Press Release:
UNHCHR
UN expert
to visit Myanmar to assess rights impact of worsening security situation
GENEVA (7 July 2017)
– The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, will undertake her sixth information-gathering visit to
the country from 10 to 21 July.
Ms. Lee plans to
visit Rakhine, Shan and Kayin States in addition to Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw to
assess recent developments.
“I am especially
concerned with the escalating security situation in many parts of the country
which have grave consequences for human rights in Myanmar,” the independent
expert said.
During the 12-day
visit, at the invitation of the Government, the Special Rapporteur will address
a broad range of human rights issues with the authorities and various
stakeholders, including political and community leaders, and civil society
representatives, as well as victims of human rights violations and members of
the international community.
The Special
Rapporteur will also look at human rights in the business context - including
the rights of people affected by Special Economic Zones - an issue she
highlighted in a recent address to the Human Rights
Council. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=21753&LangID=E
“I will also
continue to pursue the development of a plan to implement joint benchmarks,
which the Human Rights Council has invited me to work on with the Government,
as well as a time frame against which to monitor progress,” she said.
“While it is
regrettable that the Government has already refused access to several locations
I had sought to visit in Shan State, citing security concerns, I look forward
to the good cooperation which the Government has always extended to my mandate.
“I especially hope
that the constructive and frank exchange of views which always takes place
during my visits will lead to real and meaningful change for the people of
Myanmar,” Ms. Lee concluded.
Following her visit,
the human rights expert will present a report to the UN General Assembly in
October 2017.
A press conference
will be held at the end of the Special Rapporteur’s visit. Details of the time
and venue will be announced during the course of the visit. Access to the press
conference will be strictly limited to journalists.
Ends
About Ms.Yanghee Lee:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/CountriesMandates/MM/Pages/SRMyanmar.aspx
UN Human Rights,
country page, Myanmar: http://yangon.sites.unicnetwork.org/2017/07/07/un-expert-to-visit-myanmar-to-assess-rights-impact-of-worsening-security-situation/
Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1707/S00031/un-expert-to-visit-myanmar-to-assess-rights.htm
Government of Myanmar
has warned Ms.Yanghee Lee @YangheeLeeSKKU not to undertake the responsibilities
of United Nations fact finding mission (#UN_Fact_Finding_Mission) in upcoming
visit.
Government press
statement is here: https://twitter.com/MayWongCNA/status/883189423692697600
