed in Myanmar. The military regime’s intransigence to date makes those efforts even more critical. We call on states to cooperate with accountability mechanisms for Myanmar, consistent with international obligations.

We call on the military regime to create conditions to allow the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya and other displaced persons, especially women and girls. Our commitment to the Rohingya and our desire to see a resolution to the Myanmar crisis remains steadfast.

Thank you Chair.