Myanmar: Italy in Geneva “appalled” by OHCHR reports of brutality against civilians

GENEVA, SEPTEMBER 26 – The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today during the interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) regarding the situation of human rights in Myanmar, in the framework of the 54th session of the Human Rights Council.

Ambassador Grassi defined “appalling” the findings of the OHCHR report, with particular regard to the increase of brutal attacks against the civilian population, including airstrikes, mass killings during ground operations, and the widespread and systematic burning of villages aimed to deprive civilians of food and shelter.

He reiterated Italy’s strong condemnation of gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law perpetrated by the Myanmar military and urged the immediate end of all acts of violence, especially against innocent civilians, including persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities.

“We remain extremely concerned by the human rights situation of the Rohingya community and strongly reject any attempt to instrumentalize relief operations”, Ambassador Grassi stated. He then called for the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya refugees, as well as for the full and unimpeded humanitarian access to all persons in need.

The Permanent Representative of Italy also demanded the release all those arbitrarily detained, the suspension of capital executions and the adoption of a moratorium of death penalty. Furthermore, he pointed out the necessity of guaranteeing accountability and justice, and praised the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism (IIMM) in this regard.

“We express our solidarity for the people of Myanmar and call on the military to return the country to a path of democracy”, Ambassador Grassi concluded. (@OnuItalia)