“We are following developments in the crisis in Myanmar with great attention. We are deeply concerned about the widespread and serious human rights violations since the military coup on 1st February. Is the international community’s commitment sufficient? Probably not. We must do all we can to prevent Myanmar from becoming yet another ‘orphan’ crisis”. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Benedetto Della Vedova, at the event “Human rights in Myanmar. Is the international community’s commitment sufficient?” organised by the Cervi Institute.
“The violent repression by the armed forces against the civilian population, which has caused several hundred victims, is deplorable and requires an even more resolute reaction from the international community. Violence against peaceful demonstrators, journalists and human rights defenders, as well as the widespread arbitrary detentions, are deeply alarming”. Della Vedova added: “Italy, together with the other countries of the European Union, has spoken out forcefully in all the relevant international forums to strongly condemn the coup and demand respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. Within this framework, we will continue to support the efforts of the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General”. According to the Deputy Minister, “the immediate release of the huge number of people arbitrarily arrested and detained, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and the civilian leadership, all of whom are crucial to a sustainable and effective democratic transition process, is an absolute priority”. It is also ‘essential to maintain strong international pressure to resume the democratic transition in the country and put an end to the ongoing violations. We will continue to strive for a peaceful solution to the crisis in all relevant contexts, also taking advantage of the next UN General Assembly”. Finally, Della Vedova stressed that “we cannot forget the issue of the Rohingya community and its desperate humanitarian situation, with over 870,000 refugees in the Cox’s Bazar camps in Bangladesh and neighbouring countries”.
