Myanmar’s Response on the Interactive Dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Myanmar at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council (24-9-2024,Geneva)

Myanmar’s Response on the Interactive Dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Myanmar at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council (24-9-2924,Geneva)

MOFASeptember 25, 2024

The Interactive Dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the report entitled “Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar” was held on 24 September 2024 at the ongoing 57th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in the absence the country-concerned. The report sacrifices its impartiality, credibility and integrity without fairly reflecting facts and views of the country-concerned, Myanmar, although it is prerequisite for the mandate holders to uphold. The so-called Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner is second discussion following the one with the so-called IIMM during the current session of the Council. Additionally, it is the sixth of its kind in this year’s Council and the number of IDs on Myanmar is the highest compared to other country specific discussions. Such multiplication and duplication of work results incompetent report and unproductive follow-up discussion. Myanmar has been striving to place the country back on track to democratization following electoral fraud with massive voters’ list irregularities in 2020 general elections. The radical politicians without addressing the issue lawfully turned to armed movement claimed over 8,100 lives and it further complicates the insurgency issue that has lasted in Myanmar since its independence in 1948. The different armed groups in Myanmar take advantage of political situation and intensify their terrorist movements significantly in October 2023 in northern Shan, Kayin and Rakhine States for territorial gains. Although a ceasefire was reached in January 2024, MNDAA and TNLA resumed their attacks in northern Shan State and in Mandalay Region in June 2024. They targeted towns and villages with residential areas and public infrastructure including hospitals, schools and religious buildings. The AA terrorist group has been committing the same in northern and southern part of the Rakhine State as well as some parts of Chin State. Innocent local communities including Rakhine, Chin, Bengalis and other groups alike bear the brunt of AA’s reckless attacks. On 5 and 6 of August 2024, AA attacked crowds with women and children in western bank of Maungdaw. The videos widely shared online as well as witnesses of the incidents indicate AA is responsible for a series of bomb-dropping drones which killed hundreds of Bengalis. It is shocked to see that the presentation not only failed to sufficiently acknowledge the atrocities committed by the armed groups although other counter-terrorism reports indicated that PDFs were the main perpetrators of terror acts but also instigated the terrorists to target civil servants. The security forces of Myanmar have been taking necessary counter-measures as per the Rules of Engagement and domestic laws since it has the primary responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the people. Such measures have led to the restoration of peace and stability in many parts of Chin, Kayah, Shan and Kayin States and Mandalay and Sagaing Regions. The Government of Myanmar has been granting access to UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations for humanitarian activities depending on security conditions. In addition to the presence of 16 UN agencies, the Government facilitated travel access for over 1,000 times to UN agencies and INGOs and over 200 times to foreign Embassies between February 2021 and May 2024. Some indicate engaging with terrorist groups under the pretext of providing humanitarian assistance. It should be noted that the armed groups are responsible for terror attacks against the local communities and they have been committing killings, abductions, extortions, forced recruitment, etc. Myanmar reminds the respective member states to respect territorial integrity and sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Myanmar. External attempts to influence internal affairs of Myanmar is unwarranted and unacceptable. With regard to mental health mentioned in the report, the issue is a challenge experienced in most of the countries following the pandemic as WHO’s scientific brief stated the COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide and interpreting it in political dimensions without any evidence is not only baseless but also unprofessional. Articulating a position of concern based on incorrect and unsubstantiated sources is therefore regrettable. Since holding free and fair election is the ultimate mission of the State Administration Council, the population and household census will be collected in the entire nation from 1 to 15 October 2024 simultaneously and the census will also contribute to the compilation of correct and accurate voter lists. Based on the outcome, the eligible voter list will be announced to the public and Myanmar envisages holding the elections in 2025. Myanmar always opposes country-specific resolutions and mandates which go against the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, constructive international dialogue and cooperation in promotion and protection of human rights. While Myanmar is going through the delicate transition, selectively targeting the country, interference in its internal affairs, imposing political pressure and misusing United Nations Human Rights Council set a dangerous precedent. Therefore, Myanmar reiterates its objection on holding one-sided talks and rejects all conclusions and recommendations and the whole report entitled “Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar” (A/HRC/57/56)”. The Myanmar Mission’s official website provides an excellent source of detailed observations on the said report.