Dominic Raab to urge UN Human Rights Council to address violations in Myanmar

Dominic Raab will demand the military step aside in Myanmar and release the country’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi in an address to the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

The Foreign Secretary will say the democratic wishes of the nation should be respected, amid violent scenes over the weekend when two protesters were reportedly shot dead.

People have taken to the streets in Myanmar after the military took over and detained Ms Suu Kyi following her party’s landslide victory in November’s elections.

Mr Raab will tell the UN Human Rights Council that the position in the country is getting worse, with human rights violations and abuses “well-documented”.

He is expected to say the crisis “presents an increased risk to the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities” and will call for the military to “step aside” and for civilian leaders to be released.

Mr Raab will also urge member states to take action to address violations in China, Russia and Belarus.

On Russia, the Foreign Secretary is expected to say: “We face a truly dire and shocking situation from a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

“It is disgraceful that Alexey Navalny, himself the victim of a despicable crime, has now been sentenced on arbitrary charges.

“His treatment and the violence inflicted on peaceful protesters can only further reinforce the world’s concerns that Russia is failing to meet its international obligations.

“We call on other members of the council to consider whether Russia’s actions are in line with its international human rights obligations and the values that we seek and that we have pledged to uphold.”

Mr Raab will call on the council to continue with a “comprehensive investigation” of human rights violations – including accusations of torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment – relating to the rigged presidential elections in Belarus.

He is set to say that president Alexander Lukashenko’s “brutal crackdown” against protesters has resulted in a “human rights crisis”.

“The UK will support initiatives to keep Belarus on the council’s agenda for as long as it is necessary, and until the Belarusian people are able to enjoy their democratic rights and their fundamental freedoms,” Mr Raab will say.

The Foreign Secretary will also describe the allegations of human rights abuses against the Uighur minority in Xinjiang as “beyond the pale”.

He will tell the council: “The reported abuses – which include torture, forced labour and forced sterilisation of women – are extreme and they are extensive. They are taking place on an industrial scale.

“UN mechanisms must respond. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, or another independent fact-finding expert, must – and I repeat must – be given urgent and unfettered access to Xinjiang.”

Mr Raab’s address to the 46th Session of the Council marks the UK’s return as a voting member.