Statement by Charles Kent, Senior Human Rights Officer at the UN Third Committee meeting on Myanmar.
We thank the EU and the OIC for their efforts in advancing this important resolution.
The UK is concerned by the ongoing violence in Myanmar, including escalating human rights violations and increasing reports of sexual and gender-based violence. The UK condemns the military regime's primary role in perpetuating indiscriminate attacks and airstrikes, which continue to kill and injure civilians.
We urge all parties, especially the Myanmar military, to cease hostilities - particularly the devastating airstrikes - respect international law, ensure the protection of civilians and release all those arbitrarily detained.
The military's systematic blockade of aid has led to severe shortages of life-saving medications and food and has pushed Rakhine State to the brink of famine, with over two million people at risk of starvation.
This is impacting all communities across Rakhine State, including Rakhine, Rohingya and other minority communities. The UK reiterates our thanks to Bangladesh for their continued hosting of over a million Rohingya refugees, including those who have fled since conflict resumed in November 2023.
We emphasise that any consideration of the return of Rohingya refugees must be contingent on the establishment of conditions that are safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable. Increasing instability across the Myanmar-Bangladesh border continues to worsen conditions for return.
Inclusive dialogue and mutual trust building will be critical in changing this. We call on the Myanmar military and other key actors to allow rapid, full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation, particularly in Rakhine.
The UK is clear that any meaningful election requires an end to violence and dialogue among all parties concerned. We continue to support the aspirations of the people of Myanmar for a peaceful, democratic future.
There are no indications that the planned elections will deliver on those aspirations or be perceived as free or fair. Elections under current circumstances risk provoking violence and putting genuine solutions out of reach.
The UK fully supports the ASEAN Five Point Consensus on Myanmar and the work of the ASEAN and UN Special Envoys.
