The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, issued the following statement today:

“The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, expressed his dismay that four months on from the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, political and human rights activists continue to be arrested, detained and sentenced to prison terms under the security laws of Myanmar. He further raised concern for their physical and psychological integrity while in detention. Reports have been received expressing serious concerns regarding the health conditions of some of the prisoners who require immediate care and specific medication.

The Special Rapporteur would like to appeal to the Government of Myanmar to take all necessary steps to secure the right to freedom of opinion and expression as well as peaceful association of the above mentioned persons, in accordance with the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He further calls on the authorities to secure urgent medical treatment for the prisoners.

The Special Rapporteur recalled that the ongoing prosecutions are a flagrant abuse of people’s right to a free and fair trial in accordance with international recognized standards and the requirements of the due process of law. As the recent resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council have reminded, the Government of Myanmar has a prime responsibility and duty to protect, promote and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms”.


For use of the information media; not an official record

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