October 19, 2024.
U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative, has reiterated his calls during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, focusing on the agenda item 85 – “The Scope and Application of the Right to a Fair Trial” under the Sixth Committee, amidst discussions on human rights.
U Kyaw Moe Tun emphasized that the individuals leading the judiciary and legal sectors under the military-appointed State Administration Council, including the Union Attorney General, are complicit in the military’s crimes. He noted that these individuals have facilitated amendments to laws that enable the military to commit severe human rights violations against civilians, utilizing such amended laws to wield weapons against the people.
He pointed out that the current situation in Myanmar demonstrates a clear inability of the domestic legal system to effectively prosecute those responsible for crimes, as there is a lack of accountability and responsibility within the military.
Consequently, U Kyaw Moe Tun urged the international community to refer the military junta to the International Criminal Court (ICC) through the UN Security Council, and to impose measures to halt global arms supplies, including support for military aircraft. He called upon relevant countries to implement international law and take actions to prosecute the crimes committed by members of the military junta.
In discussions with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Türk, U Kyaw Moe Tun reiterated the need for the Security Council to refer the current situation in Myanmar to the ICC, responding to the High Commissioner’s requests. He highlighted the severe hardships faced by the Myanmar people, stressing the urgent need for precise and effective actions from the UN and regional countries.
The citizens of Myanmar are living in an environment filled with fear and anxiety, enduring daily airstrikes, the burning and destruction of homes and villages, arbitrary arrests, brutal killings, and systematic torture. He stated that the military’s acts of cruelty represent war crimes and crimes against humanity, as outlined by independent investigations.
U Kyaw Moe Tun emphasized the necessity for the UN Security Council to respond to the urgent requests of the High Commissioner to refer the situation in Myanmar to the ICC, reiterating that there are currently no robust measures from the UN, particularly the Security Council, to protect the lives of the Myanmar people and prevent atrocities.
