Arakan News Agency
During a meeting with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Yanghee Lee, civil society groups highlighted the continuation of human rights abuses despite the country’s recent reforms
More than 40 Myanmar-based civil society organizations called for a “truly independent” international investigation into the situation in Arakan State, where state-sponsored attacks against Rohingya Muslim civilians have escalated in recent months. Muslim and Buddhist communities in Arakan State have faced human rights violations with impunity for decades.
“This initiative is important for the entire country,” said Matthew Smith, chief executive officer at Fortify Rights. “It’s time for the government to get on board and support the establishment of an impartial and independent inquiry.”
Concerning the peace process, and women, children and ethnic minorities’ rights, the groups pointed out weaknesses in filing grievances regarding violence against women and children, and the lack of meaningful participation of women in the peace process, U Aung Myo Min added.
Attendees talked with the UN envoy about the ongoing conflicts in Shan and Kachin states, which left thousands as refugees, and also spoke about two pastors who went missing after helping reporters cover a church bombing in Shan State.
“Though there are some reforms, human rights violations are ongoing, especially in ethnic areas,” said Ma May Sabe Phyu, director of the Gender Equality Network.
“There is a rise in the number of refugees in conflict areas. The aid to IDP camps has been stopped, blocked, and also reduced,” she added.
Lee traveled to conflict-torn northern Shan and Kachin states where she expressed frustration at having her travel restricted by Burmese authorities. She also toured northern Arakan State during her official visit to Burma from Jan 9-20.
She met with Burma’s State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Vice President U Myint Swe—who also heads the government investigation committee on Arakan State—on last Wednesday in Naypyidaw.
Ma May Sabe Phyu said Burma still needs the UN special rapporteur or the international community to continue to monitor the human rights situation and provide support.
The UN will discuss whether to extend the UN special rapporteur on Burma’s duties in March at the UN general assembly.
