HRC55 - Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner oral update on Myanmar - EU Statement

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

55th session

Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner oral update on Myanmar

1 March 2024

EU Statement

The EU thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update.

The EU condemns the repressive actions of the Myanmar military, marked by the use of indiscriminate violence against civilians. As the High Commissioner has previously reported, some of these acts stand not only as gross violations of human rights, but may also  constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The role of the IIMM, ICJ and ICC is therefore crucial.

The Rohingya and persons belonging to other ethnic and religious minorities have increasingly been attacked and caught in the crossfire. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of rescue at sea and of the principle of non-refoulement, especially in the clear absence of the necessary conditions for a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their places of origin. The EU is highly preoccupied by the rapidly degrading human rights situation in Rakhine State of the last months.

The EU calls on the military authorities in particular , as they bear the overwhelming responsibility for violence across the country, and on all parties to the conflict to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, and to allow the complete, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, in line with the humanitarian principles, to all persons in need.

High Commissioner,

How can the UN play a more active role in Myanmar?