United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urges
Myanmar to release peaceful demonstrators immediately

7  September 2007 

 http://www.ohchr.org/english/press/media.htm

The High Commissioner for Human rights, who has the rank of Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, heads the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The post of High Commissioner was established in December 1993 by a General Assembly resolution, in accordance with a recommendation contained in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The resolution specifies that the High Commissioner is the principal United Nations official responsible for United Nations human rights activities, and that the High Commissioner performs his/her duties under the direction and authority of the Secretary-General. The resolution gives the High Commissioner the broad mandate to promote and protect all human rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural.  Ms. Louise Arbour was appointed High Commissioner in July 2004.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today expressed her growing concern over the detention of peaceful demonstrators by the Myanmar authorities and called for their immediate release.

The High Commissioner noted that more than 150 people have reportedly been arrested since 19 August 2007, when citizens began protesting against a sharp increase in fuel prices. The High Commissioner expressed dismay at the violence used against some protestors, including monks, by agents of the State.

The High Commissioner urged the authorities to uphold freedom of expression and association and engage with Myanmar’s civil society, rather than suppress dissent. She observed that there will be no progress in Myanmar’s political transition unless people have space to express their views openly and peacefully.  

United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights urges the
Myanmar authorities to
release student leaders and other
protesters

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, issued the following statement:

http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/97F59E2DFC0F51D0C12573440020C571?opendocument

Geneva, 26 August 2007: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, expressed concern over reports that student leaders and other protesters have been arrested by the Myanmar authorities following a series of peaceful demonstrations against the sharp increase in the prices of fuel.

The High Commissioner stressed that the freedoms of expression and association are touchstones of human rights. Allowing greater space for citizens to express their views and discontent will be essential in fostering the way towards a democratic transition and reconciliation in the country.In this spirit, the United Nations High Commissioner called on the authorities of
Myanmar to immediately release those detained and engage in consultation and dialogue with the demonstrators on their concerns.