UN Human Rights Council, 38th session. Swedish statement delivered by H.E. Permanent Representative Veronika Bard
Thank you, Mr Vice-President.
Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union.
We warmly thank Special Rapporteur Lee for her work and update.
The situation in Myanmar remains deeply troubling. The strong statement by the High Commissioner for Human Rights last week reminds us of the need to continue addressing the acute situation in Rakhine. We also share his concern regarding the continued and escalating violence in Kachin, northern Shan and other conflict-affected states in Myanmar.
Sweden fully concurs with his account of clear indications of well-organised, widespread and systematic attacks continuing to target the Rohingya community in Rakhine State. We note several reports of systematic, widespread and coordinated violence, including sexual and gender- based violence and violence against children. This clearly indicates that crimes against humanity have been committed.
Accountability for these atrocities must be ensured. If impunity is not thoroughly addressed by national means, new or existing international mechanisms must be used toenable independent and impartial examinations of the situation in Rakhine. The proposal by SR Lee on an accountability mechanism should be actively considered as a way of taking concrete action to live up to this Council’s repeated commitment to ensure accountability. We do reiterate that a referral to the International Criminal Court must be seriously considered.
We welcome statements by the Myanmar Government that it will investigate allegations, prosecute alleged perpetrators and address the root causes of the conflict in line with the Rakhine Commission recommendations. We regret, however, that there are no credible signs of action to end the discrimination and statelessness of the Rohingya and the widespread climate of impunity. No voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees in line with international law can occur before the rule of law is established and human rights guaranteed in Rakhine State. That is the full responsibility of the Myanmar Government.
We welcome the tripartite signing of the MoU with UNHCR and UNDP, and expect the Myanmar Government to grant the UN and other partners, including the Fact-Finding Mission mandated by this very Council, full and unhindered access to Rakhine State. Access is essential to support implementation of the Rakhine Commission recommendations.
The Secretary-General’s appointment of Christine Schraner Burgener as Special Envoy on Myanmar is another important step in this regard, and we would like to express our strong support for the Special Envoy and her future efforts.
Thank you.