Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
New Zealand thanks the Special Rapporteur for his update on the situation in Myanmar.
The ongoing crisis in Myanmar remains of deep concern to New Zealand.
New Zealand continues to condemn the coup and violence against civilians, including the Tatmadaw’s unconscionable airstrikes of 11 April which killed significant numbers, including children, at a village ceremony: the worst air attack since the coup.
New Zealand supports ASEAN’s continued endeavours to facilitate inclusive dialogue towards achieving an end to the crisis, including through implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. We call on the regime to honour its commitments to ASEAN.
Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned at the increasing level of humanitarian need in Myanmar. The impact of Cyclone Mocha has exacerbated an already challenging environment for vulnerable communities. New Zealand is concerned by the regime’s apparent willingness to use access to humanitarian support to further its interests. We urgently call for unimpeded access for humanitarian agencies in Myanmar, including in Rakhine state.
New Zealand remains deeply concerned about the plight of Rohingya and other people in vulnerable situations in Myanmar and refugees displaced from Myanmar.
We also thank the Special Rapporteur for his report on arms transfers into Myanmar which enable the perpetuation of human rights abuses.
Mr Special Rapporteur, we would welcome your views on what a “mechanism to strengthen, coordinate, and enforce economic sanctions and an arms embargo” would need to look like to be effective.1
Thank you Mr President.