Burma – UN Report on Human Rights

The United States appreciates the recent report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Burma, which compiles important evidence of continuing violations of human rights in the country. The U.S. shares the conclusions of the UN human rights monitor in his sobering report that the referendum on the regime’s draft constitution was far from credible; that the ongoing detention of political prisoners, including National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and the conditions under which they are held, is appalling; and that the Burmese regime must respect the human rights principles of non-discrimination and accountability in the international effort to assist the victims of Cyclone Nargis.

We remain committed to helping the victims of this humanitarian disaster and calls on the Burmese regime to uphold its pledge to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to allow international humanitarian workers and supplies unhindered access to cyclone-affected areas. We are concerned that forced relocation of storm victims, absent adequate access to assistance, will put them at even greater risk. The United States continues to urge the Burmese regime to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and to begin a genuine dialogue with democratic and ethnic minority leaders on a transition to democracy.

The full text of the UN Special Rapporteur’s report can be found at: www2.ohchr.org/

2008/477 Released on June 10, 2008 Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC June 10, 2008