HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: LATEST DETENTIONS IN MYANMAR A SIGN THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL IGNORING BASIC STANDARDS

HR/98/74
7 October 1998



The following statement was issued today by High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson:

“The latest detentions of opposition activists in Myanmar are very worrying, indicating that the Government continues to ignore basic human rights standards and the concern of the international community.

Yesterday I deplored the intensifying wave of repression against Myanmar's political opposition. I reiterate in the strongest possible terms my call to the Government of Myanmar to release all political prisoners and to guarantee its citizens all fundamental human rights. I also urge the Government to undertake a process of reconciliation with the opposition and to cooperate fully with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations.”