Ambassador Thomas Armbruster
U.S. Adviser for the Third Committee
New York, New York
October 23, 2023
Remarks at a Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, and the Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar, Nicholas Koumjian
AS DELIVERED
Thank you Chair, Special Rapporteur Andrews, and distinguished panelists. The United States strongly condemns the military’s use of violence against the people of Myanmar, including peaceful protestors, journalists, members of civil society, and civilians.
We welcome UNSC resolution 2669 passed last December, but this is only a first step. The sale or transfer of arms, military materiel, and dual-use technology to the regime must end.
The United States has imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s Ministry of Defense and two of Myanmar’s largest state-owned banks, which provided the regime access to foreign currency enabling it to purchase arms and other materials.
We urge Member States to divest from Myanmar’s military-affiliated enterprises, tighten restrictions on sensitive exports, and halt sales of arms, military-use jet fuel, and other materials that could perpetuate the military regime’s horrific violence.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those unjustly detained, and we urge all actors to refrain from extrajudicial attacks.
The regime must grant safe and unhindered humanitarian access so that life-saving assistance reaches vulnerable populations. We call for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons.
We urge the regime to engage with all stakeholders to end the violence and pursue a path toward genuine and inclusive multiparty democracy.
Mr. Special Rapporteur and distinguished briefers, what actions can Member States take to promote accountability for the architects and perpetrators of violence while supporting Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons?
Thank you.
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