UN Human Rights Council 56: UK Statement on human rights situation in Myanmar

Thank you, Special Rapporteur, for your typically eloquent update.

Four years on from the military coup that thwarted their democratic aspirations, it's the people of Myanmar who continue to suffer from the deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis: airstrikes, village burnings, increasing use of land mines, forced recruitment. In Rakhine, the scene of recent horrors in Buthidaung and Byain Phyu, intercommunal tensions are being deliberately stoked to divide communities.

All parties to the conflict must prioritise the protection of civilians and allow unimpeded humanitarian access.

The UK has provided more than £150 million in life-saving assistance to the people of Myanmar since the coup. Let me urge others to join us in supporting local civil society organisations, who are the most able to reach conflict-affected communities. And to support the mechanisms for accountability and justice, such as the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.

Thank you, Special Rapporteur, for shining the spotlight on the military's use of the international banking system to procure arms and military supplies. We are, as you know, a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo on Myanmar. No state should be transferring weapons or dual-use items to the Myanmar military.

Special Rapporteur, what more can we do to reduce the Myanmar military's access to arms?