Canadian Friends of Burma and Burma Campaign UK have joined forces to
call on the Canadian government to support a UN Commission of Inquiry
into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma.
For many years the United Nations has been documenting horrific human
rights abuses which may constitute war crimes and crimes against
humanity. These include the deliberate targeting of civilians, with
more than 3,500 villages in Eastern Burma destroyed in the past 15
years, the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war, torture and
mutilations, arbitrary executions and slave labour.
In a groundbreaking report in March this year, the Special Rapporteur
on Burma stated that the ‘gross and systematic’ nature of the abuses
and the lack of action to stop them indicated; ‘a state policy that
involves authorities in the executive, military and judiciary at all
levels.’ He also stated; ‘According to consistent reports, the
possibility exists that some of these human rights violations may
entail categories of crimes against humanity or war crimes under the
terms of the Statute of the International Criminal Court.’ ... ‘UN
institutions may consider the possibility to establish a commission of
inquiry with a specific fact finding mandate to address the question
of international crimes.’
Canada has traditionally taken the lead in supporting accountability
and respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. It
has also been a strong supporter of promoting human rights and
democracy in Burma. However, five months has passed since the report
by the Special Rapporteur, and Canada has failed to publicly state
that it supports a UN inquiry.
Seventy-three Canadian MPs and Senators (see the list at:
http://www.cfob.org/news/PFOBandCFOBurgeGovToSupportCoIonBurma.html)
have called on the government to support an Inquiry. More than three
thousand people have emailed the Canadian government in the past week
alone, also calling on Canada to support an inquiry.
“The Government of Canada, especially Foreign Affairs Minister
Lawrence Cannon, should respond to this important call. For Canada,
this is another practical step to take action against the repressive
regime in Burma,” said Tin Maung Htoo, Executive Director of Canadian
Friends of Burma.
“The campaign to persuade Canada to support a UN Commission of Inquiry
is now going global,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign
UK. “It is very surprising Canada has not publicly stated that it
supports the recommendation of the Special Rapporteur for a Commission
of Inquiry. We need as many countries as possible on the record with
their support. Canada’s silence will encourage the dictatorship that
they can continue to get away with their crimes.”
So far Australia, the UK, Czech Republic and Slovakia have expressed
support for a UN Commission of Inquiry.
For more information contact Tin Maung Htoo on (613) 297-6835, and
Mark Farmaner on 44(0)7941239640