UN Human Rights Council to discuss Myanmar
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) will convene today to discuss a report by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights abuses in Myanmar.
After seizing power in a military coup on February 1 and ousting the government of civilian leader Aung San Suu Ky over claims of a fraudulent parliamentary election, the military (known as the Tatmadaw) is accused of committing significant human rights violations in the attempt to secure its position.
Expect the council to call for the release of all detainees and for the protection of the country’s democratic institution. It is not clear whether the OHCHR can place enough pressure on the Tatmadaw to stop the violations. In the past, the Tatmadaw has been accused of atrocities against the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities without facing serious consequences.
It is unlikely that the military will step back in the foreseeable future. The UNHCR and the international community could respond to this seizure of power with sanctions, but China is unlikely to back any UN sanctions due to its own economic interests in the country. However, Beijing could play a mediating role in resolving the crisis in Myanmar by brokering a deal between the Tatmadaw and civilian representatives.
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