Statement of the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism on the arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

The Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism expresses its continued dismay at the recent state of affairs involving Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her aides. We call on the Government of the Union of Myanmar to rectify this disturbing situation and to implement its 2003 Roadmap to Democracy which includes the commitment to release political prisoners such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

We support ASEAN in calling for their dignified and humane treatment as well as timely and adequate medical care. We unite with the rest of the international community as we appeal for their immediate release and for the Government of the Union of Myanmar to take responsibility and fulfill its human rights commitments.

Human rights is a regional concern and the current situation in Myanmar strongly impacts on the whole ASEAN region. Myanmar’s ratification of the ASEAN Charter signified its commitment to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in the region. In fact, ASEAN is currently in the process of negotiating the terms of reference that will establish an ASEAN human rights body.

We urge Myanmar to live up to its obligations and call on ASEAN and its member–states to ensure that Myanmar is held to account when it comes to the rights of its people.