Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
Aotearoa New Zealand thanks the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar for the report and commends the progress of the Mechanism during the reporting year.
With August 2022 marking the fifth anniversary of the military’s attack in Rakhine, the important work of the Mechanism remains more crucial than ever. New Zealand agrees with the Mechanism that accountability and ending impunity are a key part of the process for a safe and dignified solution to the crisis.
New Zealand is deeply concerned by the military coup in Myanmar and the ongoing violence against civilians. New Zealand commends the Mechanism’s recalibration to include investigation into reports of human rights abuses since the coup. We also call on Myanmar to fully cooperate with the Mechanism.
New Zealand notes the reports on delays and difficulties in accessing Myanmar and other territory where witnesses are located. We call upon all states to grant full access to the Mechanism and ask what more can be done to encourage full cooperation with the Mechanism?
Thank you, Mr President.