GENEVA (AP), The U.N. Human Rights Chief on Tuesday praised Myanmar's remarkable resilience in helping one another in the aftermath of a military overthrow and violent crackdown. He also called on the international community not to stop violence and to restore democracy to the country.Michelle Bachelet stated that the rights situation in Myanmar has evolved from a political crisis into a multi-dimensional human right catastrophe. She noted that almost 900 people were killed and 200,000 fled their homes as a result of military raids. She pointed out that over 6 million people are in dire need of food assistance according to the World Food Program.These comments were made during a Human Rights Council discussion that led to a series of statements from countries that condemned the violence and urged the release political prisoners. They also called for democracy, aid delivery, and the rule of the law.Despite the heavy use of lethal force, including heavy weapons, against them, peaceful protests continue across the country. Bachelet stated that many military-controlled structures have been brought to a halt by civil disobedience. Despite this, the people of Myanmar have demonstrated remarkable resilience in organising systems of mutual support and solidarity.Bachelet stated that the international community must unite to press the military to stop its continued attacks on the peoples of Myanmar and to return the country's democracy to the will of the people.Myanmar was the topic at the beginning of the council's session last Wednesday: Many countries, including China, Venezuela, and the Philippines, insisted that Myanmar's junta which overthrew the civilian government in February be present during the 47-member body’s discussion.Since the departure of the ambassador from civilian governments, Myanmar has not been represented at Geneva's rights council. As the U.N. General Assemblys Credentials Committee is deciding which Myanmar representative will be recognized, it does not have a voice at the council.
