The 54th Session of the Human Rights Council

11 September - 13 October 2023

ID on the HC report on the human rights situation in Myanmar (continued)

September 26th, 2023

Joint Statement of Meezaan Center for Human Rights and Geneva International Centre for Justice 

Delivered by Samantha Rodríguez Santillán

Thank you, Madame Vice President.

Firstly, we would like to recognize the work done by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.  As has been addressed, the situation in Myanmar is critical. This country has been fighting for a democracy for more than fifty years. They tried to build a better future, but now their principal enemy is their own -provisional- government ruled by militarism.

Young people -particularly students - are putting up important resistance. They engaged in peaceful protesters and still believed in a non-violent solution. In this sense, the political situation and persecution have provoked several consequences such as violent crackdowns, depression, and desperation. Given this scenario, it is urgent to take this into account.  

Today, they feel that the international community has abandoned them. Nonetheless, they remain resilient. They want to protect the legacy of peace that many people have died for. Their collective thinking is that if they don’t have a democracy, future generations will. 

Once again, the Meezaan Center for Human Rights and the Geneva International Centre for Justice urgently call on all States to take specific actions to stop this massacre. We strongly condemn the crimes against humanity that are being committed, and we request that the necessary measures be taken so that they do not go unpunished. Myanmar hasn’t surrendered, people are still fighting and surviving.

Thank you.