HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNED OVER REPORTS OF STANDOFF IN MYANMAR BETWEEN MILITARY AND AUNG SAN SUU KYI

HR/98/54
29 July 1998


The following statement was issued yesterday by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson:


“The reports coming from Myanmar regarding the refusal of the military authorities to allow Aung San Suu Kyi to travel freely give cause for great concern. The incident is the latest in what appears to be a developing pattern of restriction of the rights to freedom of movement and to freedom of association of Mrs. Suu Kyi and members of the National League for Democracy.

According to the information received, Mrs. Suu Kyi is today spending the fifth day in her car after being stopped on the road while going to visit supporters of her party outside of Yangon. There are legitimate concerns about Mrs. Suu Kyi's health and her security during this standoff.

This incident provides stark evidence of the need for the Government to enter into a frank and sincere dialogue with civil society in Myanmar as a way of overcoming the political difficulties the country is facing.

I urge the Government of Myanmar to work with Mrs. Suu Kyi and her supporters to resolve the current standoff peacefully and quickly. I also call on the Government to guarantee the rights of freedom of movement and association of all citizens and to accelerate the process of national reconciliation leading to the enjoyment of all human rights. I reiterate my recent request to the Government to facilitate a visit by the Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, who has been seeking such a visit for a lengthy period.”