Myanmar: UN Officials Call For Credible Transition

Myanmar: Top UN Officials Call For Credible Democratic Transition

New York, Oct 29 2010 1:10PM

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today repeated his call for a credible democratic transition in Myanmar, with the United Nations human rights chief stating that, eight days before scheduled elections, conditions in the country do not meet international standards for free and fair polls.

Mr. Ban "http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4887" told heads of State and government of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), meeting in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, that they have a significant stake in seeing Myanmar turn the elections into “an opportunity for peace, democracy and prosperity.”

Earlier this week he said that it is “not too late” for Myanmar to make the polls fairer by releasing political detainees. The country is set to go to the polls – the first in two decades – on 7 November.

In a statement issued today, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in the South-East Asian nation.

“These are the more than 2,000 persons in Myanmar who, in most cases, have been convicted by laws that limit freedom of expression and freedom of association and assembly and contravene international laws,” Ms. Pillay said.

“The people of Myanmar are clearly seeking a better future. Genuine elections that meet international standards should be part of the transition process towards that future,” she said.

In his speech at the UN-ASEAN summit in Hanoi, the Secretary-General said the period after elections will be the time for the authorities in Myanmar “to signal that they are ready to depart from the status quo.

“Failure to meet these expectations could undermine Myanmar’s own efforts. It could also reflect on ASEAN’s collective values and principles, at a time when you are striving for greater regional integration,” he added.

Mr. Ban also highlighted the successful cooperation between the UN and ASEAN in response to cyclone Nargis in Myanmar in 2008, saying that such collaboration should become the basis for concerted efforts between the two organizations.

“Working-level contacts must also be a regular part of the continuous process. This would help us identify further areas for cooperation – and allow us to respond more quickly and effectively at times of crisis or emergency,” he said.

In a wide-ranging speech, the Secretary-General also noted that he had fruitful discussions with Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Sen, and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva about their border dispute and was encouraged by their political will and pragmatism.

“I believe this will help to bring a peaceful resolution to the situation” the Secretary-General said.

In addition, Mr. Ban commended ASEAN for establishing the Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and the Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, saying it was an important first step towards strengthening a culture of respect for human rights.

“The United Nations, and in particular the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stands ready to help ASEAN in strengthening its regional human rights mechanisms,” he said.

ENDS