Thomas Andrew, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in MyanmarAcknowledged as “remarkable” that the Council had prepared and pushed ahead with a draft that managed to avoid a veto, but said “with all due respect” that the resolution adopted yesterday was not enough.
“‘Requesting that certain actions be taken without the Security Councilwill not stop Myanmar’s illegal junta from attacking and destroying the lives of the 54 million people being held hostage in Myanmar,” he said in a expression.
“Action is required”.
Resolution long in coming
The resolution expressed “deep concern” at the ongoing state of emergency since the military seized power and the “serious impact” of the coup on the people of Myanmar.
It also called for “concrete and immediate action” to implement a peace planapproved by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) calling for the maintenance of “democratic institutions and processes”.
The Council has long been divided over how to deal with the crisis – with China and Russia arguing against taking firm action. They abstained along with India on Wednesday’s vote, while the remaining 12 members voted in favour.
After the vote, China’s Ambassador Zhang Jun said his country wanted the Security Council to adopt a formal statement on Myanmar, not a resolution. Ambassador of Russia Vassily Nebenzia said that since Moscow does not see the situation in Myanmar as a threat to world peace and security, it believes that the Council should not address it.
The resolution lacks power
Mr Andrews stated that “the systematic gross human rights violations – amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity – committed daily by an illegal military junta against the people of Myanmar require strong, coordinated action by UN member states”.
He acknowledged that the resolution’s demands – including an immediate end to all forms of violence, the release of political prisoners, unhindered humanitarian access and respect for the rights of women and children – are “vital” but “consequences for failure miss”. to counter them and the imposition of sanctions and accountability for crimes committed by the military to date”.
He agreed with Security Council members Norway, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Iceland and Mexico that the resolution’s language should have been stronger.
‘wake up call
However, the resolution makes it clear that the measures required to end the crisis would not come from the Security Council, said the UN expert.
“It is therefore imperative that nations with the political will to assist the people of Myanmar take immediate coordinated action to end the slaughter.”
He stressed that the resolution must not become “an impasse…followed by more international inaction.”
“It should be a wake-up call to those nations supporting a beleaguered people,” he continued.
“It is clearly time to create a workable coalition of nations ready to stand by the people of Myanmar by providing what they need most – action.”
Young people take part in a pro-democracy demonstration in Myanmar.
international failure
The UN expert agreed with the Secretary-General’s statement last month and said the international community had failed Myanmar.
“This omission cannot be remedied by inconsequential resolutions,” Andrews said.
Instead, targeted action is needed, including coordinating sanctions, cutting revenue to fund the junta’s military attacks, and an embargo on weapons and dual-use technology.
“What is required is the political will,” he concluded.
Special rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to investigate and report to a specific human rights situation in a country. The experts are not paid for their work.
