Take Action to end Crimes against Humanity

Dear Minister Gilmore,

I am writing about the increase in serious human rights violations in Burma, which may constitute possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The UN Special Rapporteur on Burma has called for an Inquiry into these abuses, but so far no action has been taken to establish an Inquiry.

The UN General Assembly resolution on Burma is drafted by the European Union. This is an excellent opportunity for the EU to include the establishment of an Inquiry.

Since 1992 the UN General Assembly has been calling on the dictatorship to respect international law. The UN General Assembly resolutions on Burma have described at least 15 different human rights abuses which could be classified as possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.

It is not credible for the UN General Assembly to continue to describe and condemn human rights abuses, and continue to call for inquiries, in the full and certain knowledge that the resolution will be ignored. A UN Commission of Inquiry will have an impact, helping to reduce abuses.

The EU is also obliged to take action under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, which states it must take action to promote: ‘democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.’

Please do all that you can to ensure the European Union includes establishing a Commission of Inquiry into the draft General Assembly resolution on Burma.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]