Extracts concerning Burma/Myanmar from the UN Press Release on the ECOSOC debate of the morning of 23 July 2003,

followed by the statement of the United States.

The full text of the press release may be found on the UN Geneva website at http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/0A998A556848073FC1256D6C00520A38?opendocument

UNITED NATIONS

Press Release

ECOSOC ADOPTS TEXTS ON … HUMAN RIGHTS IN MYANMAR

23.07.2003 morning

Begins Consideration of Human Rights and Indigenous Issues

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) this morning began its adoption of texts recommended to it by the Commission on Human Rights with the adoption of a resolution concerning the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and two decisions concerning, respectively, Lebanese detainees held in Israel and the human rights situation in Myanmar…on the subject of the human rights situation in Myanmar, the Council adopted, without a vote, a decision by which it endorsed the decision of the Commission on Human Rights to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar for a further year....The Council adopted, without a vote, a decision on the "Situation of human rights in Myanmar," by which the Council endorsed the decision to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar for a further year…

Comments on the Decision on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar

The representative of Italy, speaking after the adoption of the decision on behalf of the European Union, said that she wished to voice the EU's preoccupation in the context of the action of the Council on the Commission's resolution 2003/12 on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The EU was deeply concerned over the increase of politically motivated arrests and arbitrary detentions, in particular the arrest and arbitrary detention of Aung San Suu Kyi. The EU urged Myanmar to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and to reopen NLD offices throughout the country. Moreover, those responsible for the attacks on Ms. Suu Kyi and her colleagues at Saging should be held to account. Expressing its support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Myanmar, she concluded that the EU would continue to monitor closely the situation in Myanmar and to reaffirm its readiness to react proportionately to future developments.

The representative of the United States said that the situation in Burma had dramatically worsened. In the past three months, the junta's unfathomable behavior had earned its well-deserved international scorn and condemnation. The continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues on the grounds of "safety and security" was unacceptable and inexplicable. The Government maintained a pervasive security apparatus that intimidated and controlled the people in an effort to promote "stability". The international community had consistently called on the junta to release all political prisoners, end the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and restore democracy. These calls had fallen on deaf ears. The junta could ignore the entreaties from the international community or it could begin real reforms. Whichever way it chose, change would indeed come to this country that had been so painfully savaged.

The representative of Japan said that Japan urged the Government of Myanmar to rectify the current situation, including through the release of Ms. Suu Kyi and other members of the National League for Democracy and to initiate genuine efforts for democratization and to support the efforts of the Secretary-General Special Envoy.

The representative of Myanmar said that some representatives had made derogatory comments on the human rights situation in Myanmar. This was not consistent with the practice of the Council, which traditionally adopted or did not adopt the resolutions and decisions of the Commission, without further consideration of the issues. In considering the human rights issue, the Council should not be selective or partial. Thus, attempts to single out Myanmar ran counter to universal norms and were politically motivated and designed to exert undue political pressure on Myanmar. Categorically rejecting these comments, he said that Myanmar's current purpose was not to evade the issue, but to ensure that it was considered by the appropriate international forum within the appropriate procedure. One of the political objectives of the Government was national reconciliation, which had been pursued and had born fruits, among others, such as the return of 17 armed groups to the legal fold. Also as part of the transition to democracy, the Government had permitted political parties to expand their activities.

Some Western countries, he said, were now turning to sanctions as a political weapon. Myanmar opposed the use of sanctions; they were not effective and would only hurt the ordinary people, as experience had shown. It was hoped the international community would understand Myanmar's efforts to establish a modern, peaceful and developed state. In conclusion, he assured the Council that the Myanmar authorities had had to take temporary measures to ensure the safety of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – but they were only temporary and she was safe.

The representative of Australia said that his delegation shared the concerns voiced by the representatives of Italy, Japan and the United States and wished to be associated with the statement of the representative of the United States…

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UN Economic and Social Council June 30-July 25, 2003

Explanation of Vote

Commission on Human Rights Decision 2 Situation of Human Rights in Burma

Statement by

Ambassador Sichan Siv

United States Representative to the Economic and Social Council

Geneva, Switzerland July 23, 2003

(Please check against delivery)

Madam President,

The United States wishes to note that since the last session of the Commission on Human Rights, the situation in Burma has dramatically worsened. The resolution is sadly out of step with current realities.

In the three months that have passed, the Burmese junta's unfathomable behavior has earned its well-deserved international scorn and condemnation. The United States remains deeply concerned by the outrageous events that have taken place, starting with the May 30 premeditated attack on the caravan of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The attack, which left many dead, wounded and missing, was carried out by government-affiliated thugs. The Rangoon junta has yet to offer the international community a credible explanation of that day's events, and provide a full account of those injured and missing.

The continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues on the grounds of "safety and security" is unacceptable and inexplicable. Their inability to engage in simple peaceful political activities is a clear violation of their human rights. We call on the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to release them and allow the offices of the National League for Democracy to reopen in order to implement a genuine plan for democratization in Burma.

We also call attention to the continued appalling human rights situation faced by the 50 million Burmese. Not only do they lack basic freedoms of speech, association, assembly, and travel, but they are also subject to a wide variety of abuses, perpetrated by their own government. This government maintains a pervasive security apparatus that intimidates and controls the people in an effort to promote "stability".

We must also draw special attention to those who live in the ethnic-minority areas. We have seen reports detailing abuses, including extra judicial killings, widespread forced relocation, forced labor, and rape by members of the military. These people live in fear for their freedom, their property, and their lives. Many have fled to neighboring countries to escape this persecution.

The international community has consistently called on the junta to release all political prisoners, end the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and restore democracy. These calls for change have fallen on deaf ears. The Burmese people remain oppressed, and the SPDC has not made real steps to improve the situation.

United Nations Special Envoy Razali Ismail has made tireless efforts on behalf of national reconciliation in Burma. We salute him and support his future attempts to foster dialogue. We place the blame for the lack of progress on the shortsightedness of the SPDC. Special Rapporteur Paulo Sergio Pinheiro had to curtail his last visit to Rangoon, when he learned that his confidential conversations were being taped. The junta has not cooperated with his efforts to return to the country in order to prepare his next report for the General Assembly.

In Secretary Powell's words, "By attacking Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters, the Burmese junta has finally and definitively rejected the efforts of the outside world to bring Burma back into the international community. Indeed, their refusal of the work of Ambassador Razali and of the rights of Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters could not be clearer. Our response must be equally clear if the thugs who now rule Burma are to understand that their failure to restore democracy will only bring more and more pressure against them and their supporters."

The junta can ignore the entreaties from the international community or it can begin real reforms. Whichever way it chooses, those in power should rest assured that change will indeed come to this country that has been so painfully savaged.

Thank you, Madam President.