UN independent expert on the human rights situation in Myanmar calls for 'COVID ceasefire'

28 July 2021
UN independent expert on the human rights situation in Myanmar calls for 'COVID ceasefire'
Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews. Photo: Tom Andrews/Twitter

The UN independent expert on the human rights situation in Myanmar on Tuesday called for a “COVID ceasefire” for the country, as infections and deaths soar, according to the UN website.

Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said junta forces have engaged in at least 260 attacks against medical personnel and facilities, resulting in at least 18 deaths. Meanwhile, over 600 health care professionals are currently eluding outstanding arrest warrants, and at least 67 have been detained.

He urged the Security Council and Member States “to use all the tools of the UN”, including adopting resolutions, to demand Myanmar’s military rulers, known officially as the State Administrative Council (SAC), stop all attacks, particularly against healthcare professionals.

“Too many in Myanmar have needlessly perished and too many more will die without action by the United Nations”, he warned.