UK government reiterates that the Myanmar military bears primary responsibility for human rights abuses against Rohingya and minorities in Myanmar

Yangon, July 8 The UK government has reiterated at the UN Human Rights Council that the Myanmar military bears primary responsibility for human rights abuses against the Rohingya and minorities in Myanmar. This was stated by British diplomat Andrew Jackson, the Chargé d'affaires of the UK to Myanmar, during a meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland on July 7, while expressing gratitude for a draft resolution submitted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). At the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (UN Human Rights Council), the UK announced its support for a draft resolution concerning the human rights situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, and the British diplomat re-emphasized that the military is primarily responsible for the systematic human rights violations occurring in Myanmar, and that the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar continue to suffer from human rights abuses by the military and other armed groups. According to the UK government's statement, the latest report from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights revealed that 702 civilians died during the reporting period, of whom 476 died due to airstrikes. The British diplomat also pointed out that behind these figures are those who lost their lives, families who have been separated, and communities living in daily fear. The UK government strongly condemned the military council's terrorist attacks on civilians, stating that such actions cause immense suffering to the people and exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, it was stated that the Rohingya continue to face oppression, discrimination, denial of citizenship, and restrictions on freedom of movement to this day. The ongoing violence in Rakhine State has increased the danger for the Rohingya and other minorities, leading to more sexual and gender-based violence, and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes. The UK acknowledged the crucial role of Bangladesh in hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and understood the challenges, including pressure on infrastructure and security in the refugee camps. It was also emphasized that improving the self-reliance and security of refugees from Myanmar is important for improving the living conditions of the Rohingya and enabling their safe, voluntary, and dignified return in the future. The UK stated that while it will agree to and support the draft resolution, it will continue to address human rights abuses wherever they occur in Myanmar, and it wishes to clearly record that the Myanmar military bears primary responsibility for the systematic human rights abuses committed against the Rohingya and other civilians. Furthermore, the UK stated that the situation in Myanmar continues to require the attention of the UN Human Rights Council and collective action from the international community. The UK will continue to work with the OIC and international partners to address the root causes of Myanmar's crisis, hold perpetrators accountable, and promote the rights and dignity of all people in Myanmar, including the Rohingya.