UN Burma Expert Warns General Assembly: Failing To Act On Crimes Will ‘Embolden’ Regime

By Burma Campaign UK • October 19, 2010

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Burma has warned the United Nations General Assembly that: “Failing to act on accountability in Myanmar will embolden the perpetrators of international crimes and further postpone long-overdue justice.”

In a hard-hitting new report made public on 18th October, the Special Rapporteur repeats his call for a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. He argues that the dictatorships denial that crimes are taking place, as well as an immunity clause in Burma’s 2008 Constitution, means that the international community has a responsibility to act.

The European Union, which has drafted the UN General Assembly Resolution on Burma, has so far failed to include establishment of a Commission of Inquiry in the draft.

“For the European Union to ignore the advice of the Special Rapporteur in this way is shameful,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “The EU knows the crimes are taking place and the EU knows they should be investigated. To do nothing sends a message to the dictatorship that they can keep raping, killing and torturing.”

Several EU member states support a UN Inquiry, including the UK, Ireland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, France, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia and Netherlands.

In the report, the Special Rapporteur also raises serious concerns about the credibility of elections due on 7th November, highlighting multiple ways in which the elections are unfair. One example he gives is that the $500 registration fee to be a candidate in the election is higher than the entire average annual income per person of $459.

The treatment of political prisoners, including the life-threatening denial of medical care, is also highlighted.

“This report proves that despite the dictatorships promises of change with the elections, human rights abuses continue unabated,” said Mark Farmaner. “The facts on the ground speak the truth, no genuine change is on the way, and there is no excuse for continued inaction by the international community.”