The Turnbull government wants to downgrade United Nations monitoring of human rights in Myanmar despite reports of repression by the country's military, which retains impunity from abuses. Australia's stand at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva comes as rights groups accuse Myanmar government forces of committing serious violations during renewed fighting with ethnic armies, including forced labour, torture and ill-treatment and sexual violence against woman. The government denies the allegations. Human rights groups have condemned Australia's support of moves for the UN council to provide only technical assistance, such as writing new laws. Emily Howie (pictured), director of advocacy and research at the Melbourne-based Human Rights Law Centre, said Australia's position "severely underplays the extent and seriousness of the ongoing human rights abuses" in the country. A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said: "Australia's view is the best way to improve human rights practices in Myanmar is to engage constructively with its incoming government, rather than seeking to isolate it."