EU Presidency Statement - Situation of human rights in Myanmar

Introduction to draft resolution "Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar"
(A/C.3/59/L.49)

Mr. Chairperson,

On behalf of the European Union and all the co-sponsors I have the honour to introduce under agenda item 105(c) the draft resolution entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar", contained in document A/C.3/59/L.49. In addition to the co-sponsors listed in the L-document, Monaco has decided to sponsor the resolution.

Mr. Chairperson,

The draft resolution before us today has been streamlined significantly by comparison with last year's text. It reflects the outcome of constructive consultations with interested delegations, including the delegation of Myanmar. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who took an active part in the shaping of this resolution.

The draft resolution welcomes certain positive developments in Myanmar, such as the establishment by the Government of a "Committee for the prevention of military recruitment of under-age children" and its discussions with the UN Children's Fund towards concluding a plan of action, and the access granted to the ICRC and the UNHCR to the eastern part of Myanmar.

However, there have unfortunately been no improvements in the human rights situation in Myanmar, as the Special Rapporteur concluded when he addressed the Third Committee, earlier this session. Systematic violations of human rights still occur in Myanmar. The detention and house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and members of the National League for Democracy continue. Moreover, the Myanmar authorities have yet to implement recommendations in previous GA and CHR resolutions on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The Myanmar authorities have also not allowed the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar to visit for over six months, or the Special Rapporteur to visit for almost twelve months, in both cases despite repeated requests. Furthermore, there are continuing restrictions placed on the NLD and other political parties. The resolution, inter alia, calls upon Myanmar to restore of democracy and ensure that the next session of the National Convention is fully inclusive of all political parties and major ethnic nationalities

It is our hope, Mr. Chairperson, that, further to the dialogue on this draft resolution with interested delegations, including that of Myanmar, the draft resolution will again - as in previous years - be adopted without a vote, as a proof of the international community's common concern and interest in the future of the people of Myanmar.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

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