UN Economic and Social Council
June 30 - July 25, 2003

Explanation of Position
Commission on Human Rights Decision 2
Situation of Human Rights in Burma

Statement by
Ambassador Sichan Siv
United States Representative to the
Economic and Social Council

Geneva, Switzerland

July 23, 2003

Madam President,

Since the last session of the Commission on Human Rights, the situation in Burma has dramatically worsened. The resolution is sadly out of step with current realities.

In the past three months that have passed, the Burmese junta's unfathomable behavior has earned its well-deserved international scorn and condemnation. The United States remains deeply concerned by the outrageous events that have taken place, starting with the May 30 premeditated attack on the caravan of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The attack, which left many dead, wounded and missing, was carried out by government-affiliated thugs. The Rangoon junta has yet to offer the international community a credible explanation of that day's events, and provide a full account of those injured and missing.

The continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues on the grounds of "safety and security" is unacceptable and inexplicable. Their inability to engage in simple peaceful political activities is a clear violation of their human rights. We call on the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to release
them and allow the National League for Democracy offices to reopen in order to implement a genuine plan for democratization in Burma.

We also call attention to the continued appalling human rights situation faced by the 50 million Burmese. Not only do they lack basic freedoms of speech, association, assembly, and travel, but they are also subject to a wide variety of abuses, perpetrated by their own government. This government maintains a pervasive security apparatus that intimidates and controls the people in an effort to promote "stability".

We must also draw special attention to those who live in the ethnic-minority areas. We have seen reports detailing abuses, including extra judicial killings, widespread forced relocation, forced labor, and rape by members of the military. These people live in fear for their freedom, their property, and their lives. Many have fled to neighboring countries to escape this persecution.

The international community has consistently called on the junta to release all political prisoners, end the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and restore democracy. These calls for change have fallen on deaf ears. The Burmese people remain oppressed, and the SPDC has not made real steps to improve the situation.

United Nations Special Envoy Razali Ismail has made tireless efforts on behalf of national reconciliation in Burma. We salute him and support his future attempts to foster dialogue. We place the blame for the lack of progress on the shortsightedness of the SPDC. Special Rapporteur Paulo Sergio Pinheiro had to curtail his last visit to Rangoon, when he learned that his confidential conversations were being taped. The junta has not cooperated with his efforts to return to the country in order to prepare his next report for the General Assembly.

In Secretary Powell's words, " By attacking Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters, the Burmese junta has finally and definitively rejected the efforts of the outside world to bring Burma back into the international community. Indeed, their refusal of the work of Ambassador Razali and of the rights of Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters could not be clearer. Our response must be equally clear if the thugs who now rule Burma are to understand that their failure to restore democracy will only bring more and more pressure against them and their supporters."

The junta can ignore the entreaties from the international community or it can begin real reforms. Whichever way it chooses, those in power should rest assured that change will indeed come to this country that has been so painfully savaged.

Thank you, Madam President.