Interactive Dialogue with Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar 

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America as Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor

Human Rights Council – 52nd Session

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you, Special Rapporteur Andrews, for your impassioned and thorough report. We support your reporting and your work to draw attention to the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar.

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the Myanmar military’s continued repression and violence against the people of Myanmar. To them I say: we see you, we hear you, and we have not forgotten you!

Human rights abuses committed by Myanmar’s security forces are appalling and show the depths to which the military will go to consolidate their control without regard for the welfare of the country.

It is imperative that the international community take strong action to support the people of Myanmar in their growing call for action, prevent further atrocities by the military, and advance a democratic Myanmar.

I could not agree more that we must also not forget about Rohingya refugees, who have suffered so much. The United States will contribute an additional $26 million in new humanitarian assistance for Rohingya, their host communities, and other people affected by violence in Myanmar.

The United States is deeply troubled by findings in a statement by several UN independent experts that military supporters in Myanmar are using social media to harass and incite violence against pro-democracy activists and human rights defenders, particularly women. We join their call for Telegram and other social media platforms to meet their responsibilities to identify, prevent, and mitigate human rights abuses.

The United States shares your concerns about the military’s plan to hold general elections in 2023. These plans must be seen for what they are: a farce that will not be free or fair. The international community must not view this election as an acceptable resolution to the crisis.

Mr. Special Rapporteur, what actions can we take to help prevent further atrocities by the military and promote accountability for human rights abuses?

I thank you.

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