Czech Republic Backs Burma Commission of Inquiry – EU Should Officially Support

The Burma Campaign UK today welcomed the Czech Republic’s support for establishing a United Nations Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. News about the Czech Republic’s support was reported on The Irrawaddy website today.

The Czech Republic is the third country to publicly support the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry, following Australia and the UK. On 5th March 2010 the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Burma published a report calling on the United Nations to consider setting up a Commission of Inquiry.

The Czech government stated:
“The Czech Republic remains concerned at continuous grave human rights violations in Burma/Myanmar. Despite the Government’s “Roadmap to Democracy” and before the expected this year’s elections, political repression, and military attacks against civilians of ethnic nationalities continue in scale and gravity that may entail international crimes under the terms of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. We believe that the possibility of establishing a Commission of Inquiry should be seriously examined.”

“The Czech Republic continues to be one of the leading countries promoting human rights in Burma,” said Mark Farmaner, Director at Burma Campaign UK. “It is time that the EU discussed officially adopting support for a UN inquiry, and should include this in the draft United Nations General Assembly resolution on Burma later this year.”

For more information contact Mark Farmaner on 020 7324 4710

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