UN expert accuses Myanmar of acting like military govt

United Nations Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee has accused the government of Myanmar of policies reminiscent of the previous military government, and of presiding over a worsening security and human rights situation.

Lee, ending a 12-day visit to the country, listed a catalogue of concerns including reports of killings, torture, the use of human shields by security forces, deaths in custody and an ongoing humanitarian crisis for the Rohingya people and other minorities forced from their homes, reads a UN press release issued in Geneva today.

Her own movements had been severely restricted, she added, and access to crisis-hit areas remained off-limits even to international organisations.  People who met her faced harassment, and the Government had sought to place unprecedented pre-conditions on her visit.

“I am disappointed to see the tactics applied by the previous Government still being used,” said Lee, launching her statement as her visit drew to a close.  “I understand the new Government wishes to normalise its relations with the United Nations, but Myanmar must first become a country that deserves less attention and scrutiny.