Human Rights Council - 25th Regular Session
Item 4
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar
Australian statement
17 March 2014
Australia would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his efforts over the past six years and acknowledge the strong dedication he has shown to this important role. We also acknowledge the Myanmar Government’s co-operation in support of his work.
During the Special Rapporteur’s term the Myanmar Government has made significant progress in improving human rights. In particular, over 1,100 political prisoners have been released since May 2011. This is a significant achievement and important to the success of the country’s reforms. We encourage the Myanmar Government to continue dialogue with interested parties to clarify cases where the status of prisoners is unclear.
Australia welcomes good progress on the peace process including meetings between the government, military and ethnic armed groups. We encourage all sides to work towards an agreement which delivers long-term peace, including setting a timetable for ongoing political dialogue following the signing of a national ceasefire accord. We encourage the Myanmar Government and ethnic armed groups to continue efforts to identify and release all child soldiers.
Australia remains very concerned about the situation in Rakhine State. We support the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur to address the situation and we encourage the Myanmar Government to do this as a matter of priority.
Australia continues to encourage the Myanmar Government to move towards full implementation of the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur and the Human Rights Council. We stand ready to support and assist.