Labor joins with the Government in strongly condemning the atrocities committed in Myanmars Rakhine, Shan and Kachin states.
The full report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar finds that
gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law have been committed in Myanmar since 2011 and that many of these violations undoubtedly amount to the gravest crimes under international law.
The gross human rights violations and abuses committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States are shocking for their horrifying nature and ubiquity.
The report makes clear the Myanmar military, or Tatmadaw, is directly responsible for these gross human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence and grave violations against children and that its leadership must be removed.
The report concludes that there is now sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation and prosecutions for genocide perpetrated against the Rohingya.
The Myanmar Government can no longer ignore its responsibilities and must now act to rein in the Tatmadaw, and hold to account those responsible for these horrific crimes.
Labor welcomes the Governments commitment to work with the international community, including considering targeted sanctions, and use our position on the UN Human Rights Council to bring accountability and justice to Myanmar.
The development of strong democratic practices and institutions - including the protection of human rights - is crucial to Myanmars long-term prosperity.
Authorised by Noah Carroll, ALP, Canberra.