Resolution 66/170

Resolution 66/170 is a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted on December 19, 2011, concerning the situation of human rights in Myanmar, also known as Burma. The resolution was sponsored by the European Union and supported by countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It was opposed by countries including China, Russia, and India, while others like South Africa and Brazil abstained. The resolution was adopted with 84 votes in favor, 22 against, and 47 abstentions, with the support of Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other non-governmental organizations.

Introduction to Resolution 66/170

The resolution was introduced to the United Nations General Assembly by the European Union, with the support of countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The introduction of the resolution was influenced by the work of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and leader of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar. The resolution also drew on the findings of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, who had reported on the human rights situation in the country. The resolution was also informed by the work of Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and other non-governmental organizations that had documented human rights abuses in Myanmar.

Background and Context

The resolution was adopted in the context of ongoing human rights concerns in Myanmar, including the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, as well as reports of human rights abuses by the Tatmadaw, the military of Myanmar. The resolution also followed the release of a report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, which documented human rights abuses in the country, including torture, forced labor, and rape. The resolution was also influenced by the work of Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, who had called for an end to human rights abuses in Myanmar. The resolution was supported by countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, which had imposed sanctions on Myanmar in response to human rights concerns.

Provisions and Key Points

The resolution called on the Government of Myanmar to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and to end human rights abuses, including torture and forced labor. The resolution also called on the government to allow humanitarian access to affected areas, including Rakhine State and Kachin State. The resolution expressed concern about the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minority groups in Myanmar, and called on the government to take steps to address their concerns. The resolution was supported by Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who called for an end to human rights abuses in Myanmar. The resolution also drew on the work of Louise Arbour, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who had called for an end to human rights abuses in Myanmar.

Adoption and Implementation

The resolution was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2011, with 84 votes in favor, 22 against, and 47 abstentions. The adoption of the resolution was welcomed by Aung San Suu Kyi, who called it a "significant step" towards improving human rights in Myanmar. The resolution was also welcomed by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which called for its implementation. The implementation of the resolution was supported by countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, which provided humanitarian assistance to Myanmar. The resolution was also implemented with the support of United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund.

Impact and Significance

The resolution had a significant impact on the human rights situation in Myanmar, with the release of hundreds of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. The resolution also led to an improvement in humanitarian access to affected areas, including Rakhine State and Kachin State. The resolution was also significant because it marked a shift in the international community's approach to Myanmar, with a greater emphasis on human rights and democracy. The resolution was supported by Barack Obama, the former President of the United States, who called for an end to human rights abuses in Myanmar. The resolution was also supported by David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who called for an end to human rights abuses in Myanmar. The resolution was also significant because it marked a new era of cooperation between the United Nations and Myanmar, with the support of Ashraf Ghani, the former President of Afghanistan, and Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Category:United Nations General Assembly resolutions