HRC48 - NB8 statement - Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar

Human Rights Council – 48th session

Interactive Dialogue on report of Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar

Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries

13 September 2021

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Estonia, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.

We welcome the report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We reiterate our strong support for its mandate.

We commend the Mechanism for adapting to an environment disrupted by Covid-19.

The Mechanism’s preliminary analysis indicates that crimes against humanity have likely been committed since the Military coup in February. Today, the human rights situation continues to deteriorate. This is deeply concerning. We join the call of the Mechanism, the UN Secretary-General and the High Commissioner to respect human rights and end the violence in Myanmar.

There can be no lasting peace or meaningful enjoyment of human rights in a society without ensuring accountability. In this regard, the Myanmar armed forces must immediately halt the use of violence against civilians. Investigating sexual and gender-based crimes and crimes against children remains our priority.