[Ed. Note: The letter below regarding the resignation of Justice Rajsoomer Lallah as special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar was sent to Mary Robinson, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Nov. 24, 2000.]

It was with grave disappointment that the Asian Human Rights Commission learned of Justice Rajsoomer Lallah’s resignation as special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. We applaud Justice Lallah for his courageous efforts and incisive reports, which have consistently brought the systemic and massive violations of human rights in Myanmar to the attention of the international community.

That the former special rapporteur’s uncompromising stance in favour of human rights principles led him into conflict with the government of Myanmar is not surprising; that he apparently received a lack of support from your office for the effective discharge of his mandate is most regrettable. On the basis of his reports, repeated appeals to the high commissioner’s office by numerous and diverse agencies also appears to have fallen on deaf ears. For the Asian Human Rights Commission, this is a concern. For the people of Myanmar, it is to belittle the escalating human rights tragedy that is eroding their society and devaluing their lives.

The Asian Human Rights Commission urges the appointment of a new and equally vigorous special rapporteur to whom the high commissioner’s office will extend the full support that this position deserves. Finally, we encourage you to take a significant interest in the crisis continuing to unfold in Myanmar and personally commit yourself to pressure the government for genuine change of both the policies and practices stimulating human rights violations there.