The UN Human Rights Council must set up a commission of inquiry into Burma’s human rights record, as it has done for North Korea and Eritrea, and not spare its leader because of her iconic status, a former US human rights envoy said on Monday.

Keen to encourage US investors, Washington is eyeing a lifting of sanctions despite much criticism levelled at Suu Kyi for doing too little to address the plight of the Rohingya.

President Barack Obama will consult with Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday on whether to further ease US sanctions to help investment and democratic transition in Burma.

Two US-based rights groups argue that sanctions on Burma should remain in place until the country makes further progress on human rights abuses.

Obama, who leaves office next year, has championed a foreign policy pivot to Asia during his presidency and is determined to present the United States as a Pacific power.

President Barack Obama gathered with leaders from Southeast Asia on Monday to strengthen trade ties and form a common stance over the South China Sea in a summit that the White House hopes will solidify U.S. influence in the region.