Violence, Intimidation in Myanmar Unacceptable: UN Secretary-General

Jakarta: The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the military and police of Myanmar to ensure that the right of peaceful assembly is fully respected and demonstrators are not subjected to reprisals.

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar, including the increasing use of force and the reported deployment of additional armoured vehicles to major cities," said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary General, in a statement on Sunday.
"Reports of continued violence, intimidation and harassment by security personnel are unacceptable," the spokesperson stated.

According to the UN official, ongoing arrests of political leaders, government officials, civil society actors and media representatives are deeply concerning as are the restrictions on internet and communication services. 

They must not be disrupted to ensure the right to freedom of expression, which includes access to information.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call on Member States collectively and bilaterally to exercise influence regarding the protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Myanmar, the official stated.

"The Secretary-General calls on the military authorities urgently to allow the Special Envoy, Ms. Christine Schraner Burgener, to visit Myanmar under agreeable conditions and to assess the situation first hand," he concluded.  

(WAH)