A/RES/53/162
Page 2
Commission resolution 1998/63 of 21 April 1998,4 in which the Commission decided to extend for one year
the mandate of its Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar,
Gravely concerned that the Government of Myanmar still has not implemented its commitment to take
all necessary steps towards democracy in the light of the results of the elections held in 1990,
Noting the contact between the Government of Myanmar and the National League for Democracy, but
regretting the failure of the Government of Myanmar to engage in a substantive political dialogue with Aung
San Suu Kyi and other political leaders, including representatives of ethnic groups,
Noting with concern that the Government of Myanmar has not permitted a visit by the special emissary
of the Secretary-General,
Noting with deep regret the continuing failure of the Government of Myanmar to cooperate with the
Special Rapporteur,
Gravely concerned at the continuing and consistent violations of human rights in Myanmar, as reported
by the Special Rapporteur,
Noting with grave concern the content of the report of the Commission of Inquiry of the International
Labour Organization,5 appointed in March 1997 in accordance with article 26 of the Constitution of the
International Labour Organization, regarding the observance by Myanmar of the Forced Labour Convention,
1930 (No. 29), which indicates a widespread and systematic use of forced labour imposed by the military on
the civilian population,
Recalling the observation made by the Special Rapporteur that the absence of respect for the rights
pertaining to democratic governance is at the root of all the major violations of human rights in Myanmar,
1. Expresses its appreciation to the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the
situation of human rights in Myanmar for his interim report;6
2. Urges the Government of Myanmar to cooperate fully with all United Nations authorities and
bodies, in particular and without further delay with the Special Rapporteur, and to ensure his access to
Myanmar, without preconditions, in order to establish direct contact with the Government and all other
sectors of society to allow him to discharge his mandate fully;
3. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report,7 and notes with concern the
observations contained therein;
4. Deplores the continuing violations of human rights in Myanmar, including extrajudicial and
arbitrary executions, rape, torture, inhuman treatment, mass arrests, forced labour, forced relocation and
denial of freedom of expression, assembly, association and movement, as reported by the Special Rapporteur;
4
Ibid., 1998, Supplement No. 3 (E/1998/23), chap. II, sect. A.
5
See A/53/364, annex, paras. 41–49.
6
A/53/364, annex.
7
A/53/657.
/...