The ICJ today addressed the UN Human Rights Council in the Interactive Dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for her update on the human rights situation in Myanmar.
The statement reads as follows:
“Madam President,
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) condemns the widespread and systematic arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture and extra-judicial killings in Myanmar.
Lawyers face intimidation and arrest even in courtrooms, preventing them from performing their professional duty, and undermining their clients’ right to a fair trial. Courts are subordinated to the military government that usurped power on 1 February 2021. Under military rule, no possibility exists for a fair trial for anyone detained in Myanmar.
The ICJ welcomed the resolution on the human rights situation in Myanmar (A/HRC/RES/46/21) adopted by the Council in March 2021. Despite repeated calls from this Council and other UN mechanisms, the human rights situation in the country remains dire. As a result, effective and coordinated actions from this Council and its member States is required, including the introduction of sanctions targeting top military leaders and the military-owned companies that provide direct revenue to the military and its leaders.
The ICJ calls again on the Council to monitor the implementation of its previous resolutions on the country, and to urge the UN Security Council to refer the situation of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.
I thank you.”
Contact:
Massimo Frigo, ICJ UN Representative, e: massimo.frigo(a)icj.org, t: +41797499949