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Summary: Tomas Ojea Quintana, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human Rights in Myanmar, presented his report to the Human Rights Council's 19th session.
In the interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomas Ojea Quintana, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human Rights in Myanmar, said that during his recent visit to Myanmar he had seen a positive impact on the human rights situation by new reforms, policies and legislation adopted by the Government of Myanmar. However, clear and serious human rights concerns remained that could not be ignored in the rush to reform. Challenges facing Myanmar included the lack of an independent and effective judiciary, legal reforms, and poverty and food insecurity. It was essential that the up-coming by-elections were truly free, fair, inclusive and transparent. The ongoing conflict with some armed ethnic groups continued to engender serious human rights violations, including attacks against civilian populations, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, arbitrary arrest, internal displacement, land confiscations, the recruitment of child soldiers, and forced labour. Disturbing reports of landmine use by both the Government and non-State armed groups, and subsequent casualties around the country, had been received. Efforts being made Myanmar, speaking as the concerned country, said that the Government was restructuring the administrative mechanism; considering universal access to health; and increasing spending on education and health with the view of removing the country from the list of the least developed countries. There was the emergence of civil society organizations in the country, and plans were underway for the emergence of mass organizations such as workers and farmers unions. Myanmar reiterated its committed to the irreversibility of its current democratization and reform process and said there would be no turning back and no questioning of the commitment of the current leadership. It was regrettable to see allegations and unsubstantiated statements throughout the report of the Special Rapporteur, which did not have any grounding in reality. States' responses In the interactive dialogue on Myanmar, speakers welcomed the recent positive developments towards democracy, social and economic development, and respect for human rights. Reconciliation with ethnic minorities was essential for sustainable political change, and talks and ceasefire agreements with ethnic armed groups were commended. Issue of child soldiers needs to be addressed Serious issues remained to be addressed, such as the ongoing ethnic conflict, forced labour, child soldiers, the military's role in serious human rights violations, and insufficient humanitarian relief to the civilian population in conflict areas. It was of paramount importance that the upcoming elections were free, fair, inclusive and transparent, and that accountability was addressed for serious human rights violations such as attacks against civilians, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and arbitrary arrests and detention. Some countries noted that the international community needed to give Myanmar the necessary policy space and wherewithal to take all necessary measures to push forward democracy and the promotion and protection of the enjoyment of human rights.