Norway condemns the gross and systematic violations of human rights in Myanmar and strongly encourages the government to start an inclusive dialogue with the democratic opposition and representatives of ethnic groups
03/10/2007 ::
Mr President,
This special session of the UN Human Rights Council is an expression of the international community’s profound concern for the plight of the Burmese people following the regime’s brutal crack-down on peaceful demonstrations.
Monks, nuns, student leaders, human rights defenders and democracy activists were beaten, shot at and rounded up in a most brutal attempt by the Myanmar government to block the Burmese people’s rightful participation in the governing of their country.
We are dismayed to learn of the Myanmar government’s ban on media. The crack down on national and international press demonstrates the length towards which the regime is willing to go to cover up its brutal actions. And it speaks of the extreme conditions under which the democratic movement now works in Myanmar.
Mr. President,
Norway condemns the gross and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Myanmar. Monks, nuns, student leaders, human rights defenders and democracy activists should not be seen as threats to national stability.
Norway remains convinced of the importance of international engagement towards Myanmar. The courageous people of Myanmar demand our attention and full support. We must not let them down.
We strongly encourage the government to start an inclusive dialogue with the democratic opposition and representatives of ethnic groups. Rule of law must be established and impunity must end. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and all those detained during the recent peaceful demonstrations.
Full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must immediately be ensured.
We strongly urge the Myanmar government to respect their international obligations and to cooperate fully with the UN human rights and development mechanisms. We welcome the Security Council discussions on Myanmar and look forward to study the report of the General Secretary’s Special Envoy Mr. Ibrahim Gambari to the Council upon his return from Myanmar.
Mr. President,
What we have witnessed during the last week can only be characterised as massive, grave and systematic human rights abuses.
We must act accordingly. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar must be given a strong, unequivocal mandate. He must be given full and unconditional access to Myanmar as a matter of urgency. The Human Rights Council must remain seized of the situation in Myanmar.
Thank you.