HRC43

Mr./Madame President,

Iceland thanks the Special Rapporteur for her latest report and takes this opportunity to thank her, as this is her final report, for her work during her mandate.

We share her overall sense of disappointment and regret over developments during the time she has held this important mandate, from the positive early years when there seemed to be a genuine push towards democracy in Myanmar to the situation the country finds itself in today, with accusations of international crimes having been committed, including against the Rohingya in Rakhine state.

We agree with the Special Rapporteur on the importance of accountability for possible genocide and crimes against humanity in Myanmar. We welcome the fact that the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar is now functioning but agree with her that more must be done to achieve justice and accountability for all victims in Myanmar who have suffered. We therefore welcome and support efforts to examine this case before the International Court of Justice, as well as at the International Criminal Court.

Ms. Lee, as you end your mandate, we would like to know whether you are optimistic that positive steps can realistically be taken in the near future and what you think are the key developments that need to take place for democracy and peace to flourish in Myanmar.

I thank you.