UN rights office repeats call for states to end arms transfers to Myanmar’s military at General Assembly

Mizzima

The UN human rights office called on states not to legitimize Myanmar’s military authorities and to end arms transfers to them, repeating the message at the UN General Assembly in New York on 21 September.

According to a statement published by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Claudia Fuentes Julio, briefing the General Assembly on compliance with international humanitarian law in conflicts worldwide, said the High Commissioner “has called on countries to use their leverage to bolster compliance, including by ceasing arms flows, not legitimizing the military authorities, and promoting dialogue towards a resumption of civilian rule.”

The Myanmar reference was one line in a speech focused mainly on Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza, for which Fuentes Julio cited specific casualty figures. No comparable Myanmar-specific figures were included in the 21 September statement.

High Commissioner Volker Türk made the same points at greater length on 7 September, opening the Human Rights Council’s 63rd session in Geneva. He urged member states to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court through the UN Security Council and to end transfers to Myanmar of arms, ammunition, jet fuel and dual-use items where there is a clear risk they could facilitate violations of international law.