Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva. Intervention on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
Madam President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
We welcome the update by the High Commissioner on Myanmar and echo the concerns for a deepening humanitarian emergency.
We reiterate our strong condemnation of the coup in Myanmar and the military’s use of deadly violence against peaceful protestors and call for the systematic repression of civil and political rights to immediately end. The international community must refrain from any measures that risk lending legitimacy to the military regime. All arbitrarily arrested must be released including political leaders. Internet and media restrictions and shutdowns must be lifted. We are also worried about the impact on and protection needs of women and girls, especially sexual and gender-based violence and of the worsening situation for the Rohingyas and other minorities.
It is imperative to ensure accountability for the most serious international crimes and violations of international law. We reiterate our strong support for the IIMM and underline the importance of access for all UN bodies and international mechanisms to Myanmar.
Madam High Commissioner, how can the international community promote dialogue to get Myanmar back on the path to democracy?
I thank you.