On 8 September 2025, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) delivered a statement during the 60th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the reports of the High Commissioner and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. The statement condemned the upcoming election process orchestrated by Myanmar’s illegal junta. Read the statement below.
8 September 2025.
UN Human Rights Council – 60th session
Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the reports of the High Commissioner and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar
Mister President,
FIDH and its members ALTSEAN-Burma and Women’s Peace Network condemn the sham elections being set up by Myanmar’s illegal junta.
This unlawful process fails to meet all relevant international standards. Political parties that won more than 90% of seats in 2020, including the National League for Democracy, are excluded. There is deliberate disenfranchisement of over three million people, including more than a million Rohingya.
On 29 July, the junta enacted a law that imposes jail and even the death penalty on those who speak or act against the sham elections.
UN member states and development partners must not legitimize this process in any way, whether it is providing technical or material assistance or election observation.
Mister President,
The sham elections are a recipe for disaster with serious implications for Myanmar’s regional neighbors, including those sitting on this Council, such as Bangladesh, China, and Thailand. The only possible outcome will inevitably fuel instability and displacement in Myanmar and across its borders.
We urge UN member states and development partners to explicitly reject these polls and to press the junta to end attacks against civilians, release all political prisoners, surrender power, and allow for the swift return of a democratically elected civilian government without delay.
Thank you.
