UN report on Myanmar: Singapore has taken principles position against junta's use of lethal force

SINGAPORE, May 20 (Bernama): Singapore has taken a principled position against the Myanmar military’s use of lethal force against unarmed civilians.

It has worked to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar as called for in United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution A/RES/75/287 "The Situation in Myanmar”.

This is according to the republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement issued in response to media queries on the latest report released by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews.

"UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews noted in his report that the Singapore Government prohibits the transfer of arms to Myanmar.

"Singapore also does not authorise the transfer of dual-use items which have been assessed to have potential military application to Myanmar where there is a serious risk that they may be used to inflict violence against unarmed civilians,” said a spokesperson of the ministry.

The spokesperson said Special Rapporteur Andrews has also noted that "there are no indications the Government of Singapore has approved, or is involved in, the shipment of arms and associated materials to the Myanmar military.”

The ministry expressed its appreciation to the Special Rapporteur’s efforts to provide information to aid Singapore’s investigations into whether any offences were committed under Singapore law.

"Singapore will not hesitate to take action against any individual or entity which contravenes our laws,” said the spokesperson.

In the meantime, the ministry said the Singapore Government "remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to support the people of Myanmar.”

"We will continue to work with our fellow Asean member states and the United Nations to facilitate peace and national reconciliation in Myanmar,” said the spokesperson. - Bernama