Slow Erosion of Human Rights Abuses Followed by a Tidal Wave of Resurgent Repression? United Nations Representatives for around a decade have been meeting and trying to move Myanmar junta leaders toward softening the military regime and improving human rights within the country. From the treatment of minorities such as the Rohingya (The Most Endangered Minority Group? - "Ugly as Ogres"- diplomaticallyincorrecttv.com/films/blog_post/the-most-endangered-minority-group-ugly-as-ogres-by-ambassador-mo/27298 ) to democracy activists as Aung San Suu Kyi, the efforts have stalled at the level of talk. Thus, you’ll forgive me if I do not have much optimism what another visit from UN officials with Myanmar authorities will deliver, even if they are allowed to visit with opposition leaders. It is slow erosion of human rights abuses which has been swept back by one tidal wave of resurgent repression. Allowed to Meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Vijay Nambiar, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Myanmar met with senior members of the country’s newly installed Government and the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD). He said that during the three-day visit he underlined the importance of the Government implementing its stated commitments on such issues as governance, human rights, the rule of law and sustainable development. (From UN News Centre Report) High Expectations for “Concrete Steps”! In a press statement issued in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, Mr. Nambiar noted that expectations are high both domestically and internationally that the Government will soon take “concrete steps” to meet those commitments. “In all my meetings I stressed that this must include the release of all political prisoners and inclusive dialogue with all segments of society, as well as greater outreach to the international community to ensure that the proposed reforms enjoyed broad buy-in, Only then can there be greater confidence that the efforts undertaken will indeed serve to meet the long-standing needs and aspirations of the people of Myanmar. There is no time to waste if Myanmar is to move forward.” Mr. Nambiar welcomed the themes and reforms outlined by President Thein Sein in his inaugural speeches on “some of the most pressing political and economic challenges facing Myanmar.” The Special Adviser cited sustainable development and equitable growth; good governance, through greater inclusiveness, accountability and transparency; respect for fundamental human rights, the media and the rule of law; and continued engagement with those who do not accept the recently adopted constitution and the Government’s roadmap agenda. Mr. Nambiar met with Ms. Suu Kyi and members of the NLD’s central executive committee, and also with representatives of parliamentary political parties and civil society organizations. During the visit he also reiterated the UN’s commitment to engage more with the people and Government of Myanmar on issues ranging from health and education to human rights and capacity building. What About Possible Role of International Criminal Court? It would be good if I’m wrong, but my expectations are low, very low. Perhaps the only institution that might eventually prompt change is the International Criminal Court (ICC). That may be one of the motives of Myanmar’s authoritarian regime in keeping the door ajar to UN officials – to keep the door closed to an ICC formal investigation, indictments and prosecution, for genocide and other grave violations of international humanitarian law. That would more likely occur if there was a referral from the UN Security Council. Related Reports: ---“Rohingya (from above) - diplomaticallyincorrecttv.com/films/blog_post/the-most-endangered-minority-group-ugly-as-ogres-by-ambassador-mo/27298 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Face Book at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter - DiplomaticallyX