The UN has urged the Myanmar government to cooperate with the international mechanisms that have been established both to ensure justice and consolidate Myanmar’s democratic transition.
“In Myanmar, it is now two years since horrific violations by the Army, including killings and sexual violence, drove nearly a million Rohingya people out of the country,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet
Bachelet made the call in her opening statement at the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday (Sept 9).
Now Rakhine State is experiencing another conflict between the so-called Arakan Army and the Tatmadaw, and another wave of human rights violations and displacement, she said, adding that this is affecting both ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya communities and will make it even harder for refugees and internally displaced people to return.
The recent escalation of clashes in Shan State and long-standing conflicts in Kachin State also cause displacement and human suffering, and undermine the peace process, she added.
This Council session will hear the final report of the Fact Finding Mission, and she commended it for giving the world a clear picture of the gravity and scale of the violations that have been committed across Myanmar.
“The need for accountability is compelling and urgent, and I am very pleased to note that the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, which was established by the Council in its historic resolution 39/2, was declared operational by the Secretary-General in August,” said Bachelet.
Following her statement, the Head of the Mechanism will be briefing the Council on steps already taken to advance the powerful work of the Fact-Finding Mission, by compiling cases for criminal prosecution.
“And I welcome Myanmar’s adoption in July of a landmark Child Law, which will bring the law substantially into compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and ILO Conventions,” she added.

Kashmir and NRC 

In relation to Kashmir, Bachelet said her office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the line of control.

"I'm deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris, including restrictions on internet communications and peaceful assembly, and the detention of local political leaders and activists," she mentioned.

Bachelet continues to urge the governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected.

She has "appealed particularly to India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews; to ensure people's access to basic services; and that all due rights are respected for those who have been detained."

Bachelet said it is important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future.

She said the recent National Register of Citizens verification process in the northeast Indian state of Assam has "caused great uncertainty and anxiety, with some 1.9 million people excluded" from the final list published on August 31.

"I appeal to the government to ensure due process during the appeals process, prevent deportation or detention, and ensure people are protected from statelessness," she said.