UN Human Rights Council 40th Session
Item 4 – Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
11 March 2019
Intervention by ESTONIA
Mr. President,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement made by the EU.
We regret that the Government of Myanmar has decided to withdraw from cooperation with the Special Rapporteur, whom we would like to thank for her tireless work and today’s presentation.
We remain deeply concerned about the continuous reports of human rights violations in Myanmar. It is highly disturbing, that, as reported by the Special Rapporteur, Myanmar continues to be plagued by armed conflicts and violence, including grave violations against children, such as killing and maiming, rape and sexual violence, and recruitment and use of children in the armed conflict. We are worried about a large number of people imprisoned or detained for their political activities and that their freedom of expression has been violated.
The situation of IDPs in Kachin and Shan States remains highly worrying. Nearly 20,000 IDPs are in need of food, shelter, water and education.
Estonia commends Bangladesh for its efforts to accommodate refugees, but the grave humanitarian situation of the Rohingya refugees needs our attention. Estonia’s Foreign Minister visited the refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar last year and we agree with the assessment of the Special Rapporteur on the dire situation of the refugees. Estonia reiterates that any safe and dignified return of the refugees to Myanmar needs to be voluntary. The United Nations must be allowed to conduct a full technical and humanitarian assessment of the relocation of refugees to Bhashan Char. Refugees must be fully engaged and their freedom of movement must be retained.
In conclusion, the international community should not accept impunity for those responsible for violations and abuses of international human rights law. We should first and foremost concentrate on the victims and ensuring accountability. We urge to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court for full investigation and prosecution.
Thank you!