Myanmar: UN human rights experts calls for immediate release of protesters

Deploring the arrests of more than 100 peaceful protesters following demonstrations in Myanmar over the recent surge in fuel prices, a United Nations independent human rights expert today appealed for the immediate release of the detainees.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro said in a statement that he “believes that the future of the political transition process in the country must be directed by the people and the Government of Myanmar.”

Mr. Pinheiro expressed his “serious concern” about yesterday’s start of a hunger strike by a group of detainees at the Kyaikkasan Detention Centre after authorities denied medical treatment to a detainee who was severely beaten at the protest. He also noted that he has heard allegations of the detainees also being beaten and tortured.

The Rapporteur deplored what he described as the severe treatment of citizens peacefully expressing their views, and called on the South-East Asian nation’s authorities to participate in a dialogue and in consultations with demonstrators regarding their concerns.

He recalled the statement of 26 August by Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who stressed that freedoms of expression and association are “touchstones of human rights” and said that allowing greater space for citizens to express their views and discontent will be essential in fostering the way towards a democratic transition and reconciliation in Myanmar.

Last week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on authorities to utilize restraint in responding to any demonstrations and urged all parties to avoid any provocative action.

He also appealed for “constructive dialogue towards national reconciliation at this important time in Myanmar’s history.”