Interactive Dialogue with OHCHR
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council – 47th Session
July 6, 2021
Read by Daniel Kronenfeld
Thank you, Madame High Commissioner, for your stark overview of the situation in Myanmar.
The United States shares your concerns about the escalation in violence and the growing humanitarian crisis unfolding across the country. We are particularly concerned by credible reporting of enforced disappearances, torture and sexual violence, arbitrary detention, and other egregious human rights violations and abuses committed by Myanmar’s security forces.
The military regime’s continued brutal violence against the people of Myanmar must immediately cease, and those responsible must be held to account.
The military regime’s targeting of journalists and information access restrictions are deeply troubling, particularly given the pressing need for the people of Myanmar to remain informed about ongoing threats, including from COVID-19.
We urge the military to cease the use of violence and unjust detention against journalists, human rights defenders, and advocates and to promptly remove restrictions on the media and Internet.
Question: What actions can we take to address the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar and improve access to information?