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Myanmar’s Response to the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council

(Geneva, 20 March 2023)

- The Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar was held on 20 March 2023 at the ongoing 52nd session of the Human Rights Council with no representation of the country-concerned which is contrary to the fundamental principles of the Human Right Council.

- Myanmar also observed that the report by the Special Rapporteur, focusing on the issues related to refugees and migration is beyond the mandate and competence of the Special Rapporteur. Additionally, there are specific United Nations forums to discuss the issues but bringing them to the Human Rights Council is another inappropriate act of the Special Rapporteur.

- During the current session of the Human Rights Council, two reports on Myanmar, one from the High Commissioner for Human Rights and another from the Special Rapporteur in addition to his unlimited conference room papers were submitted. The existence of multiple mechanisms can lead to the production of such reports that are irrelevant or redundant.

- Myanmar does not consider those who left the country illegally as refugees while there are people who have been facing charges for violating laws and are on the run. It is not acceptable that some countries and UN agencies have been giving refugee status to those who are responsible for committing and inciting the massive killings of innocent civilians. Furthermore, cross-border movements and migration are happening worldwide and it is baseless to conclude that Myanmar citizens going abroad as those who need protection.

- Although the Special Rapporteur is well aware of the brutal killings committed by the CRPH, NUG and PDF terrorist groups, he tries to cover up their terrorist acts. The Special Rapporteur even glorifies the terrorists who killed 5,247 innocent civilians including 156 children, 71 educational staff, 15 medical personnel and 744 local administrators as heroes while it is essential for international community to condemn all acts, methods and practices of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, wherever and by whoever committed it.

- Since taking state’s responsibility, the Government has been exercising maximum restraint in face of terrorism with minimal force while taking the necessary security measures. The Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) has declared a unilateral ceasefire without pre-condition since 2018 and has been taking defensive measures only when the lives and properties of the people are threatened by terrorist groups or its forces are under attack.

-The killings occurred in Namnein Village, Pinlaung Township on 11 March 2023 was committed by the KNPF, KNPP and PDF aim at disturbing peace and stability in Pa’O Autonomous Region. A detail of the incident was published in daily newspaper on 14 March 2023. On 15 March 2023, the Pa’O national races staged a protest in Taunggyi, Shan State and condemned the inhumane acts of the terrorist groups.

-The situation in Myanmar does not pose any threat to international and regional peace and it does not fall within the purview of the United Nations Security Council and therefore, his recommendation to the Security Council is totally irrelevant. Unilateral coercive measures, economic sanctions and isolating a country only cause detrimental impacts on interest of general population. His call for imposing sanctions and isolating Myanmar is to harm the people of Myanmar.

- Myanmar, therefore, strongly rejects the intrusive and unbalanced recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur as well as the sweeping allegations contained in his one-sided presentation.

- The Myanmar Mission’s official website provides an excellent source of detailed observations on the report contained in document No. A/HRC/52/66.

Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations

GENEVA