OHCHR / MYANMAR

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michele Bachelet “is gravely concerned about the situation in Myanmar following the removal of the civilian Government and the arbitrary detention of dozens of political leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, activists and others,” the spokesperson for Bachelet said today. OHCHR

• Categories: News & Features / News Stories / Unifeed
• Video Length: 00:01:38
• Production Date: 1 February 2021
• Asset Language: English
• Personal Subject: MICHELLE BACHELET JERIA
• Corporate Name: OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS - OHCHR
• Subject Topical: COUPS D'ETAT; HUMAN RIGHTS
• Geographic Subject: MYANMAR
• MAMS Id: 2600608
• Parent Id: 2600608
• Alternate Title: unifeed210201e

Description

STORY: OHCHR / MYANMAR
TRT: 1:38
SOURCE: OHCHR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 1 FEBRUARY 2021 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

Shotlist

FILE

1. Exterior shot, Palais des nations

1 FEBRUARY 2021 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
“The High Commissioner is gravely concerned about the situation in Myanmar following the removal of the civilian Government and the arbitrary detention of dozens of political leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, activists and others by the military today. I echo the Secretary-General’s call for the military leadership to respect the outcome of the elections.
The High Commissioner is alarmed by reports suggesting that at least 45 people have been detained – including elected parliamentarians under confinement – and we call for their immediate release. There are also disturbing reports of journalists being harassed or attacked, and restrictions on the Internet and social media – which will restrict access to information and freedom of expression at this critical and frightening time for the people of Myanmar.
Given the security presence on the streets in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in other cities, there are deep fears of a violent crackdown on dissenting voices. We remind the military leadership that Myanmar is bound by international human rights law, including to respect the right to peaceful assembly, and to refrain from using unnecessary or excessive force.
The High Commissioner urges the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar at this time, and for all States with influence to take steps to prevent the crumbling of the fragile democratic and human rights gains made by Myanmar during its transition from military rule.”
3. Exterior shot, Palais des nations

Storyline

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michele Bachelet “is gravely concerned about the situation in Myanmar following the removal of the civilian Government and the arbitrary detention of dozens of political leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, activists and others,” the spokesperson for Bachelet said today (1 Feb).

Ravina Shamdasani, the Spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said “ the High Commissioner is alarmed by reports suggesting that at least 45 people have been detained – including elected parliamentarians under confinement – and we call for their immediate release.”

“There are also disturbing reports of journalists being harassed or attacked, and restrictions on the Internet and social media – which will restrict access to information and freedom of expression at this critical and frightening time for the people of Myanmar, Shamdasani said. “Given the security presence on the streets in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in other cities, there are deep fears of a violent crackdown on dissenting voices. We remind the military leadership that Myanmar is bound by international human rights law, including to respect the right to peaceful assembly, and to refrain from using unnecessary or excessive force.”

She also said “the High Commissioner urges the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar at this time, and for all States with influence to take steps to prevent the crumbling of the fragile democratic and human rights gains made by Myanmar during its transition from military rule.”