United Nations falls short in its efforts to resolve crisis in Burma

Amnesty International yesterday called for the United Nations Security Council to demand the immediate release of the Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Last night in New York the Council announced that it “strongly deplored” the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Burma, but failed to call for an immediate release of all prisoners of conscience.

"Obviously, we wish the Council had spoken out much stronger and had called for the immediate unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other prisoners of conscience. Clearly such releases are essential if there is to be any progress on the 'genuine dialogue' and 'national reconciliation' the Security Council seeks. The Council should also have stressed accountability for the grave human rights violations committed," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

"But it is the first formal statement from the Security Council on Burma, it addresses crucial human rights issues, and for the first time ever, welcomes a resolution recently adopted by the Human Rights Council.”

Irene Khan added: "We have new reports from Burma that the military government is continuing a 'witch-hunt' against those suspected of involvement in demonstrations. This clearly flies in the face of the commitment the government has made to work with the United Nations."

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