U.S. Disappointed at Failure of UN Resolution on Burma

The United States is deeply disappointed by the failure of the United Nations Security Council today to adopt the resolution on Burma.

The United States believes the proposed resolution would have been a powerful tool in our efforts to help the long-suffering people of Burma. The Security Council has an obligation to uphold the universal values of human rights as enshrined in the UN Charter. The United States will continue to work for effective Security Council action to defend human rights worldwide.

Although Security Council members disagreed whether to adopt a Security Council resolution on Burma, every Security Council member affirmed that the situation in Burma remains unacceptable. The regime in Burma continues to hold over 1,100 political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and other key civil society leaders. The regime has supported violence against ethnic minorities. Conditions in Burma have caused over one million Burmese to flee to neighboring countries.

The United States stands with the people of Burma in their efforts to build a free and peaceful future and will continue to work with all its partners and allies to address the deplorable conditions in Burma. - U.S. Department of State