UN Special Rapporteur: "Myanmar Military Regime Intensifies Violence... International Community Must Respond"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has called for a strong international response following the violent crackdown by Myanmar's military and police on protesters opposing the military coup, which resulted in bloodshed.

Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews stated in a statement released on Twitter that night, "It is a terrible event but not a surprising one," adding, "The message sent by the military regime today is clear: they will continue their attacks on the people of Myanmar."

He urged, "If there is no resolute and organized international action supporting the people of Myanmar at this critical time when help is most needed, Myanmar's nightmare will worsen," and emphasized, "As the military regime intensifies violence against its people, the international community must also strengthen its response."

Andrews identified possible measures that UN member states could take, including banning arms exports to Myanmar, imposing sanctions targeting those responsible for the coup and recent harsh violent crackdowns, and sanctions against companies owned or controlled by the military regime. He also mentioned that countries that have already imposed sanctions on military officials should immediately consider additional sanctions, and those that have not yet done so should consider implementing such measures.

He also called for an urgent assessment of the situation in Myanmar and the convening of a UN Security Council meeting to consider invoking Article 7 of the UN Charter. Article 7 of the UN Charter stipulates that the UN Security Council may enforce sanctions through force if necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Additionally, the option of the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Myanmar over recent years was proposed.

Special Rapporteur Andrews emphasized, "Words condemning the coup and military regime are necessary and welcome, but they are not enough," stressing, "The whole world, all of us, must take action."