EU Presidency Statement - Human Rights in Myanmar

EU Presidency Statement on the SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN MYANMAR, in accordance with rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, against the motion to adjourn the debate (A/C.3/60/L.53), by the UK Mission to the UN on behalf of the European Union, UN General Assembly, Third Committee, New York

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.

It is an important matter of principle for the European Union to vote against any motion to close the debate on the item under discussion. The calling of this motion is clearly aimed at preventing this Committee from examining substantive issues dealing with the promotion and protection of human rights - on this occasion in Myanmar. No country - large or small - can be regarded as being beyond or above consideration by international human rights fora. This runs counter to the principles of universality and interdependence of all human rights

The EU firmly believes that the Third Committee of the General Assembly must address the situation of human rights in Myanmar. There continue to be reports of systematic, widespread and serious violations of human rights in the Myanmar, together with the continued refusal of the Government of Myanmar to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur or Special Envoy of the Secretary General. This situation is of grave concern and we believe that it should be addressed today.

Mr. Chairman,

If successful, this motion to adjourn the debate would prevent us from even considering the issues covered in the resolution. But it would also be aimed at the ending of the mandate which permits the Secretary General to use his good offices to continue dialogue with the Government of Myanmar in a bid to improve the situation of human rights and assist a successful transition to democracy - the kind of cooperative approach many delegations say they support.

The EU's preference is always to engage in debate with countries concerned and all delegations on human rights issues. We would prefer governments concerned to enter into dialogue and to allow the international community, and the United Nations, to fulfil its legitimate role in assessing the level of implementation of human rights standards everywhere.

The Third Committee is the only UN body dealing with human rights that has universal membership. We believe that action should be taken here, to address the concerns of the international community and to urge the Government of Myanmar to comply with decisions taken in this and other UN fora. The only conclusion that could be drawn from a failure by this Committee to address this situation would be that the international community is indifferent to the human rights of the people of Myanmar.

The EU strongly urges delegations to vote against this motion to adjourn the debate for reasons of principle, regardless of their voting intentions on the draft resolution contained in document L.53.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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• EU Presidency Statement - Human Rights in Turkmenistan (21/11/2005)
• EU Presidency Re-introduction Statement - Human Rights in Myanmar (18/11/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement - Human Rights in Myanmar (8/11/2005)
• EU Presidency Declaration on release of Burmese/Myanmar political prisoners (13/7/2005)
• Commission approves €4.5 million in humanitarian aid for North Korea and Myanmar (9/6/2005)
• EU Presidency declaration on the reconvening of the National Convention in Burma-Myanmar (16/2/2005)