[ CNA / AP ] Debate over Myanmar upends start to UN rights body session

The United Nations’ top human rights body opened its latest session on Monday (Jun 21) and was immediately embroiled in a debate over the representation of Myanmar, where a military takeover toppled the civilian government in February.

Western countries said that two planned debates about the human rights situation in Myanmar at the Human Rights Council’s three-and-a-half week session should go forward, even without the country represented. But China, the Philippines and Venezuela insisted it should be on hand.

Myanmar has not been represented at the UN in Geneva since the civilian government’s ambassador left after the junta took over. The UN General Assembly’s credentials committee is facing a decision about which representation of Myanmar will be recognised.

“If we exclude the country concerned, this is not fair,” said Ambassador Chen Xu of China, urging the debates on Myanmar to be put off until the council’s next session in September.