The Myanmar government will hold its first elections in 20 years on 7 November 2010 against a backdrop of persistent political repression and systematic violence that has been repeatedly reported on and condemned by the UN, including the Security Council. There are more than 2,200 political prisoners in Myanmar, including women such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Mie Mie, and Su Su Nway, despite continued UN calls to release them. The UN Secretary-General has reported on sexual violence and other crimes against women in Myanmar (S/2009/362), and the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has reiterated that the UN, including the Security Council, can establish a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity (A/65/368). The Council is therefore urged to:

• Immediately express its concern regarding the upcoming elections, including the restriction of free speech and the cracking down on those in Myanmar supporting the calls for the release of political prisoners.
• Request regular briefings on Myanmar and respond accordingly. Such briefings should consider, inter alia, any action, or lack thereof, by the Myanmar government to release women political prisoners; ensure justice including full reparations for survivors of gender crimes; and repeal or amend domestic legislation, including the 2008 Constitution, to ensure compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.
• Consider the establishment of an international commission of inquiry, to investigate reports of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Myanmar by all parties, and to identify the perpetrators of such violations to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice.

The Myanmar government will hold its first elections in 20 years on 7 November 2010 against a backdrop of persistent political repression and systematic violence that has been repeatedly reported on and condemned by the UN, including the Security Council. There are more than 2,200 political prisoners in Myanmar, including women such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Mie Mie, and Su Su Nway, despite continued UN calls to release them. The UN Secretary-General has reported on sexual violence and other crimes against women in Myanmar (S/2009/362), and the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has reiterated that the UN, including the Security Council, can establish a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity (A/65/368). The Council is therefore urged to:

• Immediately express its concern regarding the upcoming elections, including the restriction of free speech and the cracking down on those in Myanmar supporting the calls for the release of political prisoners.
• Request regular briefings on Myanmar and respond accordingly. Such briefings should consider, inter alia, any action, or lack thereof, by the Myanmar government to release women political prisoners; ensure justice including full reparations for survivors of gender crimes; and repeal or amend domestic legislation, including the 2008 Constitution, to ensure compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.
• Consider the establishment of an international commission of inquiry, to investigate reports of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Myanmar by all parties, and to identify the perpetrators of such violations to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice.