Former world leaders urge end to impunity in Myanmar unrest

The former prime minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland and former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari are in the group of former world leaders, who on Thursday 26 September appealed for an end to impunity over a wave of anti-Muslim attacks in Myanmar.

The call came at the end of a three-day visit to the formerly military-ruled country by the group – known as “The Elders” – for talks with reformist President Thein Sein, religious leaders and civil society groups.

“The Elders call for an end to impunity for the perpetrators of violence against the Muslim community and for the meaningful realisation of the right to freedom of religion,” they said in a statement.

Ms Gro Harlem Brundtland, former prime minister of Norway and deputy chair of The Elders, said it could take decades to overcome “the ingrained prejudices promoted by extremist voices in parts of the country”

The Former world leaders led by ex-US president Jimmy Carter also visited the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw.

Source: The Straits Times

MyanmarMeeting2609e (1)
Myanmar President Thein Sein (second right) with(from left) former Norway’s prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, former US president Jimmy Carter and former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *