1st Meeting - 60th Session of Human Rights Council

Excellences, distinguished colleagues, I declare open the 60th regular session of the Human Rights Council. It is my honor to welcome Mr. Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is also my pleasure to wish a warm welcome to the seven delegates who are participating at this meeting thanks to the generous support of donors to the Voluntary Assistance Trust Fund for the participation of delegates from least developed countries and small island developing states, so they can work with the Council. These delegates come from Benin, Burundi, Ethiopia, Malawi, the Maldives, the Marshall Islands and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Their presence and their commitment will enrich our debates and they strengthen the universal and inclusive nature of the Council. Distinguished colleagues, allow me to touch on a few organizational and procedural matters. During the organization meeting on 25 August, we discussed the draft programme of work of the 60th session, available on the website of the Council and on the extranet. This programme of work is a living document based on estimations of the time that dialogues might take. I would encourage you to regularly consult the website and the SCAD application to learn about the latest updates. This session shall take place over four and a half weeks. We have a very busy agenda for the session, as I'd like to thank you in a advance for your cooperation and for your desire to respect the allocated meeting time so that we can conclude the program of work in due time. I would remind you that after the organization meeting of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council held on the 2nd of June 2025, as part of the time-saving measures, it was decided as follows: During general debates, For the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, speaking time will be reduced to one minute 30 seconds for all. The length of interactive dialogues and enhanced interactive dialogues will be limited to one hour and 30 minutes, that is, 15 minutes for mandate holders, one hour for States, and 15 minutes for NGOs. I would suggest now that the Council approve the draft programme of work, given that it is a living document. Would any members of the Council like to make any comments on this proposal? I do not see any request for the floor. I see no objection. This decision is then approved. Thank you. Distinguished colleagues, The system online to sign up for speakers list for all interactive dialogues and debates opened on 2 September at 4 p.m. and shall close two hours before the session in which each debate is planned. Once online registration is closed, delegations can still sign up or withdraw from the speakers list through sending an email or by going to the office for the list of speakers. And the list of speakers will be closed some 15 minutes after the start of each debate. The online registration system for the list of speakers for the adoption of the UPR results will be opened on Monday, 15th of September at 9:00 AM until Thursday, 18th of September at 6:00 PM. No registration will be possible after this deadline. For national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations, registration for all debates was opened on Tuesday, 2 September at 2:00 p.m. I'd like to ask all participants to upload their Word version of their oral statement via the online speakers list system. If that is not possible, please send them by email to the conference services and the Human Rights Council Secretariat. Your Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I would like to recall that the deadline to submit draft resolutions for the 60th session is Thursday, 25th of September at 1:00 PM, 1300 hours. And the deadline for revisions and written amendments will be Wednesday, the 1st of October at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, respectively. Submitting a proposal after this deadline will require the prior approval of the Council before it is registered by the Secretariat. An extension of the deadline to submit draft proposals can only be granted by the Council in exceptional circumstances and for a maximum time limit of 24 hours. I would encourage authors and sponsors to submit their draft proposals as soon as possible. I'd also like to underscore that in line with resolution 5/1, delegations are invited to conduct informal consultations in order to garner the broader support for their initiatives. At least one informal consultation should be organized for each draft resolution and/or decision before the Council examines it for decision. To ensure the effective participation of all stakeholders in the work of the Human Rights Council, I will encourage the main authors and sponsors of draft proposals to share their draft texts with civil society organizations and other observers who follow the informal consultations. Your Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, the proper conduct of sessions of the Council and achievement of our mandate are based on the constructive atmosphere which is safe and atmosphere of mutual respect. It is essential that delegates, representatives of civil society, members of the Secretariat and mandate holders of the Council be able to exercise their functions without being the subject of personal attacks, intimidation or undue pressure. In this context, I wish to recall my statement of 10 July 2025, in which I expressed my profound concern and immense regret, given the personal attacks and sanctions imposed against some Human Rights Council mandate holders in the exercise of their functions. Such practices are not compatible with the spirit of dialogue and cooperation which should guide our work. and they demonstrate the considerable difficulties that these experts are sometimes confronted with whilst they are rigorously and in a devoted manner fulfilling their mandate, often in highly complex and sensitive circumstances. Mandate holders are an essential instrument of the Council to promote and protect all human rights throughout the world. This is why I call upon all Member States to fully cooperate with mandate holders and to abstain from any act of intimidation, reprisals or coercive measures which may impede their work. As President of the Council, I wish to reaffirm my robust support for mandate holders and encourage all stakeholders to maintain their integrity, which is a guarantor of their effective work, the credibility and the legitimacy of our collective action. Also, the active participation of representatives of civil society and national human rights institutions is a fundamental pillar of the work of the Human Rights Council. In my capacity as President of this Council, I commit myself to following up with great attention and diligently any allegation of reprisals or acts of intimidation targeting individuals or groups who have cooperated with the Council and its mechanisms. I formally call upon each of us to take all necessary measures to prevent and refrain from such acts, and, if need be, to make sure that these be rapidly, rigorously and appropriately dealt with. Allow me also to underscore that the United Nations, including the Human Rights Council, apply a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, including sexual harassment. The Director General of UNOG has committed herself to implementing a code of conduct to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, in United Nations system events. Her Excellency, Ms. Myra McDonald-Alvarez, is our focal point for gender issues within the Council, in particular for any cases of sexual harassment in the Council. I also wish to recall that you can flag any incident of harassment to the gender focal point at the Human Rights Council, either in person or through the online form, which also allows you to flag the issue anonymously. All relevant information is available on the Human Rights Council webpage. Please rest assured that each and every complaint would be followed up diligently and dealt with appropriately. Then I'd like to recall that His Excellency Mr. Razvan Vasu, Vice President of the Council, presides over the Working Group on Accessibility. A focal point for accessibility also exists within the Secretariat. Any particular requirements with regard to accessibility can be communicated to the Secretariat through the Indico platform when registering for the 60th session. Delegations are asked to upload their oral statements in Word format so that they can be accessible to persons with disabilities. Statements in PDF or other formats which are not accessible will not be published on the extranet. And finally, I invite delegations, which intend to include provisions on accessibility during meetings. To do so when they draft the relevant resolutions, this is the only way to guarantee captioning and sign language interpretation. I will stop there on organizational matters. Your Excellency, distinguished colleagues, I declare open agenda item 2 of our agenda, entitled "Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General". This agenda item will be open throughout the whole of the session. It is now my pleasure to give the floor to the High Commissioner for Human Rights for him to present his annual report. High Commissioner, you have the floor.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, human rights, all human rights, are the solid foundations of flourishing societies. They are the bonds of trust between people and their governments. They are a beacon of hope in the search for a better world that rejects violent conflict, brutality, and injustice. They help overcome trauma and division, and are the antidote to exceptionalism, supremacy, and contempt for the other. Human rights provide a compass to steer us through challenges of our time, from the climate crisis to technological developments. And yet, disturbing trends that undercut our rights are gaining ground across the world. Pro-war propaganda is everywhere, from military parades to ramped-up rhetoric. Sadly, there are no peace parades or ministries of peace. The glorification of violence is coupled with a troubling erosion of international law. This law is the foundation of peace, our global order, and our daily lives, from trade rules to the global internet to our fundamental rights. But several governments are disregarding, disrespecting, and disengaging from it. When states ignore violations of the law, they become normalized. And when states apply the law inconsistently, they undermine the legal order everywhere. It is time for states to wake up and to act. Around the world, the long-established rules of war are being shredded. with virtually no accountability. Russia's war in Ukraine has turned even more deadly. In July, more civilians were killed and injured than in any month since May 2022, as the Russian Federation intensified attacks along the front line and on cities across the country. Recent weeks have witnessed some of the most massive airstrikes since the war began, with countrywide drone and missile saturation attacks resuming and intensifying. Deliberate attacks on civilian energy systems and other infrastructure that is essential to civilian life are grave violations of international law. Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians who are arbitrarily detained are subjected to widespread and systematic torture and ill treatment. In areas under occupation, the Russian Federation is imposing its own legal and governance systems, preventing Ukrainians from freely expressing their opinions and restricting their movement. My staff on the ground are working to document these violations, together with those committed by Ukraine. Negotiations to stop the fighting need to focus on immediate steps to protect civilians, and safeguard the rights of people in occupied territory, as well as end torture and ill-treatment. Lasting peace can only come with full respect for international law. In Sudan, both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces continue to show an utter disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law. Thousands of civilians have been killed this year, and hostilities are intensifying in Darfur and Kordofan. Both sides target health facilities, markets, and water plants. The scale of the suffering of the Sudanese people across this vast country is unfathomable, demanding the full attention of the world. After more than a year under RSF siege, the situation in Al-Fasher is catastrophic. People are struggling to find food, water, and medical supplies under constant bombardments. Sexual violence is widespread, predominantly against displaced women and girls. There are no safe routes out of the city, and I have repeatedly raised the risk of further atrocities and ethnically motivated violence. We urgently need decisive action to prevent further atrocity crimes. All countries need to respect the Security Council's arms embargo, pressure the parties to protect civilians, ensure full humanitarian access, and urgently resume dialogue on a ceasefire, on an end to the conflict, and return to civilian rule. The people of Myanmar are caught up in a harrowing human rights calamity four years since the coup. The military targets civilians in their homes, villages, schools and camps with aerial attacks and bombardments. Arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual violence and forced recruitment. In Rakhine State, the Arakan Army is subjecting people to many of the same crimes. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there is damning evidence of continued grave violations and abuses by all parties to the conflict. and I will provide full updates on Myanmar and the DRC today and tomorrow. Excellencies, Israel's mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, its infliction of indescribable suffering and wholesale destruction, its hindering of sufficient life-saving aid and the ensuing starvation of civilians, its killing of journalists, UN staff and NGO workers, and its commission of war crime upon war crime are shocking the conscience of the world. I am horrified by the open use of genocidal rhetoric and the disgraceful dehumanization of Palestinians by senior Israeli officials. The region is crying out for peace. Gaza is a graveyard. Israel remains in deep trauma after the horrific attacks by Hamas and other armed groups on 7 October. and the continued holding of hostages. Further militarization, occupation, annexation, and oppression will only feed more violence, retribution, and terror. Israel has a legal obligation to take the steps ordered by the International Court of Justice to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide, and ensure enough aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza. My office's monitoring and reporting are an important contribution to future accountability. Israel has a case to answer before the International Court of Justice, and the evidence continues to mount. But we need action now to end the carnage. The international community is failing its duty. We are failing the people of Gaza. Where are the decisive steps to prevent genocide? Why are countries not doing more to avert atrocity crimes? Inaction is not an option. They must stop the flow to Israel of arms that risk violating the laws of war. They must apply maximum pressure for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and those arbitrarily detained, as well as the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza through all the means at their disposal. They must take decisive action to oppose Israel's planned military takeover of Gaza and its accelerating annexation of the occupied West Bank. I also urge their backing for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Excellencies, the retreat by some states from multilateral frameworks, institution, and international agreements is another troubling trend. I am profoundly disturbed by the arrest warrants issued by the Russian Federation and sanctions imposed by the United States on judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court. The US sanctions against the Special Rapporteur appointed by this Council need to be reversed. The illegal detention of our staff in Yemen is a direct attack on the UN system. They must be released immediately and unconditionally. The decisions by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to leave the Ottawa Treaty on landmines weakens its protection for everyone. The United States withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and from global bodies, including this Council, and the universal periodic review process is deeply regrettable. I'm also concerned by the new trend of disparaging the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development agreed by all countries 10 years ago. Some states are also reducing their regional engagement. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have left the Economic Community of West African States. Venezuela has declared its intention to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Russian Federation has left the European Convention on Human Rights. Gradually, the web of global and regional cooperation, carefully crafted over decades for the common good, is being weakened. Some states are becoming the extension of their rulers' personal power. Global and regional frameworks are far from perfect, but states need to strengthen and reform them, not unravel them. We cannot return to the outdated thinking and approaches that led to two world wars and the Holocaust.

President, crises are dragging on and international law is eroding, and progress in human rights is stagnating or even worse. The transition in Syria remains fragile. I am profoundly concerned at the recent reemergence of violence in Sweida and the reports of serious human rights abuses and the persistent sectarian divides. I urge the government to give priority to the protection of all communities and to pursue its efforts to establish responsibility for violations and abuses, both past and current. Our staff in Damascus is ready to support this. Haiti has become entrenched in chaos with the endemic gang violence. I will give you more detail later on in this session. In Nigeria, violence has greatly increased. The clashes between communities have been aggravated by the massacres and the massive displacements caused by Boko Haram and other armed groupings. I am concerned as to persistent allegations of grave violations committed by the security forces in the context of anti-terrorist operations, despite the government's promises to guarantee their responsibility. Despite the global trend towards abolishing the death penalty, there is an alarming increase in executions in some states. In Iran, more than 840 persons are said to have been executed since the start of this year. That is more than double the number recorded in the same period last year. Saudi Arabia has executed at least 260 persons this year. In China, there are no verifiable figures as to executions, and I continue to call for transparency and reform, including a moratorium and abolition. At the same time, some states are completely turning their backs on international human rights law or cherry-pick amongst human rights law as if this were an a la carte menu. Our last report on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea clearly demonstrates that the whole of the population is subject to brutal repression and is living in fear. I shall talk to you about this in more detail later on in the session. In the Sahel, in Burkina Faso, in Mali and in Niger, the military authorities are suppressing the civic space and are carrying out arbitrary arrests, detentions, forced recruitment and censorship of dissident voices in the context of a highly militarized reaction to armed extremism. The NGOs have been suspended, political parties banned, and draconian laws have been introduced to restrict media freedom in Mali. The indefinite renewal of presidential mandates and the suspension of elections violate the rights of each and every citizen to participate in public life. In Iran, the authorities are said to have apprehended hundreds of individuals, including representatives of minorities, on the basis of vague accusations of collaboration or spying. Throughout the world, from China to Turkey to Venezuela, the civic space is shrinking. Dissidents is reduced to silence and peaceful demonstrations are being suppressed. A significant case is that of the special regional administration in Hong Kong, where extended powers for national security are used against civil society and human rights defenders, which have greatly reduced the vitality of a open and free public space. The authorities have used excessive force against demonstrators in Indonesia, in Kenya, in Togo and elsewhere. The freedom of the media is backsliding and human rights defenders are criminalised from Egypt to the Russian Federation. The report on the rule of law of 2025 at the European Commission notes that civic space is being reduced in several member states of the European Union. Some are restricting peaceful demonstrations, and others are imposing restrictions which restrict the work of NGOs. Recently adopted laws in Ecuador could reduce responsibility of law enforcement bodies, extend the powers of the secret services, and restrict the civic space. Attacks against the Constitutional Court are unacceptable. The amnesty law adopted last month in Peru is backsliding for justice and truth. Brutal responses will only provoke more tension and violence.

Human rights law protects all, including the most vulnerable. Yet, attacks on minorities of all kinds are growing. as states roll back commitments to tackle and prevent discrimination. Excessive use of force and deaths of people of African descent at the hands of law enforcement persist in many states, often rooted in systemic racism. Indigenous peoples continue to be denied their rights to land and to free, prior and informed consent in mining and other commercial projects. Violations against Roma are widespread in several European countries and beyond, including police violence, hate speech, and systemic exclusion in health, education, and housing. Representation of Roma in the European Parliament has shrunk to zero. In China, the progress we have sought for the protection of the rights of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, as well as Tibetans in their regions, has yet to materialize. This is a priority for my office's engagement. Restrictions of the rights of LGBTQ+ people are growing in West Africa, where some countries have adopted or are considering laws that criminalize consensual same-sex relations. In the United Kingdom, people with disabilities will be disproportionately affected by planned cuts to health benefits. In Argentina, austerity measures are having the greatest impact on people with disabilities and older people. Several countries around the world are cutting crucial programs that protect women's rights, including support for survivors of violence and access to sexual and reproductive health care. Maternal mortality is a leading killer of the most marginalized women and girls. This is a tragedy because it is largely preventable. Afghanistan, where women's access to health care, among many other human rights, is severely restricted, has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Four years after the return of the Taliban, the erasure of women and girls from public life is almost complete. Policies and practices that violate the rights of migrants and refugees are becoming normalized in some countries. Pakistan and Iran have forcibly returned millions of Afghans to their country, and India has also deported groups of Rohingya Muslims by land and sea. I'm also concerned about recent measures taken by Germany, Greece, Hungary, and other European countries to limit the right to seek asylum. The United States has reportedly reached agreement with several governments, including El Salvador, South Sudan, Eswatini, and Rwanda, on deporting third-country nationals to places other than their homeland, raising concerns about compliance with international law. Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of thousands of people in recent years, leaving many stateless. In Cambodia, changes to the constitution and nationality law allow the authorities to remove citizenship in cases of treason, creating further ways for them to target their critics. In a positive development, North Macedonia has resolved all known cases of statelessness since the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, the first country in the region to do so. Excellencies, our human rights mechanisms, including this Council, are a force field that protects people against unrestrained power. They warn us of potential harm to come, and we need to heed those warnings. Hate speech is a sign of rising tensions that can lead to violence. Around the world, we witness growing anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, racism, and large-scale disinformation campaigns. In Chad, Nigeria, and other countries in the region, conflicts between herders and farmers are aggravated by hateful narratives, escalating to deadly clashes. From South Sudan to Syria, Hate speech compounds tensions and widens divisions. The lies and nihilism that fragment societies online translate into real attacks on real people. In Cambodia and Thailand, for example, social media vitriol has been a factor in today's tensions. In Spain, online media were weaponized to instigate physical violence against migrants. In Serbia, online hate speech often goes unpunished. Civic space is rapidly shrinking, with dissent stigmatized, protesters and independent journalists targeted, and the use of excessive force by the police. I reiterate my call for restraint, dialogue, and accountability. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, deliberately divisive narratives and historical revisionism continue to undermine peace and reconciliation. In the context of decades of dehumanization of the other, I welcome the recent initialing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is an important step towards upholding and advancing human rights, reconciliation, healing, and lasting peace. We are ready to support both countries in this process. Freedom of expression is fundamental, but it does not protect those who use speech to spur violence and hatred. A growing number of leaders are now instrumentalizing freedom of expression to cover their own speech while silencing those who disagree. This must be called out each and every time. My office engages with national authorities, leaders, and media to develop strategies to define and counter incitement to hatred. Elections are a litmus test for governments' commitment to freedom of expression and assembly and the rule of law. Here, too, our human rights monitoring raises the alarm and helps to prevent violations. My office has been following preparations for upcoming elections in Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. I'm deeply troubled that in many of these countries, The authorities are resorting to harassment, exclusion or detention of opposition leaders, restrictions on media freedom, bans on peaceful protest, and crackdowns on human rights defenders. Such actions, coupled with disinformation campaigns and hate speech, could feed tensions, polarization, and violence. I urge the authorities in these countries to reverse course immediately. Ahead of next year's election in Ethiopia, I am concerned about arbitrary detention of journalists and recent laws that may restrict freedom of association and expression. Against a backdrop of conflict in several regions, the Ethiopian authorities need to ensure conditions for fair, free, and inclusive elections. I welcome the agreement for my office to establish a new presence in Bangladesh to support the transition process there. Excellencies, Peace and security depend on full respect for human rights everywhere. When the Security Council, the General Assembly, this Council, or other intergovernmental institutions discuss the human rights situation in a particular country, it is because this concerns us all in every country. The United Nations Charter gave birth to a new geopolitical era by enshrining the sovereign equality of states. National sovereignty is the foundation of multilateral institutions and international law. When states sign international agreements, they are exercising their national sovereignty, not limiting it. And with that sovereignty comes responsibility. Sovereignty does not mean ownership of people. All governments have a duty to treat all their people, including their political opponents, fairly, to protect them from harm, and to respect their fundamental human rights. When they abandon that responsibility, it affects us all. Multilateral conventions and agreements have won incredible support over the past eight decades and continue to do so today. As sovereign states sign up to them, they guarantee greater freedom and protection for their people. Bhutan, Cameroon, Eritrea, and Lebanon recently ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Dominica ratified the Convention against Torture, and Bangladesh ratified its optional protocol. Malaysia and Vietnam have abolished the use of the death penalty for certain crimes. And I'm pleased to report that some member states are increasing their engagement with special rapporteurs and treaty bodies. Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Guatemala, Iceland, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Suriname, and Zambia recently accepted visits by special procedures mandate holders after more than five years. Libya recently accepted the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes committed between 2011 and 2027. These are not empty gestures; they are tangible acts of leadership and responsibility. They confirm that the international system benefits states and their people in concrete and specific ways. When sovereign states fail to uphold perpetrators of the gravest crimes to account, it is important that others are able to step in through the principle of universal jurisdiction exercised in accordance with international law. For example, in Germany, a Syrian colonel of the former regime was sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity that took place in Syria, and a court in the Netherlands convicted a corporate executive for complicity in war crimes in Guinea and Liberia. and a federal court in the United States convicted a Gambian national on charges of torture. Within sovereign states, stakeholders beyond the government can also step up for human rights, and they're encouraged by the growing number of cities and regions that are integrating human rights into urban governance. Cities have long been cradles of diversity and freedom, values that test authoritarian rule. Our recent guidelines set out exactly what cities and regions can do to protect their people and their rights. National human rights institutions are another important defense against discrimination, abuse, and the erosion of the rule of law. For example, the NHRI in South Africa is taking legal action to address hate speech. The NHRI in the Philippines has highlighted the impact of fossil fuels on the human rights of marginalized groups. Support for the independence and effectiveness of these national institutions is crucial. Civil society and social movements often drive transformational change, from anti-racism and feminism to climate activism. They are natural partners of my office, and we intend to work more closely together in the future. Philanthropists are key partners to help achieve positive change on the ground. I encourage them to collaborate and amplify their influence. The human rights and humanitarian communities find common ground in protecting civilians from the impact of conflict and crisis, and we must do more to strengthen this essential partnership. Mr. President, education in human rights is one of the most important tools and investments we have to promote freedom, avoid discrimination, Human rights education is one of the most important tools.

And investments that we have to promote the future of our young people. I am delighted at the commitment and progress of some member states, from Guyana through to Mongolia, the Middle East and South Africa, with supporting efforts to develop human rights study plans, to raise up the voices of young people, and to promote civic participation. But we must do much more. Each and every boy and girl, whether in the future they work in agriculture, the digital sphere, medicine or in trade, must know that human rights are our right from birth and that they affect and concern us one and all. I call on all Member States to take measures and next year to share at the 63rd session of the Council their strategy to ensure that the population are learning about human rights throughout their whole lives.

Mr. President, as my update shows, there are coordinated efforts to undermine human rights and the rule of law around the world. When states cut ties with the system or try to weaken it, when they isolate themselves, everybody loses. In response, we need a cross-regional movement to defend the international system. That is the only viable path to reach collective solutions to the existential threats we face today. Therefore, I hope to work with you on a new initiative through an alliance of member states, philanthropists, civil society, and others to strengthen the human rights ecosystem and join the dots between abuses and violations and crisis prevention. This will contribute to achieving the goal of the Secretary-General 's UN80 initiative to improve coordination and to deliver better for the people we serve. We are working to convene this alliance on several fronts. First, We will enhance our engagement with all governments, even in the face of fierce disagreement, encouraging frank exchanges and keeping dialogue open. What gives me hope is that the vast majority of people around the world are crying out for human rights and freedoms. Second, we will reinforce the value of human rights to every citizen and every government through positive narratives and creative outreach. Third, We will harness innovation for human rights, including AI, by strengthening our partnerships with tech companies, academics, civil society, and more. Fourth, we will develop and grow support for the human rights economy together with our partners. And fifth, with your support, we will bolster sustainable funding for human rights work by identifying new avenues and models. Because history has shown time and again that no one is safe when human rights are under attack. Abuses committed against one groups are always part of a broader pattern of oppression and lead to the wider erosion of fundamental freedoms. Human rights are meant to challenge our assumptions, to identify the blind spots, and encourage self-critical reflection because no one is perfect. Our human rights mechanisms are one of the only parts of the multilateral system that has teeth. I encourage you to use them. Engaging with my office and the human rights system as a whole is valuable, not for engagement's sake, but to achieve tangible progress for people everywhere. Together, we must refuse to back down in the face of discrimination, distortion, and lies. Together, we need to safeguard 80 years of progress on freedom, equality, and justice. Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed, High Commissioner. We will now take a brief break before undertaking the enhanced interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Myanmar. Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we will now undertake the enhanced interactive dialogue on the human rights situation of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Thank you. It is my honor to welcome Mr. Volker Turk, Human Rights High Commissioner, who will deliver the opening statement. Allow me also to welcome our distinguished speakers. Mr. Nicola Kumjian, the head of the Independent Inquiry Mechanism for Myanmar. Thank you for being here with us. We have Moon Nai Lee, human rights defender in Myanmar, with a video message. Lucky Karim. Executive Director of Femmes Refugies pour la Paix et la Justice. And we have Zaw Oo, who is a human rights defender in Myanmar. Welcome. The list of speakers will be closed in 15 minutes. Colleagues, if I may, can I ask you to take your seats, please, as we need to continue our meeting and we would ask you to continue your Important discussions outside of this wonderful room, if you would, please. A little bit of quiet would be welcome. Thank you. I now give the floor to the High Commissioner, Mr. Volker Todd. You have the floor.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished participants, the human rights situation in Myanmar is plumbing new depths, with civilians throughout the country suffering the cruelest toll. Since the coup, more than 7,000 civilians have been killed by the military, and some 30,000 people have been arrested on political grounds. In August alone, a reported 277 civilians were killed across the country. After resuming ground operations, the military is once again burning villages at alarming rates and abducting and forcibly recruiting civilians. In one of many documented incidents that reveal an utter disregard for civilian lives in March, the military attacked a market in Let Pan Ha village in Mandalay. According to witnesses, a jet fighter circled the area, diving and climbing several times before dropping two 500-pound bombs on the crowded market, killing at least 27 civilians. While their activities are far smaller in scale and intensity, anti-military armed groups have also killed people perceived to be affiliated with the military, used landmines and forcibly recruited civilians. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Military blockades have driven food prices up to record levels. The cost of an average diet rose by 30% compared to last year, while household incomes have plummeted. Nearly a third of the country's population, some 15.2 million people, are facing acute food insecurity this year. That represents an increase of almost 2 million people in a year. Some 350,000 people have been displaced in Rakhine and Chin states since November 2023, and some 150,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh seeking safety. Reported figures of 3.3 million displaced since the coup are likely an underestimation. Excellencies, the decades-long persecution of the Muslim Rohingya minority in Rakhine State has escalated. Over the past 14 months, fighting in Rakhine has reached a fever pitch as the Arakan Army and other armed groups have joined the campaign of cruelty against civilians. Eight years after the Myanmar military killed tens of thousands of Rohingya, inflicted widespread sexual violence, and triggered an exodus of 700,000 people to Bangladesh, the Arakan Army has taken control of nearly all of Rakhine State. It has killed, abducted, tortured, arbitrarily detained, and forcibly recruited Rohingya and burned homes and villages. In one awful example, on 5 and 6 August 2024, drones and artillery strikes killed hundreds of Rohingya civilians who had gathered along the Naf River bank or were already on boats trying to flee to Bangladesh. Survivors attributed these strikes to the Arakan Army. As the Myanmar military has lost ground, it has increasingly used aerial attacks against civilians across Rakhine and committed grave violations of human rights, including killing civilians, destroying property, arbitrarily arresting and torturing people, and forcibly recruiting them into ranks. Rohingya armed groups are also committing abuses against civilians, including killings, forced recruitment, and displacement. Some of the videos and images in northern Rakhine from the second-half of 2024 are reminiscent of 2017. While there are no comprehensive verified figures during the reporting period, thousands of civilians are alleged to have been killed, with tens of thousands more fleeing violence. Violations and abuses by both the Arakan Army and the military have gone unpunished. Rohingya reportedly left their homes ahead of clashes or because of targeted violence by the Arakan Army, whose fighters had threatened or attacked those who refused to leave. Rohingya have also reported growing restrictions and surveillance of their communities, including internet shutdowns and seizure of mobile phones. These have hampered our ability to document fully all violations. Other minority communities, including ethnic Rakhine, are also suffering under airstrikes and artillery barrages, resulting in untold numbers of killings and mass displacement. Military blockades have severely restricted humanitarian access. Hunger and malnutrition are at an all-time high, with 57% of families unable to meet basic food needs. Amid growing violations and violence, the military is now seeking legitimacy by organizing military-controlled elections. The people of Myanmar demand justice, peace, and democratic, civilian-run institutions, as my report in June highlighted. Conditions do not exist for free and representative elections. I echo ASEAN's view that de-escalation and humanitarian access are the way out of this crisis, not elections. The military must implement Security Council Resolution 2669, which demands an immediate end to all forms of violence urges the release of arbitrarily detained prisoners and calls for constructive dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for human rights. All parties need to allow humanitarian relief to civilians in need and to lift all restrictions. Parties in Rakhine must respect in full the provisional measures imposed by the International Court of Justice to protect Rohingya lives. Excellencies, for more than four years now, my office has reported horrible violations to this Council. We have issued recommendations for action to stop the wanton violence and rampant impunity, as have other human rights mechanisms. You, the international community, have all the information you need to act. I repeat my call for the Security Council to refer the full situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court. I'm encouraged by the actions taken by the International Criminal Court, including the prosecutor's application for an arrest warrant against the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military, Min Aung Hlaing, for alleged crimes against humanity, as well as the prosecutor's indication that more such applications would follow. I also welcome the imposition by several countries and one regional organization of targeted sanctions against individuals and companies in Myanmar. but much more is clearly needed. States need urgently to stop the flow of arms into Myanmar, including jet fuel and dual-use goods, and to resume peace-building efforts. Finally, I once again urge all governments to do everything possible to protect people fleeing the conflict in Myanmar, including by search and rescue operations at sea, and to refrain from refoulements, including pushbacks. I encourage them to create safe and dignified pathways for international refugee protection and resettlement, particularly for the Rohingya. The high-level conference on the Rohingya at the General Assembly later this month is an opportunity for the international community to back its words of support with concrete action. We must hear and heed the voices from Myanmar calling for peace, and for democratic, civilian-run institutions. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Mr. Nicolas Kumjian for his presentation of the floor.

Merci, Mr. President, Excellencies. It is an honor to present to this Council the 7th annual report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. At the risk of repeating what I have said each year since the 2021 military coup, Serious international crimes are being committed in Myanmar ever more frequently, and the suffering of Myanmar's people continues to worsen. The Mechanism has gathered evidence of the military arresting thousands of perceived political opponents without fundamental due process, and systematically torturing detainees by inflicting beatings, gang rape, and other forms of sexual violence. The military is increasingly relying on aerial attacks to target opposition forces and civilian populations which oppose military rule. We have intensified our investigations into airstrikes that hit hospitals, homes, places of worship, IDP camps, and schools where there's no apparent military target in the vicinity. We are gathering evidence of the chain of command of the Myanmar Air Force to help establish who gave the orders for these attacks. In Rakhine State, we are investigating recent reports of aerial bombings of civilians by planes and drones, torture and rape, killings, the use of civilians as human shields, and obstruction of humanitarian aid to a population threatened with starvation. Rohingya remaining inside Rakhine are often victims. About 150,000 Rohingya have been newly displaced to Bangladesh. But all ethnic communities in Rakhine State are suffering. We are investigating allegations of very serious crimes allegedly committed by both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. We have evidence of instances where both the Myanmar military and various opposition forces around the country have summarily executed captured combatants or civilians accused of being informers. This includes, in some instances, solid evidence of the identity of the perpetrators. Allow me to make it clear so that everyone, but particularly commanders of all factions in Myanmar, hear my message. The laws of war protect civilians and captured fighters. Civilians must not be targeted, and captured fighters must not be tortured or executed. Whenever we receive reports of such crimes, regardless of the politics or ethnicity of the perpetrators or the victims, we will gather the evidence so that one day the perpetrators and commanders who failed in their duty to prevent and punish such crimes will be held to account. Mr. President, the Mechanism has collected and analyzed evidence from more than 1,300 sources, including more than 600 eyewitnesses. We are grateful for the information that individuals and civil society organizations provide to us, often at great risk. We use this evidence to facilitate criminal prosecutions in national or international courts. We have shared vast amounts of evidence and analysis for proceedings at the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and with the Federal Prosecutor's Office in Argentina concerning crimes against the Rohingya. We are also responding to specific requests for information from authorities in the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions, often concerning post-coup violence. ASEAN, in its five-point consensus, and this Council, have called for an end to the violence in Myanmar. But each year, the violence grows worse. If crimes remain ignored and unpunished, perpetrators will be emboldened to commit further atrocities. To break this cycle of impunity, we must have sustained political will. The Mechanism stands ready to support relevant national and international jurisdictions that are willing and able to prosecute these crimes and bring an end to the suffering of the Myanmar people. Thank you.

Thank you very much. And now, I give the floor to Moon Nai Li for a video message.

Mr. President, distinguished members of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioners, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the Women League of Burma, an umbrella organization of Twa's women rights group, representing diverse ethnic community across Myanmar. We deeply value the Council with its role in defending human rights worldwide and welcome these opportunities to share our perspective in these critical dialogues. Since the military coup in 2021, civilians across Myanmar have been subjected to relentless violence, airstrikes, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killing, and systematic sexual violence. The country has been plunged into political, economic, and humanitarian turmoil, with more than 3 million people displaced. Women and girls, in particular, continue to bear the brunt of this violence. Cases of sexual violence have sharply increased, with the hunter as the main perpetrators. WMB and its members' organization have consistently documented this atrocity, crimes that constitute war crimes, crimes against humanities, and acts of genocide. Today, we have gathered more than 1,058 cases supported by testimonies, photographs, videos, documents, and maps. One of the most brutal incidents was the rapes and murders of two Kachin teacher in Gaungker village, Northern Chin State, in January 2015. They were sexually assaulted and killed by Myanmar military soldiers who then tampered with evidence to obstruct justice. This case reflects the wider systematic use of sexual violence by the military as a weapon of war and repression. Under the international law, Such crimes may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, falling under the jurisdictions of the International Criminal Court. Their systematic targeting of ethnic communities also equals the atrocity crimes currently under examination at the International Court of Justice. Mr. President, decades of impunity have emboldened the military. Without justice, there can be no peace or democracy in Myanmar. Survivors deserve truth, reparations, and accountability. We ask the international community to act with urgency. Silence and inaction only emboldens the hunters. The United Nations, member states, and international courts must uphold their obligations to ensure these crimes are recognized as violations of international law and that perpetrators are brought to justice. We therefore call on the Human Rights Council to, one, condemn the Burmese military hunters for killing civilians and executing human rights defenders in the strongest terms and take effective action to stop further executions and atrocities. Second, institute a comprehensive global arms embargo with robust monitorings and enforcement mechanisms. to end the direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of all weapons and other equipment that may be used for trainings, intelligence, and military assistance; third, enact targeted sanctions against the Burmese militaries and proxies to effectively cut off their financial flow; Finally, reverse the situation on human rights in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court for their crimes against humanities, which have been perpetrated against innocent civilians, including peaceful protest and ethnic group. Justice delay is justice denied. For the people of Myanmar, justice cannot wait. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Lucky Karim. for the presentation.

Mr. President, last month, the 25th of August, 2025, marks the eighth anniversary of the Rohingya genocide that forced more than a million people, including myself and my family, to flee home. Genocide is a process. It did not end when we fled home, and it continues to happen to my community. The recent conflict between the Arakan Army and the military, especially since the 4th of August, 2024, for tens of thousands of Rohingya people to flee home and rejoin their existing families in Cox's Bazar. Therefore, nearly 1.3 million people are languishing in the world's largest refugee camp today, more than half of whom are women and children. They all depend on the humanitarian aid and the food rations that come from the World Food Program, WFP, once a month. In the past few years, the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has grown worse. People are starving, people have no security at all. Meanwhile, in the camps in Bangladesh, people have very limited access to education and livelihood opportunities. Over the past year and a half, we have seen increased numbers of refugees, especially women and children, risking themselves on tiny boats on the seas for weeks to flee to neighboring countries, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, expecting a better life. Most of them die in the sea, and others are arrested on the Myanmar border and are put in jail on a passport case for five years or longer. Only a small number managed to arrive at their destination, where they are not recognized or welcomed as refugees. 2017 is not the first time Rohingya became refugees in our neighboring country, Bangladesh. Rohingya were forced to flee many times from the '90s and even earlier. Thousands of refugees in Kutupalong, who are called the registered refugees, have lived there for generations. Over decades, each time we were sent back to Myanmar, and as we began to settle in and rebuild our lives, We were over and over again forced to flee our homes, back to Bangladesh. This time we want a permanent solution so the Rohingya refugees don't have to keep going back and forth. Ultimately, the solution for our community should be found within Myanmar and within Rakhine State. As an intermediate steps towards this goal, the internally displaced people, IDPs, must be able to return to their homes safely without any restrictions or conditions. The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar must be addressed. Aid must be delivered in Rakhine State, Myanmar, for the remaining members of the Rohingya community and other minorities to improve their condition and situation. The refugees in Cox's Bazar must get education following the Burmese curriculum, must have security and protections, and must receive sufficient aid funding to survive while they're in the camps. An accountability mechanism for acts of discrimination against the Rohingya community must be instated in Myanmar. Our ultimate goal is to return back to our country one day, to find a sustainable solution, a dignified, voluntary, and safe repatriation to our homes. Rakhine State has never and will never exist without Rohingya and other minorities. As we think through the long-term solutions, it is crucial for the government to ensure the meaningful and safe participation of Rohingya community members in any political dialogue and talks with the Myanmar authorities. I call on the international community to pay the much-needed attention to our Rohingya community. And I call on donor countries to commit resources to meet the Rohingya community's urgent needs. It is a collective responsibility for us to protect the Rohingya community from further genocide and injustice. I hope the member states and all relevant stakeholders will implement this recommendation and take immediate actions. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the for the presentation.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has often described this body as the conscience of the world. That description is increasingly true and increasingly urgent. In a world scarred by insanity, barbarism, and the erosion of compassion and empathy, Those of us living through some of the darkest situations look to this Council as the last source of hope and moral compass. Now more than ever, this Council must not merely be a forum of speeches, but must act decisively to inspire that last hope. I stand before you not as a politician or a general, but as a human rights defender, a believer in truth, justice, and freedom. Like thousands of others, I have spent my entire adult life defending the dignity of Myanmar's most marginalized people. I will not repeat the counting of our debt or the tally of our destroyed lives. Enough has been said. Instead, I ask this Council and each member state represented here to confront a single question: In the immediate aftermath of the 2021 coup, the Secretary-General declared, and I quote, "We will do everything we can to mobilize all the key actors in the international community to put enough pressure on Myanmar to make sure that this coup fails." Four years later, this Council, the so-called conscience of the world, must look itself in the mirror and ask, Have we truly done everything? Have member states done enough to make the coup fail? Because the junta is doing everything to make it succeed through relentless airstrikes, massacres, and terror aimed at silencing the population so it can stage a sham election built on fear. I cannot forget the faces behind these crimes. My colleague, Thuy Dim, a journalist and human rights defender, was among them. On January 6, 2022, he and nine others, including a 13-year-old boy, were taken by soldiers in Mithupi Township. Two days later, their bodies were found murdered, their bodies bound, gagged, and brutally stabbed. That single act of cruelty captures the daily reality for thousands across Myanmar, ordinary people silenced with unimaginable violence, their lives erased without justice. In this climate of terror, the weakest ethnic and religious minorities have become easy prey. Villages are burned, churches and mosques destroyed, entire communities erased simply for who they are. If this Council is truly the conscience of humanity, then its member states cannot turn away while the most vulnerable are sacrificed first. Mr. President, it is no longer enough for member states to issue statements while doing little to stop the impunity with which the military murders, burns, and terrorizes. It is no longer enough to stand by in silence while bombs fall on children or to whisper concern while minorities are hunted down. Impunity, whether by the junta or non-state actors, must end. Therefore, today, we call on this Council and all Member States of the United Nations to urge the Security Council to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court to ensure those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity are held to account. Adopt and enforce a comprehensive global arms embargo, including an immediate ban on the aviation fuel so that no more bombs fall on villages, hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Impose stronger coordinated sanctions targeting the military sources of revenue and power so that it can no longer finance its campaign of terror. Excellencies, This is the test of whether the conscience of the world has meaning or whether it's just words. History will judge us all, but the people of Myanmar cannot wait for history. They need action, and they need it now. The world promised this coup would fail. It is time for member states to make good on that promise. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you very much for your statements, for bearing witness to us. The list of speakers is now closed. I'd now like to ask interested delegations to put questions to the presenters and to make comments on their statements. I would remind you that speaking time is restricted to one minute, 30 seconds for each intervention. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. President. Canada is pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada. We thank the High Commissioner and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar for their update. Reports of escalating war crimes and crimes against humanity committed across Myanmar are gravely concerning. The human rights situation has severely deteriorated due to the regime's continuing use of airstrikes, causing civilian deaths and widespread destruction. Women, children, and the elderly, among the most vulnerable, are caught in the crossfire. A viable future in Myanmar must include justice and accountability. We commend the leadership of the United Nations in supporting the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and Special Rapporteur in collecting evidence of serious crimes against the people of Myanmar, including to support ongoing justice processes related to crimes committed against the Rohingya. Until there is an end to violence and an inclusive political process, there can be no lasting peace. We strongly urge the military regime to engage in genuine and inclusive political dialogue with all stakeholders. Elections held without these essential steps risk greater instability. Thank you.

I now call the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I'm honored to deliver this statement on behalf of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

We thank the High Commissioner and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar for their reports and align ourselves with the European Union statement. We remain deeply concerned with the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar, which has continued to deteriorate since the military coup in 2021. The earthquake in March was yet another tragedy for the people of Myanmar. We are deeply alarmed that fighting, including airstrikes, continues. We urge the military to cease aerial bombings. We call for immediate, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all communities in need. We reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Myanmar and commend them for their resilience and their demand for a peaceful, democratic future. We also continue to support the efforts of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and call for full accountability for the crimes committed. Mr. Kungjan, what can the international community do to further support accountability mechanisms to end impunity and achieve justice for the people of Myanmar?

I thank you. Thank you. I now call the distinguished representative of the European Union.

The European Union thanks the panelists. and welcomes the High Commissioner's II MM reports and updates. The assessment in the High Commissioner's report that some of the violations and abuses suffered in northern Rakhine by the Rohingya is reminiscent of the 2017 atrocities is a cause for particular alarm. Widespread and systematic patterns of indiscriminate attacks by the military on civilians persist, enabled by arms transfers. So do grave human rights violations and abuses committed by the Myanmar military and other actors. The continued work of the I double M in collecting.

Evidence and identifying perpetrators of these crimes is indispensable for ensuring accountability.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including a state councillor. Sansu Ki, the EU reiterates its call for unhindered humanitarian access, stability, peaceful reconciliation, and for the swift establishment of a transparent, inclusive, and credible democratic process.

We reaffirm our support for the UN and ASEAN's efforts in this regard.

And the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2669.

We would like to ask the panelists, what is your?

Assessment of the Myanmar's military and its allies' plans to organize elections in December 2025 and January 2026.

Thank you. I now call the distinguished representative of Estonia on behalf of a group of countries.

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states. We reiterate our strong support for the critical work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. Its latest report provides further evidence of serious crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, committed across Myanmar. We are alarmed by the rise of deliberate attacks on civilians and critical civilian infrastructure, such as schools, places of worship, and medical facilities. Such acts are utterly unacceptable. We commend the mechanisms approach in documenting crimes against children and placing this issue at the forefront of its agenda. Perpetrators of such crimes must be brought to justice before impartial courts. We welcome the notable progress made by the Independent Investigating Mechanism for Myanmar in ongoing judicial proceedings during the reported period, which represents above all an important step in advancing accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya population. These efforts send a clear message that justice will be pursued and those responsible for violations of international law will be held accountable. We are concerned about the liquidity crisis facing the mechanism, which threatens its vital mandate. We must work together to overcome these challenges. Mr. Kumian, what more can be done to stop Myanmar's military's attacks on civilians? I thank you.

Thank you. I now call the distinguished representative of Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Mr. President, the OIC thanks the High Commissioner and the Head of Mechanism for their reports.

OIC is deeply

concerned over the reports of mass killings, atrocities, arson, and forced conscription against the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine. The ongoing conflict that continues unabated has forced more than 150,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh and thousands to other countries, especially since November 2023. The mechanism has a crucial role to advance accountability and justice for the Rohingya. The OIC calls upon the mechanism to continue and possibly enhance its close and timely cooperation with the courts, tribunals, including the ICJ. We commend Bangladesh and other countries in the region for their continued

support to the mechanism, including facilitating its regular visits.

The OIC deeply regrets Myanmar's persistent non-cooperation with the mechanism, including its indifference to the requests for country visits.

As part of finding a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis, Myanmar should fully cooperate with the mechanism. We underscore that it is critically important for the OHCHR, as well as for the mechanism, to continue uncovering evidence of atrocities and crimes committed against the Rohingya Muslims. Lastly, the OIC calls on all member states to provide adequate support towards the implementation of mandated activities of OHCHR and the mechanism for the Rohingya Muslims.

I thank you.

Thank you. I now call the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Indonesia remains deeply concerned by the continued worsening crisis in Myanmar. The reports of the High Commissioner and the mechanism underscore the need. to end all hostilities and atrocities and guarantee unhindered access for humanitarian aid in all areas in Myanmar. Indonesia has consistently worked with ASEAN to promote a durable resolution, including by advancing the implementations of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and strengthening delivery of humanitarian assistance through the AHA Center. Indonesia has also pursued its bilateral initiatives, including engaging with all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar and providing humanitarian support to affected communities. Mr. President, we call upon the international community to remain steadfast in its attention to Myanmar. This crisis must not be allowed to slip from the global agenda. Sustained international support and cooperation are important to uphold justice, address the plight of Rohingyas and other affected communities, and contribute to lasting peace in Myanmar.

Finally,

Indonesia reaffirms its unwavering support to the aspirations of Myanmar people to achieve peace, stability, democracy, and full enjoyment of human rights.

I thank you.

Thank you. I now call the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thailand appreciates the High Commissioner and the IOM for their reports. We continue to attach importance to finding viable solutions for Myanmar through implementation of the five point consensus, as well as engagements with Myanmar and various stakeholders. Thailand has also conveyed to all sides in Myanmar our willingness to facilitate constructive dialogues amidst the ongoing conflict. frequent natural disaster and global humanitarian funding cuts, the situation continues to worsen. Ensuring timely and unimpeded humanitarian assistance remains crucial. Thailand will continue to provide assistance in public health and education to ensure that vulnerable populations along the Thailand-Myanmar border are secured. immense. We welcome support from the international community. Thailand also recognizes the humanitarian challenges faced by the Rohingya. Last year, we contributed through UNICEF and the World Food Program to provide training for teachers and food rotation in Cox's Bazar. We will do more in line with our pledge at the Global Refugee Forum. We also look forward to participating in the high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar in New York. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Thank you, Mr. President. Bangladesh welcomes both the reports of OSCHR and IIM. We appreciate IIMM for its continued work to collect and preserve evidence of crimes committed in Myanmar, including against the Rohingya. We also take good note of the Mechanism's close engagement with the ICJ, ICC, and other national courts to ensure accountability and justice for the Rohingya. Mr. President, Bangladesh regularly facilitates IIMM's missions to Bangladesh and will continue to cooperate with the Mechanism pertinent to its work on the persecuted Rohingya. Bangladesh underscores that mechanisms' access to Myanmar is critical for fully gathering and collecting evidence of crimes committed against the Rohingya. We urge Myanmar to fully cooperate with IIMM. Mr. President, Bangladesh is deeply concerned at the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine, which continues unawaited. Over 150,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since November 2023, putting additional burden and mounting pressure over already overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar. It is further exacerbated due to the diminishing trend of humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya. Bangladesh reiterates that sustainable repatriation is the only durable solution of this protracted Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh expects that the upcoming high-level conference on Rohingya this September will provide a clear pathway for the expedited solution of the crisis in a sustainable manner.

I thank you.

Merci, je vous remercie. Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Mr. President, Malaysia is gravely concerned over the escalation of the conflict and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar. We urge all parties to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructures, as well as create a conducive environment for an inclusive national dialogue and for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance. We commend the Mechanism for its tireless efforts in collecting, preserving, and analyzing forensically valuable evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed across Myanmar by multiple parties, particularly against the Rohingya. We welcome the adoption of the Mechanism's Strategic Plan for 2025-2027, particularly in the context of strengthening its operational resilience and investigative and analytical capacities. As chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is committed to facilitating a path towards a peaceful resolution in Myanmar. We urge continued support from the international community for the full and effective implementation of ASEAN's five-point consensus. We hope that a credible and durable solution will enable the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees. We urge member states who are signatories to the Refugees Convention to expedite the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers, including the Rohingyas, to third countries on the principle of of burden and responsibility sharing. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Gambia.

The Gambia thanks the High Commissioner and the IIMM for its vital report, which documents systematic and indiscriminate use of airstrikes by the Myanmar military, killings, torture, sexual violence, and crimes against or affecting children, including their conscription in hostilities. We deplore crimes targeted at Rakhine, Rohingya, those detained by the military since the coup, and other civilian communities across Myanmar. We remain deeply concerned about the fresh displacement of large numbers of Rohingya into Bangladesh. We agree with the report's observation that in the face of impunity for the most serious crimes, calls for the violence to end will remain an illusion. Therefore, the Gambia reiterates its unwavering commitment to enforce Myanmar's erga omnes obligations under the Genocide Convention and to deliver justice for the Rohingya and all victims in Myanmar. We look forward to the UN High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar on 30th September and encourage all states to fully support and adequately resource the mechanisms in order to enhance collection of vital evidence on the most serious international crimes committed in Myanmar. The Gambia calls for the cessation of indiscriminate attacks and guarantees of unhindered humanitarian access for all civilians. We echo support for a survivor victim center, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed approach to the mechanisms work to ensure that any future return of

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Lao PDR.

Mr. President, the Lao PDR thanks the High Commissioner and Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar for the reports. The Lao PDR reaffirms its commitment to play an active role, especially through ASEAN, in helping Myanmar to achieve Myanmar-owned, Myanmar-led, doable, and find the restoration of peace, stability, and reconciliation in the country. We welcome the positive development in Myanmar for its preparation for the upcoming general elections. We also commend Myanmar for the constructive cooperation and engagement with ASEAN in the member state, as well as the relevance UN agency in providing humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies and relief items for the victims of the earthquake and all people in need without discrimination. We call upon the international community to pursue constructive dialogue and cooperation to support Myanmar in order to achieve lasting peace and nationally conciliation and sustainable development. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Sigurds, Chief of Albania.

Thank you, Mr. President. Albania thanks High Commissioner for his presentation, his office and the independent investigative mechanism for the comprehensive and deeply concerning report on the situation in Myanmar. The finding presented, along with recent development, underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice over war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Myanmar. The humanitarian situation in Myanmar has deteriorated dramatically, with a million people currently displaced due to ongoing armed conflicts and natural disaster. The situation in Rakhine State remains dire. The Rohingya population continue to suffer from mass killing, forced displacement, denial of humanitarian aid. We remain deeply concerned by continued and escalating violation perpetrated by the military authority, including indiscriminated airstrike, torture, sexual violence, and targeting civilians, including children. The targeting of children and utilization of sexual violence as a weapon of war are particularly concerned. These acts are unacceptable and must cease immediately. Mr. President, Albania stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and reaffirms its commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Accountability must prevail, and impunity must end. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. President. We join the statements of the groups we belong to. We express deep concern at the report under consideration on the violations against the Rohingya Muslims, especially in Rakhine State. This is shown in repression, ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure. including places of worship, leading to an increase in the number of Rohingya Muslim refugees, that is to say more than 1.3 million, according to the UNHCR reports. Mr. President, we stress the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar and the need for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence under the Security Council Resolutions 2669. We call upon the international community to promote efforts to secure the safe, dignified, sustainable, and voluntary return for the refugees and displaced. To conclude, and in light of the report on the continuing human rights violations in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, and given the increase in displacement, what innovative mechanisms can the international community adopt to contribute to supporting the Commission's work to achieve justice and to assist victims more effectively. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to UNICEF.

Thank you, Mr. President. UNICEF welcomes the report of the High Commissioner and of the IIMM, which are sobering. UNICEF recognizes the increasingly challenging environment in which the mechanism operates. More than four years into the escalation of the conflict, the situation for children in Myanmar is desperate. Grave violations against their rights, including killing and maiming and denial of humanitarian access, as well as poverty, continue to devastate children's lives. The escalation of conflict in many parts of the country, compounded by natural disasters, has left civilians, especially children, acutely vulnerable. Attacks by all parties keep driving fear, displacement, and suffering, leaving families with little protection. The presence of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and remnants of war throughout the country multiplies those risks. Essential services for children, in particular education and health care, including vaccinations, have been severely disrupted for years, depriving millions of learning and critical care. This will have intergenerational impacts. We call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law, protect civilians, and allow lifesaving humanitarian assistance to reach those in urgent need. We also urge all parties to immediately cease all actions that endanger civilians and abide by international human rights and humanitarian law. We also call on parties to protect all children from grave violations. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Keitha Flotter, the representative of Cyprus.

Mr. President, Cyprus aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner and the IIM for their reports. We strongly condemn the continued escalation of violence and grave human rights violations committed by the Myanmar military since the 2021 coup, which continue to take an intolerable toll on civilians. We are appalled by evidences of indiscriminate airstrikes, civilian deaths from artillery attacks, and torture and abuse of detainees, including sexual violence. Equally alarming are the allegations highlighted in the report on the use of chemicals. We remain deeply concerned by the scale of violence against children, including reports of forced recruitment and reprisals against families that refuse to comply. It is unacceptable that the military continues to obstruct humanitarian access, even in the aftermath of natural disasters. Cyprus reiterates its support for strengthened accountability mechanisms in Myanmar, including the IIM. We call on the military to cease all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law and to ensure full, safe, and timely humanitarian access in line with humanitarian principles. Thank you. Thank you.

I give the floor to the same representative of Italy.

And Italy aligns itself with the statement

delivered by the EU and thanks OHCHR and the head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar for this update. We remain deeply concerned by the pattern of atrocity crimes since the 2021 coup, indiscriminate attacks against civilians, systematic torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya and other minorities. The mechanism's findings remind us that accountability cannot be postponed. Justice is essential for any credible path toward peace and reconciliation in Myanmar.

Italy strongly supports the IIMM's mandate and commends its cooperation with accountability processes.

We urge all states to fully cooperate with the mechanism and preserve its evidence in the fight against impunity.

We also call for an immediate end to violence,

the release of political prisoners, and the resumption of a truly inclusive democratic transition. A voluntary, dignified, and safe return of refugees can only occur within a democratic Myanmar.

Humanitarian access must be ensured throughout the country, especially for communities most affected by conflict and disasters.

Italy will continue to stand with the people of Myanmar to support civil society

and to work with partners for justice, accountability, and human rights.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the State representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you very much, President. We have carefully considered the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Myanmar. We are following developments in that country very closely. We call on all concerned stakeholders at the national level to keep open the path to dialogue, a constructive dialogue, to come to a lasting, practical solution. We reiterate our position seeking to support civilians in Myanmar, and in particular the Rohingya Muslims. They need to be protected, have their security ensured, and their rights promoted, including their right to citizenship. We reiterate the importance of having an environment that enables the dignified, safe return of the Rohingya. Since the beginning of the crisis, we have played our role, both on the humanitarian and development levels, and we have hosted Rohingya in Saudi Arabia. We have provided them with health care and labor opportunities because we are attached to the principle of humanitarian solidarity. We have supported the Rohingya in various countries through humanitarian programs, and this has included accommodation, health care, and education. We support the cause of the Rohingya, and we stand ready to work with the international community to enable them to live in full dignity in their country. Thank you.

I think you're going to get the floor to the senior representative of Vietnam.

Thank you, Mr. President. We take note of the report on the situation in Myanmar. Vietnam remains deeply concerned about the continued violence, instability, and humanitarian challenges in Myanmar. which have severely affected the lives of ordinary people. We stress the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the people of Myanmar, ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and fostering conditions conducive to peace, national reconciliation, stability, and sustainable development. We reaffirm ASEAN's consistent and principled position on the Five-Point Consensus as the main framework for supporting Myanmar in addressing its challenges. Vietnam supports the ongoing efforts of the ASEAN Chair, the ASEAN Special Envoy, and the HAI Center in delivering humanitarian assistance, promoting dialogue, and building trust. We also welcome the outcomes of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May 2025, which reaffirmed ASEAN unity, centrality, and commitment to a practical, constructive, and non-politicized approach in assisting Myanmar. We look forward to continued cooperation with the United Nations and relevant partners in support of ASEAN's central role and constructive contribution to peace, stability, and development in the region. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Mr. President, India takes note of the High Commissioner's report on Myanmar's human rights situation. We reiterate our consistent position and call for immediate cessation of violence, release of political detainees, and unhindered humanitarian access.

We remain deeply concerned over the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation that continues to impact India's northeastern states through increased influx of people and escalating transnational crimes, including drugs, arms, and human trafficking along our shared border.

India supports all efforts.

Aimed at fostering trust and advancing a Myanmar-owned, Myanmar-led transition towards a peaceful, stable, and democratic future.

As Myanmar's immediate neighbor and development partner, India has consistently prioritized people-centric initiatives.

Following the March 2025 earthquake, we launched Operation Brahma, delivering over 1,000 metric ton of relief materials and deploying medical teams as the first responder. This exemplifies our commitment, building on Operation Sadbhav during Typhoon Yagi and our assistance during previous natural disasters.

Beyond emergency response, India continues supporting Myanmar's infrastructure development and stands ready to assist the developmental needs of all communities.

As our Prime Minister stated recently, there's no military solution to this conflict. Enduring peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and the early restoration of democratic processes via credible, inclusive elections.

We continue to coordinate closely with ASEAN under the five-point consensus while supporting the UNSG's efforts towards a peaceful resolution.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President, High Commissioner, and distinguished panelists. Your latest reports reveal the deeply troubling evidence of human rights atrocities committed in Myanmar, including by the Myanmar military. Civilians are bearing the brunt, detained without due process, killed in indiscriminate airstrikes, and displaced as their homes.

Schools, and hospitals are destroyed.

The Myanmar military's intensified use of airstrikes following the March earthquake inflicted further devastation on civilians, compounding the crisis.

The mechanism has uncovered extensive evidence of systematic torture.

And abuse in detention facilities operated by the military since the coup. Detainees, including children, have been subjected to beatings, electric shocks, and sexual violence, including rape and sexualized torture.

These reports expose a pattern of deliberate cruelty, underscoring the urgent need for justice.

The international community must do more to ensure perpetrators are held to account. The UK remains committed to supporting future accountability in Myanmar.

The IIM's documentation plays a vital role in laying the groundwork for this, and the UK has.

Contributed 900,000 pounds to the mechanism to help ensure that evidence is preserved and justice can be pursued.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the senior representative of Bulgaria.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Bulgaria aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar for the reports and updates. Bulgaria remains deeply worried by the overall humanitarian situation in Myanmar. We express concern with the widespread and systematic human rights violations and abuses perpetrated against persons belonging to the Rohingya.

And other ethnic and religious groups by the security and armed forces of Myanmar.

Bulgaria welcomes the support of the independent investigative mechanism for Myanmar for ongoing proceedings related to the crimes committed against the Rohingya in three jurisdictions and ongoing proceedings in the UK, covering crimes against both the Rohingya and other groups in Myanmar and crimes committed since, uh, February 2021 military group, uh, coup.

Bulgaria urges, we call for the immediate end of the military campaign and the release of all political prisoners.

Bulgaria urges for a constructive, inclusive, and peaceful dialogue between the stakeholders. at restoring democracy and the rule of law in country. We reiterate our call for full, safe, and unhindered access to provide humanitarian assistance to all those in need. Bulgaria commends ASEAN's efforts to improve the situation in Myanmar, supports the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, and highly appreciates the work of the ASEAN Special Envoy for Myanmar. I thank you.

Thank you, I get the floor to the distinguished representative of Czechia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Czechia aligns itself with the EU statement. Czechia remains deeply alarmed by the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar. Both reports under discussion document systemic violations, including airstrikes, torture, sexual violence, and forced displacement, particularly affecting the Rohingya and other minorities. We are appalled by the military's continued use of air attacks, even in earthquake-stricken areas, and the deliberate targeting of civilians, schools, and hospitals. The persecution of Rohingya through killings, forced recruitment, and denial of humanitarian aid has intensified under both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. We commend the mechanism's work in supporting international accountability and urge all states to cooperate fully. Czechia calls for an immediate end to all violations, unrestricted humanitarian access, and protection for displaced communities. We reaffirm our commitment to human rights, accountability, and the dignity of all people in Myanmar. Mr. President, what concrete steps can be taken to ensure that the Rohingya and other victims of atrocity crimes are not only protected, but also meaningfully included in the future justice and peace processes? Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

President, Switzerland thanks the Independent Investigative Mechanism of Myanmar for their report, as well as the report of the High Commissioner. We remain deeply concerned at reports on escalating war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all parties to the conflict. As the High Commissioner noted, civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities, remained the main victims, with over 7,000 verified deaths. We note with particular concern the crimes committed in places of detention. The report of the mechanism documents overwhelming evidence of systematic torture as well as of sexual violence. These practices must cease immediately. We hail the significant progress of the investigations into cleansing operations from 2016 and 2017. We are following with deep concern the deteriorating situation in Raheen State, which stresses the importance of putting an end to impunity and guaranteeing fundamental freedoms and human rights of all members of all communities. A question to the... members of the mechanism, how can the international community serve to contribute to creating an environment that is conducive to the cessation of violence to ensure justice and reconciliation in Myanmar? Thank you.

I'll give the floor to China.

Mr. President and the High Commissioner, the question of Myanmar is in essence an internal affair. China has consistently advocated that it should be Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned. we support Myanmar for a development path that befits its national condition and national interest, and support their efforts to unite domestic political forces, restore stability and development, while promoting protecting human rights. The discussion at the Council should serve to contributing to Myanmar's peaceful reconciliation and economic social development, rather than deepening conflict and instability. China advocates constructive dialogue and cooperation among all parties and oppose exerting public pressure. Recently, following the wishes and requests of parties in Myanmar, China has actively engaged in mediations and achieved positive results. China will continue efforts in this direction and calls on the international community to act in the interests of the people of Myanmar, playing a generally and constructive role in easing tensions, promoting Myanmar's development and safeguarding human rights. China supports dialogues and consultation between Myanmar and Bangladesh to gradually resolve the repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine State and will continue to provide assistance within our capacity. The international community should support Myanmar and Bangladesh for strengthening communication on the existing foundation and force.

Thank you. Turkey, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. The security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar has been worsening. The effects of the coup d'etat continue across the country and in all sectors. Turkey reiterates its support for the democratic transition of Myanmar, noting the announcement to hold the elections by late 2025 or early 2026. We will close the following to electoral process and its outcome. Elections must be free, fair, and reflect the will of the Myanmar people. Turkey supports ASEAN's five-point consensus. We remain concerned by the deteriorating security conditions since October 2023, especially in the Rakhine State. Rohingya Muslims have been the most affected. We reiterate our call on all parties to respect international law, protect civilians, and allow unhindered flow of humanitarian aid. For a sustainable solution, it is vital to ensure accountability for the human rights violations against the Rohingyas and other minorities in Myanmar. ICJ ruling on the admissibility of the Gambia's application is a crucial step in this regard. We commend Bangladesh's generosity and reaffirm our joint responsibility to ensure the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of the Rohingya people to their homeland. Turkey continues to stand by the Rohingyas and support them in various fields, including health, housing, education, and income-generating projects. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the senior representative of Slovenia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Slovenia aligns with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for their comprehensive reports. We remain concerned over reports on ongoing violence, including torture, sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on civilian populations, and the denial of humanitarian assistance. Entire communities continue to face indiscriminate attacks, forced displacement, and the destruction of essential infrastructure. The March 2025 earthquake displaced over a million people and caused thousands of deaths. In disaster-affected areas, the military continued attacks and obstructed humanitarian aid. Slovenia reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of all violence against all civilians, including the Rohingya community, and calls for their protection in compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. The efforts in collecting and preserving evidence of these serious violations is crucial to supporting international efforts aimed at justice and accountability. Ending impunity is the necessary first step towards justice, peace, and reconciliation in Myanmar, and the international community must act decisively to uphold these principles.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania.

Romania aligns with the EU statement. We want to thank the High Commissioner and the Investigative Mechanism for their reports. Romania expresses serious concern about the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar, a human rights calamity, the High Commissioner said at the beginning of our session. As we just heard, we are witnessing widespread and systematic patterns of indiscriminate attacks by the military against civilians. forced displacement, forced recruitment, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and denial of humanitarian assistance. We strongly urge the Myanmar military to immediately stop the violence, restore Myanmar's democratic political system, and implement ASEAN's five-point consensus. In the light of the ongoing violations of international law and the prevailing impunity, we must pursue all available legal avenues for accountability. Romania will support all efforts in this regard, including universal jurisdiction and the work of the Council through its mandate holders. We urge the Council to maintain focus on accountability in Myanmar.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. High Commissioner, and Mr. Commissioner, we thank you for your report. Four and a half years after the coup in February 2021, the human rights situation in Myanmar remains dire, with people suffering intolerable violence, including ongoing airstrikes, and many still detained. Crimes in detention facilities, such as torture and sexual violence, continue to be reported. Japan is gravely concerned by and deplores the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Myanmar. Myanmar's current regime lifted the state of emergency and announced plans to hold general elections between December 2025 and January 2026. We assert that these elections should serve as a step towards restoring a democratic political system. If general elections are held without any visible progress in this regard, it could provoke strong backlash from the people of Myanmar and hinder a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Japan once again strongly urges the Myanmar military to take concrete action to immediately stop the violence, release those detained, and swiftly restore Myanmar's democratic political system. We continue to stand with the people of Myanmar and provide various types of support to improve the humanitarian situation and enhance the livelihoods of the people of Myanmar. I thank you.

Thank you. The floor is now open.

To the representative of France.

High Commissioner, France aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and thanks you for your report, which takes note of the atrocities experienced by the population in Myanmar, whose responsibility lies within the military junta since 2021. The report describes serious human rights violations in the country. The security forces have weakened the rule of law to the point that it has almost disappeared. They are are guilty of systematic violations of human rights, with arbitrary detention, sexual violence, and acts of torture, including on children. France reiterates its support for the mandates and mechanisms enabling the establishment of the facts necessary to combat impunity, including the I double I, double M. France continues to push for the cessation of violations of international law and international humanitarian law. In 2019, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC opened an investigation into crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya. France calls for the full implementation of Resolution 2669 of the Security Council, the cessation of attacks on the civilian population, the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners, including the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the President Win Myint. The respect for international humanitarian law is an obligation for the junta, and it must ensure complete, safe, rapid, unhindered access for humanitarian aid to France recalls its support to ASEAN efforts to address the crisis, particularly the five-point consensus. Only through dialogue between all parties, including the democratic opposition, can an exit to this crisis be found. Thank you.

I give way to Belarus.

Thank you, President. On the new reports on Myanmar, we're compelled once again to draw attention to the fact that the voice and position of the Myanmar authorities have been ignored. The main efforts in international organizations and interested countries should be based on not isolating Myanmar, but rather seeking effective paths for a rapid end to the conflict, to ensuring the security of civilians and the appropriate provision of humanitarian assistance to all in need and supporting vulnerable members of the population. We're convinced that refraining from exerting pressure on the authorities and imposing UCMs is the only way to make progress with a constructive dialogue with the government And to support the national efforts. Thank you.

Thank you.

And I'll give the floor to the distinguished. of the Russian Federation.

President, Russia pays close attention to the situation in Myanmar and developments, and we welcome the decision of the Myanmar authorities to lift the emergency situation in existence since 2021 in the country and to start to prepare for parliamentary elections at a national level. We believe that A path to solving the crisis situation in Myanmar should be based on the respect of the principles of sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs, and dialogue on an equal footing. And we're in favor of dialogue with the authorities in Naypyidaw. We condemn attempts to use international fora such as the HRC to exert pressure on the government in Myanmar. UCMs and politicization of human rights agenda and trying to isolate this country will not support a constructive cooperation with this country. We welcome the efforts of ASEAN to normalize the situation in and around Myanmar, including the humanitarian issues. We suggest that the 19th of September planned visit of the ASEAN delegation to observe the election preparations will facilitate an improvement in the situation in Myanmar, and we categorically condemn the West's attempts to usurp ASEAN in its leading role in this process. We call upon all to have a constructive dialogue with the authorities in RPD. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mr. President, and thank you, High Commissioner, for presenting the report. The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its deep sadness over the continuous suppression and human rights violation of the

Rohingya minority in Myanmar.

The reports on deliberate burning of villages, closure of hospitals, and ablation of medical stocks.

Causing numerous preventable deaths in Rakhine State is both painful and distressing. Deceptive conscription practices, including false promises of citizenship, constitute additional factors which, alongside forced displacement, perpetuate the systematic.

Violation of human rights in Rakhine State.

Considering the.

Critical responsibility of governments in preventing human rights abuses, Iran once again urges Myanmar's authorities to ensure the protection and security of Rohingya Muslims, fully recognize their fundamental rights, including citizenship, and foster the conditions necessary for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland. Mr. President, Iran supports all the international and regional efforts conducive to a lasting solution to this conflict. crises, including those undertaken by OIC and ASEAN, and appreciates.

Countries that are hosting Rohingya refugees in spite of their own challenges and difficulties.

Mr. High Commissioner, how international?

How United Nations can help the officials in Myanmar to participate in Human Rights Council and make them.

More accountable for what is happening under the administration. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain.

Thank you very much indeed, President. Spain aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and welcomes the reports of the High Commissioner and the IIWM. These reports we believe, highlight two realities. First of all, the fact that the mass human rights violations are not a domestic affair of states because they have repercussions beyond borders on regional peace and security. Secondly, investigation mechanisms of this Council have a fundamental role to play in documenting violations as a first step towards combating impunity. Since 2021, in Myanmar, a huge panoply of human rights violations have been committed that feature in the report killings, destruction of homes, and so on and so forth. All of this is exacerbated by growing food insecurity and natural disasters. The reports also highlight the particularly harsh situation in the state of Rakhine and the persecution of the Rohingya and other minorities. We cannot permit a return to the atrocities of 2017 or the continued forced displacement of people. Spain would call on the parties to the conflict to cease the use of violence, to put an end to the persecution of the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities, and to permit rapid access of humanitarian aid. Thank you very much, sir.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Maldives welcomes the comprehensive reports presented today. We remain gravely concerned by the worsening situation in Myanmar. The latest findings point to an alarming escalation of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including indiscriminate airstrikes, systematic torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and attacks on civilians, even in the wake of natural disasters. We are particularly disturbed by the plight of Rohingya, who continue to suffer persecution, displacement, and denial of their fundamental rights. Credible evidence of the destruction and appropriation of Rohingya villages further undermines prospects for their safe and dignified return. We take note of the ICC prosecutor's request for an arrest warrant against a senior military leader. These developments send a clear message that impunity will not prevail. The Maldives renews its call for an immediate end to violence, the release of political prisoners, and unhindered humanitarian access. We commend Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya refugees and its continued support to the mechanism, and reaffirm our support to the Gambia's case of the ICJ as an intervening state. We remain steadfast with the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of justice, democracy and human dignity. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Colombia.

President, we welcome the holding of this dialogue on the reports of the High Commissioner and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We would highlight the work of the Investigative Mechanism. which has enabled the documentation of war crimes committed across Myanmar by various actors, both prior to and following the coup d'etat in 2021. deeply welcome these vital efforts to avoid impunity, guarantee the right to truth, and ensure justice for victims. We also recognize the efforts of the Office of the High Commissioner in the follow-up and monitoring of the human rights situation in the country. We would issue an urgent call to all parties to the conflict to cease their armed activities, to respect international humanitarian law, to protect the civilian population, and to enable safe, unrestricted access of humanitarian aid for all those who require Thank you.

Thank you. I now call the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank.

You, President. We take note of the report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We assert a full condemnation of all violations committed against the Rohingya minority. We regret the persistence of this fragile situation, and we call upon the government of Myanmar to bring an end to these violations through taking measures to ensure necessary protection to this minority and to find a lasting solution to the crisis. We support regional and international efforts to promote accountability, and we call upon OHCHR to cooperate with this process, and I want to score the importance of the OHCHR in this process, and we support Bangladesh in its role in supporting the Rohingya population, and we call upon international organizations to support those who host refugees and to find practical situations to the situation of refugees. Thank you.

Thank you, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Thank you, President. We encourage the continued support of good faith efforts to seek lasting peace and sustainable development of people with a non-politicized approach, with strict adherence to international human rights law, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states. Recognizing the complexity of the situation in Myanmar, we would highlight the efforts undertaken to address existing differences through political dialogue. Once again, we reject the implementation of unilateral coercive measures, which, as has been said by various special rapporteurs, do cause a negative impact on the human rights of peoples. Venezuela will continue to advocate for the relevance of human rights for the population and to encourage efforts for peace and national reconciliation in Myanmar, pushing for political dialogue as the essential path to address the differences in the country. Thank you, sir.

Thank you. This was the last speaker on my list. We will now move to the list of national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations, and I give the floor to Fortify for a video statement.

I welcome the reports of the High Commissioner and the IIIM.

And thank them for their tireless efforts to ensure accountability for the crimes occurring in Myanmar. Mr. President, after sustaining heavy battlefield losses as a result of coordinated resistance military operations in late 2024, the Myanmar junta is increasingly using its air force to indiscriminately attack civilians and civilian.

Infrastructure in opposition-held and contested territory. A recent Fortify Rights report documents a series of airstrikes in Kachin and Karen states that killed hundreds of civilians and destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals, and likely constitute war crimes under international law.

Our investigation also reveals the names and ranks and positions of 22 Myanmar military and air force commanders and personnel individually responsible for ordering or authorizing airstrikes that have killed and maimed countless civilians. Fortify Rights calls on the international community.

To implement targeted and coordinated sanctions against the individuals named in our report and others responsible for international crimes in Myanmar. Responsible governments must also now take decisive action to disable the global supply chain that continues to enable the Myanmar junta's crimes, in particular those providing aviation fuel to the junta's planes.

For the Fire Rights is also deeply concerned by the Arakan Army's systematic crimes against Rohingya civilians in Rakhine State. We have documented killings, torture, and arson attacks.

The forces opposed to the.

Must not sink to their level of death and destruction and must abide by international law. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Edmund Rice International.

Mr. President, we welcome the report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.

The fact that the report continues to find evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed more frequently and with greater intensity is particularly important in the context of the upcoming high-level conference. The conditions for the voluntary return of Rohingya refugees are clearly not present on the ground.

In previous statements, we have raised concerns regarding the devastating aerial.

Attacks perpetrated by the Myanmar military on civilians and civilians' infrastructure, including IDP camps, schools, religious buildings, and health facilities. The report has highlighted the traumatizing impact that the strikes have.

Had on mental health, in particular on children, who live in constant fear of attacks from above. The humanitarian situation in Myanmar and in refugee camps in Thailand and Bangladesh continues to worsen.

The lack of urgent humanitarian assistance could force refugees back to dangerous conditions in Myanmar.

We request Member States of the United Nations to, one, scale up much-needed humanitarian funding in Myanmar.

Prioritizing support to local and grassroots organizations that provide essential services of aid. Two, urgently reverse humanitarian funding cuts supporting camps hosting refugees from Myanmar in neighboring countries.

And three, immediately cease the transfer of arms.

Jet fuel, surveillance equipment or technologies that risk contributing to violations and abuses of international, humanitarian and human rights law. Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll give the floor to Humanist International by video.

Thank you, Mr. President. I make this statement on behalf of Humanist International and Burmese Atheists.

Burmese Atheists is a grassroots.

Humanist organization, and I make this statement on their behalf as they face grave security risks for expressing dissent. We thank the IIMM for its work and the High Commissioner for his report. The IIMM's evidence must support the process of holding those who have violated international law accountable. These crimes include indiscriminate bombing, extrajudicial killings, forced conscription, unlawful detention, and systematic acts of repression against civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities. Continued cooperation between the IIMM, this council, and the ICC towards justice is a necessity, and we urge member.

States to support these processes.

We express great concern at the military regime's plans to hold elections this coming December. While we of course hope and strive for a return to a democratic Myanmar, these elections represent nothing but the junta's attempt to manufacture democratic legitimacy. Despite the purported end to the state of emergency, military occupation remains. No electoral outcome can be deemed legitimate when conducted under such conditions of coercion and exclusion. Any credible electoral process must be inclusive, transparent, and conducted free from coercion. There must be a credible opposition, and the junta must release trade unionists and political opposition leaders, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Independent media must be restored, and human rights, including freedom of expression and of association, must be guaranteed. We urge this Council to unequivocally reject the sham electoral process and mobilize coordinated efforts to recognize and vindicate meaningful civilian rule in Myanmar. Thank you. Thank you.

I now call Human Rights Now.

Multiple violations by Myanmar's military make it impossible to expect that its planned national election will be free or fair, including its elimination of all independent media, its dissolution of more than 40 opposition parties, its suspension of civil and political protections allowing for warrantless arrests and arbitrary surveillance, the ongoing conflict which excludes large areas of the country from the election, and a new electoral law imposing severe punishments for speech and protests against the electoral process. This followed the military's pattern of flagrant civil and political rights violations, including more than 22,000 political prisoners since the coup. A sham election will only legitimize the military's abusive rule. The military is also continuing to target civilian areas with indiscriminate attacks, exacerbating Myanmar's humanitarian emergency. Over 22 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance, and more than 3.5 million have been displaced. But the UN humanitarian response plan has only been 12% funded, and the military continues to blockade and obstruct aid delivery. We call on the military to restore Myanmar's democratically elected government, immediately end the conflict, and end all measures violating civil and political rights, and free all persons arbitrarily arrested. We call on states to greatly increase aid to Myanmar, impose appropriate sanctions and weapons and jet fuel embargoes against the military, and require companies to conduct heightened due diligence and end any business supporting the military until its violations end. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development.

Mr. President, 80 years have passed since the world condemned the Rohingya genocide. Yet this genocide continues. Now our people face abandonment by the international community. Food rations for more than a million refugees in Cox's Bazar have been cut. Children go hungry. Inside Myanmar, Conditions are even worse. The military have replaced bullets with starvation. They are blockading aid and trade to deliberately deprive civilians of food. In central Rakhine, more than 120,000 Rohingya, half of whom children, remain confined to camps, surviving on scraps of root vegetables as the bare minimum cash assistance runs out. In northern Rakhine, Arkan army are subjecting our people, arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual violence, forced labor, and mass Last year's massacre at Huya Siri, described by a survivor as "river of blood," is just one example. The genocide continues, now by two oppressors. We call on this Council and member states to fully fund Rohingya humanitarian response, demand an end to blockades and weaponized starvation in Myanmar, ensure accountability for crimes by both military and Arkan army, including by publicly supporting the arrest warrants by the Argentina court for senior military figures in our universal jurisdiction case. Protect Rohingyas in Bangladesh and protect Rohingyas in Rakhine State. Guarantee Rohingya participation in decision shaping our future. Doing nothing is not neutral. It is a choice to let genocide continue.

I give the floor to Legal Action Worldwide.

High Commissioner, our team on the ground in Bangladesh.

Continues to document ongoing violations of human rights in Myanmar by the military junta.

Survivors from Rakhine State report severe abuses by the Arakan Army, including restrictions on movement and livelihoods, forced labor, arbitrary arrests, and acute hunger.

Despite extensive evidence of ongoing atrocities, the United States has lifted sanctions on allies of Myanmar's generals. The military continues to find new ways to escape remaining sanctions ahead of sham elections planned for December.

Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, school closures in the camps following aid.

Cuts have further stripped Rohingya children of any hope for their future.

The International Court of Justice hearings will advance next year, but justice for the people of.

Myanmar requires coordinated action now through increased and strengthened sanctions, use of universal jurisdiction to initiate investigations.

And prosecutions for core international crimes, and unwavering political pressure.

Hundreds of Rohingya.

That we represent demand reparation, including citizenship and access to land destroyed or confiscated by the military and Arakan Army. This Council's recent resolution highlighting the need for reparations is a step in the right direction. Rohingya urged member states to address restoration of rights, including access to land and Rohingya future roadmap. We ask the panel, how can this Council ensure member states prevent further harm as well as survivors' rights reparations? Thank you.

Thank you. I now call Human Rights Research League by video.

Thank you, Mr. President.

The persecution of the Rohingya has not ended. It has shifted. Today, it is not only the Myanmar military. Rohingya civilians are also under attack by the Arakan Army through killings, forced conscriptions, sexual violence, starvation, and blocked aid. In Bangladesh, over one million Rohingya remain trapped in limbo. Education has collapsed, leaving children at risk of trafficking and early marriage. In MSF hospitals, we met girls as young as 12 giving birth after rape. Yet even in these conditions, Rohingya women and youth are creating spaces of resilience. But their strength cannot replace international responsibility. We urge this Council to acknowledge ongoing crimes, including by the Arakan Army, expand protection pathways, resettlement visas, community sponsorships. Immediately restore humanitarian funding. Reject premature repatriation until rights and citizenships are guaranteed. Babies are being born stateless. Children grow up without education. And survivors of sexual violence carry unbearable burdens. These are not accidents. They are the predictable result of inaction. We urge this Council to act with urgency, courage, and accountability.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to International Federation for Human Rights Leagues by video.

Mr. President, FIDH and Burma and Women's Peace Network condemn the sham election being set up by Myanmar's illegal junta. This unlawful process fails to meet all relevant international standards. Political parties that won more than 90% of seats in 2020, including the National League for Democracy, are excluded. There is deliberate disenfranchisement of over 3 million people, including more than a million Rohingya. On 29 July, the junta enacted a law that imposes jail and even the death penalty on those who speak or act against the sham elections. UN member states and development partners must not legitimize this process in any way, whether it is providing technical or material assistance or election observation. The sham elections are a recipe for disaster with serious implications on Myanmar's neighbors, including those sitting on this Council, such as Bangladesh, China, and Thailand. The only possible outcomes will inevitably fuel instability and displacement in Myanmar and across its borders. We urge UN member states and development partners to explicitly reject these polls and to press the junta to end attacks against civilians, release all political prisoners, surrender power, and allow for a swift return of a democratically elected civilian government without delay.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the International Bar Association for a joint statement.

The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute, the International Commission of Jurists, the Law Council of Australia, the Law Society.

Of England and Wales, and Lawyers Rights Watch Canada condemn the ongoing systematic atrocity crimes that have been carried out chronically in Myanmar.

Since the 2021 military coup, arbitrary.

Arrests and detention and unfair trials of perceived opponents of the military regime remain widespread.

Over 1,800 people have reportedly died while detained by the military junta, amid.

Reports of systematic torture and other ill-treatment of individuals in detention, including rape and other sexual violence and denial of medical care. Judges reportedly dismiss lawyers' credible allegations of torture, with forced so-called confessions being routinely relied upon by courts to convict perceived opponents. Military-controlled courts have sentenced over 170 people to death without respect for due process, fair trial rights, or judicial independence.

Lawyers face severe and undue restrictions on the.

Exercise of their professional duties, having to work under a constant fear of being arrested. Credible sources report that 68 legal representatives have been arrested since the 2021 coup. We again urge this Council to respond decisively to the human rights crisis in Myanmar and call on the international community to use and support all necessary and effective means to ensure justice and accountability for all crimes under international law. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Lawyers Rights Watch Canada for a joint statement.

Mr. President, Lawyers Rights Watch Canada and the International Bar Association.

Human Rights Institute, join the High Commissioner's continued call on the Myanmar military and other armed groups to cease.

Violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

During the four years since the military coup in Myanmar, there has been an unabated rise in indiscriminate and systemic attacks on ethnic minorities by the junta. 3.5 million are displaced and over 20 million are in humanitarian need across Myanmar.

The root cause of violations.

Is the unbridled impunity of Myanmar's military, including laws that violate international law implemented by courts subsumed by the junta?

Absent the rule of law and independent courts, most crimes committed by the junta are unreported.

More than 22,300 are unlawfully detained without access to independent courts or adequate legal representation. Torture, ill treatment, and extrajudicial killings are routine, along with arrests of lawyers.

At least 53 lawyers have been arrested since the coup.

Military-controlled courts have sentenced 172 detainees to death. We call on all Council members, observer states, and UN bodies to halt engagement with the junta and stop.

The flow of weapons, engage with the National Unity Government.

Ethnic communities, and civil society to strengthen local governance systems, and promote a Security Council resolution for a full referral.

To the International Criminal Court. Thank you.

Thank you. And now, call the panelists for their final remarks. You have three minutes each. Zauk first, you have the floor, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to emphasize on the fact that the military junta, as we speak, is planning on holding an election on top of the countless bodies and the anguish of the millions of people of Myanmar. Please do not legitimize these elections. It will worsen the situation. It will compound the suffering of people and stretch our suffering for many, many more years. Please do not legitimize or give any credibility to these elections. ASEAN has already stated that within its five-point consensus, there's no mention of elections. The military junta for the last five years has not delivered on any of the points mentioned by ASEAN, not to mention of the elections. Even the first point of seizing the violence has not been implemented. So the military junta must be held to account, and the member states have the responsibility to assist, to make sure that this coup fail, because the Secretary General himself has already stated that his mission is to make the election fail. Almost five years later, we are still fighting in ourself in a situation where the military is actively to legitimize itself through the elections. And make no mistake, violence will increase and the suffering of people will increase if you let the military hold these elections. Anyone who has engaged in killing and committing atrocities against its own citizens, civilians, thousands of them, should not have anything to do with elections. And the members have the responsibility to make sure that the international order of decency, of humanity still exists, and it has to start with this Council. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Mrs. Lucky Karim, please.

Thank you so much, Mr. President, Mr. Nick Double I, Double M, and Mr. High Commissioner. Please allow me to thank all the countries that host majority of the Rohingya communities, including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and more. And thank you to all the donor countries for providing lifesaving assistance to the millions of refugees in Bangladesh and also in Southeast Asian countries. Also thank you to the INGOs, UN agencies, and the member states, and all the stakeholders for your continued support. The upcoming high-level conference on the 30th of September in New York is an opportunity for all of you and for all of us to support our effort in ending the genocide in Myanmar and finding a sustainable solution for the millions of refugees that are displaced in our neighboring country. As mentioned by my fellow speakers already, the election Shame election the military regime is talking about in December or later this year is not going to be free or fair at all, and it's been rejected already by all the ASEAN countries, as we have seen in this statement. Moving forward, as we think through the short-term and the long-term, medium-term solutions for the refugees, this is not the right time for us to talk about repatriation for the millions of refugees that are in Bangladesh to an unsafe and uncertain situation in Myanmar. Thank you.

Thank you. Nick, please.

Thank you. There were several questions about what member states can do about stopping these attacks, especially the attacks that are hitting that are affecting children and other noncombatants. I think one important message, of course, that you can send is that these attacks will not go unpunished. These crimes won't go unpunished. when civilians are specifically targeted. And to do that, states need to show their resolve, their political will. Part of that is by saying it won't be tolerated, and we will support courts and mechanisms that will collect evidence and prosecute these cases. Our own mechanism is facing severe financial limitations. The whole United Nations is, and many of the NGOs also in this room know about that. But we're having despite having 20 percent cuts in our staff, we also have no funding starting next year for several fundamental aspects of our work, our open source research unit that has obtained so much evidence that we can find these days on the Internet and has contributed so significantly to our investigations. We have no funding starting next year so far. The same with Crimes Against Children and Sexual Violence Unit. This unit has been funded up to this year, through the end of this year. We have no funds for next year. We also don't have any funds to support witness protection measures and measures to provide psychological support to witnesses. We have many brave witnesses who come to us and talk about being detained, being tortured, often being raped in detention. We want to be able to provide some kind of psychological support to these individuals, but that depends upon additional contributions. Also, states can help us by making it clear that they will allow us to conduct activities, our evidence-gathering activities, on their territory. and interview witnesses on their territory. This is fundamental to us gathering the evidence. Further, states can help us by helping us protect key witnesses. We're not a police force, and we can't grant anyone a visa or travel document, but often witnesses with key evidence are in very dangerous situations. We want to be able to find and have the ability to bring them to a place where they'll be safe, where we can interview them, and where they'll be available for further testimony. And finally, it's important to support states that use extraterritorial jurisdiction, that exercise these various forms of universal jurisdiction. Hopefully, one day, these cases, these crimes will be judged in Myanmar, and we can share our evidence with Myanmar courts that are committed to real justice, protection of witnesses, and due process. But until that day comes, it's important to have these other jurisdictions to support them, those that can bring some justice to the people of Myanmar. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Monsieur le Commissaire. Merci beaucoup. Thanks to all of you for the statements that you have made in response to the very rapidly deteriorating situation in Myanmar. Just before I answer some of the questions, let me point out one thing that I have also addressed in my global update. When we talk about sovereignty and internal affairs, let's also look at the Charter again. And the Charter makes it absolutely clear that when it comes to matters of international concern, such as human rights, that this is not in any way and interference in the domestic affairs of a country. In fact, sovereignty comes with responsibility. And if one looks at the data, not only the data that we have presented today, but also the data of when you look at the development of the conflict, when you look at the intensification of the conflict nationwide, if you look at the humanitarian situation with 22 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, with over 15 million facing acute food insecurity, when you look at the displacement, internal displacement numbers, the refugee outflows that we have seen into Bangladesh and neighboring countries, it is absolutely clear that this is a matter of international concern and not something that is purely relegated to internal affairs. And I think I need to make that point very clear at the beginning. Look, at the elections. Let's disentangle what elections, free and fair elections, mean in a context where you have autocratic military rule, where you have an ongoing internal armed conflict, where half of the political class is arbitrarily detained, where you still have ongoing violence against civilians and civilian-inhabited areas, where you have the military purging nearly all political parties who have opposed their coup, declaring the largest parties illegal, where the voter and party registration processes have lacked any compliance with standards of independence, fairness, representative democracy and legitimacy, where villages have been warning us that they fear the military will deploy units to force villages to vote, I mean, frankly, can anyone support such elections? because that will neither realize the legitimate democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people, nor create the conditions for long-term peace, stability, and sustainable development. So I agree entirely with the ASEAN chair that elections will not end the violence or resolve the crisis. The only thing that can lead to that is de-escalation and humanitarian access. Elections are not going to be the solution. I welcome also the focus of many of you on the Rohingya issue. We will have the conference on the 30th of September, the high-level conference. I hope it will galvanize action. I hope there will be a stronger commitment and a roadmap for durable solutions and accountability. I mean, it is, of course, worrying that we have seen the suspension of aid programs for Rohingya in Bangladesh in particular. But it and I also agree with Malaysia that a comprehensive approach is needed. It's not only the focus cannot only be on voluntary repatriation, because as we know, at the current circumstances, that's not possible because the conditions are not there. But we need more legal status. We need more integration of Rohingya. We need resettlement. We need all kinds of other avenues. And in any case, we cannot allow international law to be violated through pushbacks or instances of. I also want to, and that's the last point, point out that this is an interesting example of strong collaboration within the UN rights ecosystem. So each component of the response to Myanmar plays its part. My office, as you know, based in Bangkok, which continues to monitor and provide credible, verified, and authoritative information so that we can report back to you, to the Human Rights Council, on the situation and provide the early warnings. The Independent International Mechanism for Myanmar, with the evidence collection, which is incredibly important, the Special Rapporteur in his advocacy and reports, and the cases that are currently before the ICC and the ICJ, all of this plays its part But we need absolutely clear member state action on the many recommendations that all of us have provided, including the Security Council, in order to see a change in Myanmar. Again, thank you very much.

Thank you very much. That brings us to the end of this enhanced interactive dialogue. I'd like very much to thank all participants for having taken part and for having made their presentations. We will now take a brief break before undertaking the interactive dialogue on Sri Lanka. Thank you. Excellence, distinguished colleagues, we will now undertake the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, in line with Resolution 57/1 of the Council. Let me remind you that the interactive dialogues last 1 1/2 hours. However, depending on the number of delegations registered for each interactive dialogue, if the time allows, the Vice-Presidents and myself will assess whether or not we can go beyond that hour and a half for certain dialogues in order to make sure that more delegations can take the floor. It is my honor to welcome Mr. Volker Turk, High Commissioner of Human Rights, to present the report.

You have the floor, sir.

Thank you.

Excellencies, Sri Lanka today has an historic opportunity to heal from the cycles of violence and impunity that have dominated for decades. The government has a clear mandate from across the nation for transformative reform accountability, truth, and justice. During my recent visit, the country's leadership pledged a fresh direction on longstanding issues. It is crucial for this approach to be translated into a coherent, time-bound plan for concrete action. The report I'm presenting today sets out key areas for focus, including delivering accountability and justice, fundamental legal and institutional reforms, and eliminating the discrimination and the division that have poisoned politics for generations. Mr. President, Excellencies, first and foremost, my report calls for decisive action by the government on justice and accountability, which are essential to fostering a future of healing, reconciliation, and sustainable peace. I welcome the government's pledge to take action on major, long-standing issues, including strengthening the rule of law and ending ethnic discrimination and the politics of division. During my visit, I witnessed the continued suffering of victims of human rights violations and abuses. At a mass grave site at Chemani, I met a family who were searching for and grieving the loss of a loved one. A woman from a southern province told me that after 30 years, she's still looking for her husband. Independent, transparent, and credible investigations are critical to restoring trust. My report notes that conflict-related sexual violence remains deeply stigmatized, and many survivors feel completely abandoned. Impunity can be a second form of violence that perpetuates cycles of harm. The demands of victims and survivors must be addressed. Their voices must guide the government's policies on accountability, truth, justice, and reparation. This calls for a formal acknowledgment of violations and abuses, including during the civil war. Victims and survivors need the state and its security forces to accept responsibility and recognize the lasting impact of violations and crimes committed by them alongside those committed by non-state armed groups such as the LTTE. There must be a shared sense of the facts and a shared conviction that justice is being served. I welcome the President's statements in this regard and the increased space for memorialization by victims. Second, there is an urgent need for Sri Lanka to undertake deep constitutional, legal and institutional reforms. This is crucial to ensuring that the tragedies of the past can never be repeated. I welcome the government's initiative to establish an independent public prosecution office with independent investigators. It is important for civil society organizations to be included in this process. My report recommends setting up a dedicated judicial mechanism with an independent special counsel to look into violations of international human rights and humanitarian law over previous decades. I urge immediate and sustained action to address deaths in custody and torture, which remain systemic issues. And I strongly encourage legislative reform in relation to counterterrorism and civic space. Despite the government's commitment to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, arbitrary arrests and detentions under the law continue. I urge the government to impose an immediate moratorium on the use of this act. My report also calls for the amendment or repeal of other laws or proposed laws that restrict fundamental rights, civil and political rights. These include the Online Safety Act, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act, the Draft NGO Bill, and the Draft Personal Data Protection Act. Despite an increasingly open civic space, my report describes ongoing, persistent patterns of intimidation and harassment by security agencies of human rights defenders, victims groups, and independent journalists. People working on accountability for enforced disappearances and those working on land disputes and environmental issues are particular targets. This underlines the need to change the mindset and practice of security agencies. There is an urgent need for comprehensive security sector reform, including the demilitarization of the north and east, the return of land, and the devolution of power to all levels of governance. Mr. President, third, I welcome the new government's declared commitment to economic and social justice. My report notes that many Sri Lankans are enduring extreme hardship after the worst economic crisis in living memory. Both the poverty rate and food prices have almost doubled in the past five years. Malnutrition and childhood stunting have increased by almost a third. Support for the Tamil community needs to be a priority. Sri Lanka's debt situation remains concerning. This year's budget allocated almost 60% of revenue to interest payments, which are expected to remain high for the next decade. The imposition of new tariffs by the United States will also have a serious impact on the clothing sector, a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's economy. My report welcomes the government's efforts to strengthen the social safety net and to tackle corruption and economic mismanagement. I hope this wave of change can be the basis for a new social contract and a transition towards a human rights economy in which all financial and budgeting decisions take the protection of human rights into account. I also urge external creditors to provide Sri Lanka with the fiscal space it needs to invest in its people and their economic, social, and cultural rights. Mr. President, international engagement through my office, through this Council, and the human rights mechanisms can play an important part in the change Sri Lanka so desperately needs. My office stands ready to assist Sri Lanka on this journey. One example of our work mandated by the Council is the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, through which we have built a secure repository of over 105,000 items of evidence, a critical resource for legal processes, justice, and truth-seeking. I call on all member states to support this work. I also call on them to cooperate in investigating and prosecuting alleged perpetrators of international crimes committed in Sri Lanka. under principles of universal jurisdiction, and to explore further sanctions against people credibly accused of gross violations of human rights. I encourage Sri Lanka to seek international assistance with the exhumation of mass graves and other investigations. Together, the international community can support Sri Lankans to escape from the twin threats posed by persistent impunity and deep inequality. Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. You have five minutes.

Mr. President, High Commissioner, one year ago, the people of Sri Lanka voted with one voice to bring about a transformation and usher in a new political culture. Our democratic traditions have been upheld through timely elections held in free, fair, and peaceful manner. A number of measures have been introduced to promote the economic and social well-being of the people, to strengthen reconciliation, and ensure social justice. Mr. President, the government has provided comments on the High Commissioner's report, and I wish to address some of the matters raised in it. Our anti-corruption drive has been strengthened with new legislation enabling independent investigations and prosecutions leading to landmark convictions. The government is in the process of repealing the PTA and introducing new counterterrorism legislation. Amendments are being formulated through consultations to the Online Safety Act. The government continues to strengthen the domestic reconciliation mechanisms by guaranteeing their independence and the necessary financial and human resources allocations. Respecting the right for truth and justice, the government has allocated required resources for excavations at the Chemeny grave site, which are being carried out under judicial supervision. Further consultations are underway with a view to establishing a truth and reconciliation commission. The cabinet of ministers approved the proposal to prepare a national policy and action plan on reconciliation and coexistence. The government has issued instructions to law enforcement authorities to guarantee an enabling environment and sufficient space for civil society. People from all parts of the country memorialize their loved ones without any hindrance. In line with the government's vision and commitment for a reconciled Sri Lanka, a Sri Lanka Day is to be celebrated in the first week of December. Views of the general public and the National Human Rights Commission have been called for the establishment of an independent public prosecutor's office. Mr. President, the attorney general would prefer indictments only if there is a prima facie case against an accused, and as such, the negative portrayal of the AG's office in the report does not stand to reason. The prosecutorial discretion of the attorney general is not an unfettered power and is subject to the full force of judicial review. The reference to the amended Personal Data Protection Act in the report is erroneous as the pro- proposed revisions are not related to exemptions as indicated. The government is committed to advancing accountability through credible domestic processes. Recent decisions by the Sri Lankan courts demonstrate the independence of the Sri Lankan judiciary. The government has afforded full independence to the police and investigations have been resumed into many long-standing cases, including the Easter Sunday attacks and attacks against journalists. A large majority of lands have been released. Adequate compensation is paid to rightful owners where release is not possible. A cabinet appointed committee is addressing competing claims and land issues faced by people living in areas identified as state reserves and places of archaeological significance. To build confidence among the public, the government is taking several initiatives, including opening of roads, infrastructure, development, livelihood support, and promotion of industries. Legislation is being formulated to increase wages in the plantation sector, while over 5,000 houses are to be handed over shortly. A bill introducing a rights-centered approach to persons with disabilities is to be presented to the parliament soon. Sri Lanka has continued to engage constructively with this Council, OHCHR, as well as with the regular human rights mechanisms. Mr. President, developments within less than a year clearly demonstrate our genuine commitment and determination to protect and promote the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans through our domestic processes. Therefore, the government is opposed to any external mechanism imposed on us, such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, which serves to create divisions and complicate the national reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka. We are committed to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity its people in line with our domestic legal framework. The government will continue to work in close cooperation with the international community through capacity building and technical assistance in mutually agreed areas to further strengthen these efforts. We urge this Council to take note of the progress made within a short period. We seek your continued support to provide us the time and space that is required to make use of this historic opportunity to advance the rights and well-being of through national processes. Thank you.

Merci, Jean-Wieth.

Thank you very much. I now invite interested delegations to put questions to the Special Rapporteur and to make comments. The speaking time is one and a half minutes for each statement. We have the time for three speakers, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait on behalf of the GCC.

Sayyid Al-Ra'is.

Mr. President, we take note of the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. Mr. President, we are following with interest the recent developments in Sri Lanka, notably the formation of the new government and its reform pledges and commitment to promoting transparency and good governance. We appreciate efforts to ease the economic crisis, to enhance food security and expand social protection networks and to provide support to poor families. We also welcome the engagement of the government with international human rights mechanisms. In this context, we look forward to the government continuing to take the necessary steps towards legislative reforms, steps to ensure the effectiveness of dialogue to reach national reconciliation geared towards achieving stability and ensuring a common vision for the promotion and protection of human rights. To conclude, We encourage the Council to support the efforts of the government through technical cooperation, capacity building, and constructive dialogue. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. President. This statement is on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom.

We are grateful for Minister Herath's presence here today.

High Commissioner, thank you for your report and recent country visit, which underscored both enduring challenges and opportunities for reform. Your office has previously documented gross human rights violations and abuses, including unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence, and arbitrary detentions. As you noted, Sri Lanka has an opportunity to break from its past and heal deep scars that continue to impact victims, survivors, and their families. We welcome the government's decision to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act. We urge the government to turn its commitments.

Into meaningful actions on human rights, accountability, reconciliation, good governance, and constitutional reform.

Addressing long-standing impunity is essential to build trust among victims and survivors in domestic judicial processes.

We fully support independent and effective public prosecutorial body.

It is crucial that investigations at mass grave sites are carried out in line with international standards and that journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organizations can operate freely and safely.

We remain willing to work constructively with Sri Lanka. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.

The European Union welcomes the OHCHR's report on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. High Commissioner, as you said after your visit, the country's new government has a historic opportunity to break from the past. We welcome that its leadership pledges a fresh direction, including delivering justice for victims, restoring the rule of law, and eliminating discrimination. It now needs a comprehensive roadmap to translate this commitment into results. The European Union supports this call, reflected in the present report. The European Union recalls the increasing need for transitional justice. We acknowledge the government's efforts, including the initiative to establish an independent public prosecution office. However, we remain concerned over the lack of significant progress on accountability and justice for the victims, especially with respect to the many cases of dead and still missing persons. This situation needs to be addressed urgently and with decisive commitment. Accountability is central to the rule of law and for guarantees of non-repetition. The European Union monitors the human rights situation and remains concerned about the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, while recognizing ongoing steps forward repealing this legislation. We recall the importance of legal and institutional reforms, as well as the need to bring new legislation fully in line with international human rights obligations. The European Union stands ready to support Sri Lanka in implementing transformative reforms and strengthening the protection of human rights, welcoming its continued cooperation with the United Nations human rights system. Thank you.

Thank you. The list of speakers is now closed. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, that brings us to the end of this meeting. We will meet back here this afternoon at 3:00. in order to continue the interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. And we will then undertake the enhanced interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, to be followed by the interactive dialogue with the Fact-Finding Commission for Sudan. Before closing this morning's meeting, I just make a brief comment. You have, of course, noticed that we're no longer in our usual council room. We've moved to this room and I really wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all colleagues from the Secretariat, from the High Commissioner's Office, the technicians, everybody who has helped us with this fluid transition to this room. You might think it's automatic. I can assure you that there have been a couple of bumps along the way, but we are delighted to be in this room this morning, and we wanted to thank all colleagues for their efforts. With that, then, I close the first meeting of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council. Thank you very much. Enjoy your lunch.