General Statement by H.E. U Hau Do Suan, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to United Nations after action on the resolution “The Human Rights Situation in Myanmar” (A/C.3/72/L.48) at the 3rd Committee Meeting

(15 November 2017)

Mr. Chairman,

• Today is a sad day for Myanmar, an eighteen-month old infant democracy struggling to overcome mounting challenges. Most importantly, this ill-intentioned, selective and politically motivated resolution will not help our efforts for solving the issue of Rakhine State, but would rather lead to further polarization and escalation of tensions among different religious communities in the country and beyond. And it will only intensify mistrust between the people of Myanmar and the international community.
• It is also a dark day for NAM as the main sponsors of the resolution are member states of the OIC who are also members of the Movement. This is worrying that we are now witnessing the sign of diminishing coherence and adherence to the founding principles and norms among members of the Movement.
• The results of the recorded vote on draft resolution A/C,3/72/L.48 have demonstrated that even under the enormous political pressure, many countries stand up for principle and express their strong view that politicization of human rights and humanitarian situation for political and religious purpose is unacceptable.
• My delegation opposes the attempts to infringe the sovereignty of a nation by misusing the norms and procedure of the United Nations in an ill intention. The resolution that has just been adopted has no moral authority, and thus Myanmar would not be bound by it. Once again, we strongly reject the use of the self-designated nomenclature.
• I would like to thank those delegations who voted against the draft resolution or abstained or not participated in the voting. My delegation would also like to acknowledge the efforts of some Member States to try to depoliticize the issue and to help the draft resolution to be less subjective as much as possible.
• However, the resolution is still evidently politicization of the issue of Rakhine State with questionable intention. Therefore, it is procedurally, morally and ethically unacceptable to us.

Mr. Chairman,

• As for the people of Myanmar, we shall not relent in our efforts to build the county as a peaceful and harmonious democratic federal union where all citizens enjoy dignity, justice and equality and prosperity. We will double our work to address the urgency of the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State and the preparation for the repatriation process with the support of the entire nation, and assistance from the UN, ASEAN and other international partners.
• Democratic change doesn’t happen overnight. The journey to democracy and development has just begun. Myanmar still has a long way to go.
• No one can fully understand the situation of our country the way we do. No one can desire peace and development for our country more than us. The Government is resolute to make every effort to overcome all the challenges we are facing as a young democracy. The understanding and support of the international community is critically important for the sustainability of Myanmar’s democratic transition. With or without any resolution, as a responsible member of the international community, Myanmar will implement all its commitments, including promotion and protection of the rights of its people, in good faith and without fail.

I thank you.