CONDEMNATORY HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTION ON BURMA

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 002291

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM AORC UNGA BM XC
SUBJECT: CONDEMNATORY HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTION ON BURMA
RIDES TO VICTORY IN THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY


1. (U) A strong and unambiguous resolution deploring the
situation of human rights in Burma gathered momentum and
passed by a significant margin of 57 votes in a late-night
session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on December 22. The
final vote count was 82 in favor (U.S.) - 25 opposed - 45
abstentions. 45 countries cosponsored the resolution, which
the EU earlier introduced in the UNGA Third Committee. In
the GA, no delegation attempted to cut off debate and a vote
with a so-called "no-action motion." (Note: When the Third
Committee took action on the same resolution last month,
Burma tabled a no-action motion, which the Third Committee
defeated by a margin of 8 votes. The condemnatory resolution
itself then passed by a vote of 79-28-63 abstentions.)


2. (U) Over four pages long, Resolution A/61/443 on the
"Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar" is an explicit and
substantive catalogue and condemnation of current violations.
The text criticizes, among other practices, extrajudicial
killings, sexual violence by members of the armed forces,
torture and deaths in custody, forced labor, trafficking in
persons, disrespect for the rule of law, attacks on ethnic
villages, restrictions on the National League for Democracy
and other political parties, and the absence of progress
toward democratic reform. The resolution "strongly calls
upon" the Government of Burma to end: military operations
that target civilians; recruitment of child soldiers;
systematic forced displacement of persons; restraints on
peaceful political activity; detention of political
prisoners; and hindrance of access to all parts of the
country for the UN and international humanitarian
organizations, among other measure clearly aimed "to end
impunity." Full text is available on DRL's website:
www.state.gov/g/drl/hr/c1317.


3. (U) The U.S., EU, Australia and Canada renewed
last-minute but strenuous lobbying efforts in New York and
capitals to ensure a successful vote in the GA Plenary.
Notably among those countries whom we targeted and that
indeed changed their vote from Third Committee, were:
Bahamas (from Abstention to Yes); Congo (from No to Yes);
Saudi Arabia (from Abstention to Yes); and Tanzania (from
Abstention to Yes). Many of the ASEAN neighbors, however,
continued to register caution. Voting No were Brunei,
Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Viet Nam.
Abstentions came from Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri
Lanka and Thailand. Japan and notably South Korea joined the
Yes votes.



4. (SBU) Comment: The vote in the General Assembly keeps
world pressure and attention focused on a regime that
egregiously violates its citizens' human rights. Vigorous
lobbying, coupled with a limited number of countries that
have a vital interest in Burma, helped ensure a successful
outcome.
WOLFF