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EU introduction of resolution L.39 Rev. 1 “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”
Third Committee of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 18 November 2015
Statement by H.E. Ms. Sylvie Lucas
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg
Mr. Chair,
On behalf of the European Union and all the Co-sponsors, I have the honour to introduce, under agenda item 73 (c), the Draft Resolution entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”, contained in document L.39 Rev. 1.
Mr. Chair,
We would like to orally revise the text of L.39 Rev. 1. The text was circulated through quick place on 16th November.
- The first amendment is to OP6 where the words “with a fully elected parliament” should be deleted from the end of the paragraph. The paragraph would then read: “Calls on all actors to sustain the democratic transition of Myanmar by bringing all national institutions, including the military, under a democratically elected, fully representative civilian government”.
- The second amendment is to OP18. In this paragraph, “Calls upon” in the first line should be replaced by “Urges”. The word “full” in the third line should be replaced by “unimpeded”. The words “including to Rakhine state” should be added after “lack of such access”. After the word “establish” the following should be added “a country office with a full mandate, and in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights”. The existing language in rev. 1 “a country office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with a full mandate” should then be deleted. The amended OP 18 would then read:
“Urges the Government of Myanmar to further facilitate the work of the Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and to grant her unimpeded access to the country, bearing in mind the lack of such access, including to Rakhine State, during her last visit, and to fulfil its commitment without further delay to establish a country office with a full mandate, and in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights”.
- The third amendment relates to OP20 (a). At the end of the paragraph, the following reference has to be added: A/70/332, paragraph 45.
Mr. Chair,
The draft resolution reflects the substantial progress that has been made in Myanmar as the democratic transition moves forward. The elections on 8th November marked a historic milestone in that ongoing transition, with millions of people in Myanmar exercising their right to vote in peaceful circumstances – a fact welcomed in the draft resolution. In the spirit of cooperation that is exemplified by Myanmar’s invitation to the international community – including the EU – to observe the elections, the draft resolution encourages continued transparency in the next stages of the electoral process and consideration of the recommendations emerging from the international and domestic observation teams. We wish to stress the importance of addressing concerns regarding unelected seats in the parliament.
The draft resolution also welcomes broader reform efforts in the country and – as a critical foundation for future stability – the signing of the National Ceasefire Agreement with eight armed groups in October: an important step towards an inclusive and comprehensive national political dialogue. It will be important to continue to work to include all religious and ethnic minorities in the dialogue in order to achieve the final goal of lasting peace.
The draft resolution encourages continued efforts to address the plight of migrants and refugees in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, recognising the vital role played by individual governments, regional organisations and the international community in addressing a challenge that is affecting many regions of the world.
Whilst acknowledging the advances that have been made in recent years in terms of human rights, governance and the rule of law, the draft resolution also addresses several remaining human rights concerns. This includes a call to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons belonging to the Rohingya community and other minorities, including in light of the discrimination and disenfranchisement that has been well-documented. The draft resolution also encourages continued steps to tackle other human rights concerns, including the need to ensure that legislation is compatible with human rights principles and that the freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are fully safeguarded.
The EU has been working closely with the country concerned and very much appreciates the constructive engagement. We have also been working closely with other interested delegations and look for the support of all delegations for this important resolution.