UNGA76 Third Committee Resolution on the “Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar”

November 17, 2021

Chair,

As a cosponsor of this important resolution, Canada thanks the EU and OIC for their efforts again this year. We commend the international community’s ongoing condemnation of the crisis in Myanmar – however, we are saddened to be standing here, once again, to condemn ongoing rights violations and democratic reversals. 

Just over a year ago, elections were held that independent observers deemed to be democratic and representative of the people of Myanmar. The February 1^st military coup has seen that progress undone, and with it, aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous Myanmar, as well as a safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return for the Rohingya people. 

Human rights violations have only deepened since the coup, with many people arbitrarily detained or killed by military forces. Canada welcomes language in the resolution highlighting support to the Independent International Mechanism for Myanmar, in support of accountability.

The world cannot stand by and watch this tragedy unfold again.

We repeat the call for all UN Member States to halt the transfer and sale of arms, military equipment and technical assistance to Myanmar, as expressed in the June 18, 2021 UN General Assembly Resolution.

Canada reaffirms our support for ASEAN and its work to defuse the crisis. We commend our ASEAN colleagues for increasingly robust action and continue to call for the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.

We reiterate our calls for the immediate cessation of violence, the release of those arbitrarily detained – including members of the National League for Democracy, citizens of Myanmar and foreign nationals – and unconditional and unrestricted humanitarian access to ensure aid can be delivered.

Thank you.