Estonia welcomes the delegation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the UPR’s 37th session.
While Estonia notes Myanmar’s good cooperation with the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy, we urge Myanmar to provide access to UN special procedures and humanitarian organizations, including the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.
Estonia calls on all parties in Myanmar to protect the civilian population and to provide safe und full access to all conflict-affected areas and to lift restrictions. It is important to ensure full accountability for the violations and abuses committed against Rohinga and other ethnic minorities. We urge the government of Myanmar to ensure safe and voluntary return of all displaced people regardless of their ethnic belonging or citizenship.
Estonia would like to make the following recommendations:
- Ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and its optional protocols;
- Review and amend legislation on freedom of expression, media freedom and freedom of association to bring it in line with international standards.
Estonia would also like to reiterate its earlier recommendation for Myanmar to accede to the Rome Statute of the ICC (International Criminal Court).
We would like to wish the delegation of Myanmar a successful review meeting.
Thank you!