Myanmar categorically rejects the draft resolution on Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar at the 37th Session of HRC

The draft resolution entitled “Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar” tabled by the European Union (EU) was considered for action on 23 March 2018 during the 37th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

During the discussion, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations Ambassador U Htin Lynn delivered a statement before taking action on the draft resolution, and categorically rejected the draft resolution highlighting paragraphs which are highly intrusive and directly challenging to the state sovereignty of Myanmar. He also updated the meeting of the progress being made on the ground and underlined factually and technically flawed paragraphs in the draft resolution.

In his statement, the Permanent Representative stressed that Myanmar, as a young democracy, has been facing challenges in its march to a democratic society. However, such challenges will not derail the Government’s efforts in national reconciliation, peace, development and promotion and protection of human rights. While welcoming the constructive criticism by the international community, the Government will not accept any attempt infringing on the state sovereignty of Myanmar. Meanwhile, Myanmar is ready to work with the international community in their constructive approaches that would help Myanmar to overcome national reconciliation, peace, development and humanitarian challenges of the country.

The Chinese Representative, exercising its right as a member of the Council, called for a vote stating that the draft resolution will not be helpful to Myanmar to overcome its challenges, but even worsen the situation.

The draft resolution was put to a vote at the 47-member Human Rights Council, and adopted with a vote of 32 in favour, 5 against, and 10 abstentions. China, Burundi, Cuba, the Philippines and Venezuela voted against the resolution in support of Myanmar. The other 10 countries (Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Japan, Kenya, Mongolia, Nepal, Senegal and South Africa) did not support the EU’s resolution and abstained in the voting.