Statement 96 - Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Geneva, Switzerland

Address: Chemin des Fins 2, Case Postale 102, 1211 Geneva 19 - Telephone: 022 799 9100 - Fax: 022 799 9178

Human Rights Council

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar

Intervention by Australia
15 March 2010

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his efforts in pursuit of his important mandate, his latest report and his presentation to the Council today.

The Special Rapporteur’s report again confirms the dire human rights situation in Myanmar, and reaffirms the need for the international community to remain engaged in seeking to improve this situation. While welcoming the release of Vice-Chair of the National League for Democracy, U Tin Oo, on the 13th of February 2010, Australia notes the Special Rapporteur’s observation that there remain over 2100 political prisoners in Myanmar.

Noting the steps underway towards elections in 2010, Australia supports the Special Rapporteur’s call for the release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as an essential step towards political reform. Australia was disappointed that the Special Rapporteur’s request for a meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi during his visit was not granted by the Myanmar authorities.

Australia shares the Special Rapporteur’s concerns in relation to the impact of ongoing conflict on civilian communities, and the recruitment of child soldiers by various parties. We would be interested in further ideas from the Special Rapporteur on how this problem can be addressed.

Australia notes the Special Rapporteur’s suggestion that UN institutions may consider the possibility of establishing a commission of inquiry to address the question of international crimes in Myanmar. Australia would support investigating possible options for a UN commission of inquiry, although we acknowledge that establishing such an inquiry may face a number of obstacles. We would be interested in how such a commission may be established and the intentions of the Special Rapporteur to conduct further advocacy in support of this idea.

Finally, Australia shares the deep concerns of the Special Rapporteur about the situation of the Rohingya community in northern Rakhine State. We would like to seek the Special Rapporteur’s views on how the international community can cooperate with the UN to address the alarming conditions faced by this marginalised group.