YouSaid · the spoken record

Suan

lines on the record: 160
first: 2017-11-06
most recent: 2020-01-10
sittings or episodes: 14
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Myanmar has always abided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and strongly supports the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. We hope that the United Nations will continue to be a beacon of fairness and justice and play a leading and exemplary role in maintaining peace and stability and promoting development and human rights for all, so that we will be able to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to build a better and safer world for all mankind.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“In that regard, it is most important that the United Nations and the international community support the chosen ways and initiatives of the countries concerned in settling their disputes or conflicts. As the Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, the principles of objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity should be applied to all Member States, large or small, when carrying out the Council’s mandate. The application of double standards and politicization of issues must be avoided. The confidence, trust and full cooperation of all United Nations Member States must be nurtured for the successful implementation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The United Nations is at the heart of multilateralism, on which we place our hopes and aspirations.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The strict observance of the principles of international law and adherence to their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations by all Member States are essential for the maintenance of peace and security. Every State has the responsibility to abide by the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, political independence and non-interference in matters that are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of States. All disputes and conflicts must be resolved by peaceful means, through political dialogue and negotiations, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law. The threat or use of force and unilateral coercive measures against other States are against the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Present and emerging global issues, such as growing geopolitical contentions, international terrorism, transboundary crimes, localized armed conflicts associated with ethno-nationalism and the massive outflow of refugees, are the new security challenges we are encountering today at an unprecedented scale. Against that backdrop, the rise of unilateralism, nationalism and protectionism have compounded serious threats to international law and multilateralism. At this critical time more than ever before, the world needs a stronger United Nations to harmonize our collective efforts in strengthening multilateralism and maintaining international peace and security.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Throughout the years, Myanmar has always fulfilled its international obligations under the Charter of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security, as a responsible member of the Organization. Seventy-five years after its adoption, the Charter remains valid, as the most important and universally accepted international legal instrument to guide, promote and maintain international peace and security and to protect humankind from another catastrophic world war. Today, the world continues to face serious traditional and non-traditional security challenges that demand concerted global efforts.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“I would like to congratulate Viet Nam on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and for organizing today’s important debate on upholding the Charter of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. The debate is most timely and pertinent under the present circumstances of growing global security challenges and the increasing threat to multilateralism. Myanmar joined the United Nations in 1948 as a newly independent country, believing in the purposes and principles of the Charter, with high hopes and the determination to build a new nation of peace and security, prosperity and equality in the family of nations, out of the ravages of war.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“We are striving to create an enabling political environment to establish a fully functioning democracy by initiating a constitutional amendment process. The Government and the people of Myanmar have fixed their eyes on the national mission of building a peaceful, prosperous and democratic federal union. Peace and reconciliation will be at the core of that endeavour. We shall not be led astray from our chosen path to peace and democracy under any circumstances or in the face of any form of challenges. We hope that the international community will be able to contribute constructively to achieving peace, development and democracy in Myanmar so that all our people will be free from conflict and live together in peace and harmony, enjoying human rights, justice and equality.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Recently, the Myanmar Government's National Reconciliation and Peace Centre and the Kachin Humanitarian Concern Committee successfully discussed the way forward towards ensuring the return of displaced persons in Kachin state to their homes safely and with dignity, while addressing humanitarian needs and closing internally displaced persons camps centres. As long as there is armed conflict, there will always be civilian casualties. Silencing the guns and achieving durable peace will ultimately end the suffering of innocent civilians, mainly women and children, who bear the brunt of those predicaments. Myanmar is committed to ending the decades-long internal armed conflict by peaceful means through political dialogue.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“It is crucial that the provision of humanitarian assistance be made in accordance with the four humanitarian principles without politicization. I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the relevant United Nations agencies, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the relevant non-governmental organizations, particularly the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the relevant civil society organizations for providing humanitarian assistance for the people affected by armed conflict. The role of civil society organizations is also crucial to facilitating agreements.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Bangladesh's incessant attempt to destroy our bilateral efforts to solve the humanitarian problem of Rakhine state and its action to demonize the Government and the people of Myanmar will not contribute to solving the problem in Rakhine state and will only create further polarization and prolong the suffering of the people. Armed conflicts displace persons, deprive them of their normal livelihood and their basic human rights. Even the very essential humanitarian assistance cannot reach affected populations under circumstances of active hostilities. It is necessary to build trust and understanding among all stakeholders, including the Government, non-State actors and aid providers, to enable humanitarian access to civilian populations in need.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Undue external interference will only be counterproductive and will be detrimental to Myanmar's effort to enforce the rule of law, peace and national reconciliation. I would like to state in unequivocal terms that Myanmar will never accept any measure that violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, such as the creation of a "safe zone" for Muslim populations inside Myanmar's territory, as proposed by Bangladesh's Prime Minister and just repeated by the representative of Bangladesh a few minutes ago in this Chamber.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The international community can play an important role by providing necessary legal and technical support to States in their institutional capacity-building efforts. The Government of Myanmar has adopted a strong policy of not condoning any human rights abuse. In line with that commitment, the Government has established an Independent Commission of Enquiry to investigate all allegations of human rights violations following Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army terrorist attacks in August 2017 in northern Rakhine. The mandate of the Commission is to seek accountability and reconciliation. The Commission is carrying out its mandate with independence, impartiality and objectivity. Anyone found guilty of committing atrocities will be punished according to law.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“We are encouraged by the ongoing constructive engagement and cooperation with the two Offices of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General to prevent and eliminate violations against women and children in armed conflict. My delegation believes that domestic, legal and judicial systems must be the primary recourse for prosecuting human rights violations. In that connection, States need to strengthen their own legal and judicial institutions to establish effective rule of law and promote a safer environment for their citizens. Myanmar has undertaken important legal reforms, particularly revising the child rights law and the law on preventing and protecting against violence against women, so as to be in conformity with international norms and standards.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“In that regard, the Government of Myanmar is actively cooperating with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict. The Government established an interministerial committee to implement national action plans to prevent and address conflict- related violations against women and children. Training workshops have been held in collaboration with the respective Special Representative of the Secretary-General offices and with the United Nations agencies to impart awareness and knowledge among security personnel on violations against women and children.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Myanmar believes that sustainable peace is the only way to end the plight of all societies affected by armed conflicts. Peace is also essential to sustainable development and the perpetuity of democracy and human rights. Therefore, the Government has pushed forward a peace process with ethnic armed organizations through the signing of the nationwide ceasefire agreement and the holding of the Union Peace Conference to end internal armed conflicts. Building a lasting peace requires political will, courage and determination. It cannot be achieved overnight. But peace is the ultimate solution to conflicts and the collateral damage affecting civilian populations. We recognize that taking preventive measures is the most effective way to protect the most vulnerable people in armed conflicts, especially women and children.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Armed conflicts leave lasting negative impacts on the political stability, peace and security, rule of law and sustainable economic and social development of a country. Therefore, focusing on conflict prevention and resolution and building sustainable peace are the most fundamental and crucial steps necessary for ending the suffering of innocent civilian populations during armed conflicts. We must promote dialogue and engagement and facilitate the settlement of conflict through political means in good faith. Myanmar is a country born with internal armed conflicts. We know too well about the cost of armed conflict and the value of peace and stability. Therefore, we place peace at the heart of our democratic nation-building endeavour.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“First of all, allow me to express my heartfelt congratulations to you, Mr. President, for presiding over this important meeting ofthe Security Council. As a fellow member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Myanmar takes pride in the very successful and commendable Indonesian presidency for the month of May. It is most fitting to hold this open debate marking the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1265 (1999) and in the context of the seventieth anniversary of the adoption of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. We welcome all the steps taken by the Council to address the challenges pertaining to the protection of civilians. Armed conflicts have wrought civilian casualties, suffering and insecurity.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“She told Al Jazeera in September 2017: "They ripped my son from my arms and threw him [on the ground] and cut his throat". Later, she told others that her baby had been killed with a machete, making no mention of the fire. In any case, the damage had been done. This is just one example among endless fake and manufactured accounts with the malicious intent to tarnish the image of the Government and the people of Myanmar. If we are to succeed in our effort to end sexual violence in conflict, we must rise above the politicization and dramatization of the violence. As for Myanmar, we shall continue to engage and work constructively with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to achieve our objective of ending sexual violence.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“I am quoting from an article by Jacob Goldberg entitled "When the story comes before the survivor", which appeared in the 21 February issue of the Columbia Journalism Review. It says: "In October 2017, a refugee woman named Rajuma Begum, 20, told The New York Times's Jeffrey Gettleman that Myanmar soldiers beat and gang-raped her and shot her mother and brother." She told him: "They threw my baby into a fire". These words have been passionately and repeatedly quoted by the media, human rights activists, many diplomats and even some United Nations officials in an attempt to justify the accusation of alleged atrocities committed by the Myanmar security forces. But, before Rajuma told Gettleman that her baby was thrown into a fire, she had already told a different version of her story.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Exerting unfair pressure upon a country, solely based on unrealistic lofty human rights standards without giving any due regard to the condition of the country concerned, would surely fail and be met with total rejection from the people of that country. The first obligation of international actors, whether they are a United Nations agency, an international non-governmental organization, a civil society organization or a media outlet, is to do no harm. Often and regrettably, so much damage has been done due to the predetermined political agendas of some countries and organizations that apply double standards by abusing United Nations systems with a biased attitude. Let me just give one example of how much damage can be done to a country by the international community and the international media in a crisis situation.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Much as we all condemn conflict-related sexual violence, we must respond in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Charter ofthe United Nations, particularly with regard to the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiation, respect for the sovereignty of countries and recognition of their primary responsibility to maintain peace and security and uphold the rule of law. In tackling the issue of sexual violence in conflict, the international community should be guided by the universally accepted norms of impartiality, non-selectivity and non-politicization of the issue. A constructive approach through dialogue and providing assistance to the country concerned would bring about positive results in efforts to resolve the problem.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“The mandate of the commission is to seek accountability and reconciliation. The commission is carrying out its mandate with independence, impartiality and objectivity. The commission has publicly invited submissions on the allegation of human rights. The commission will soon be visiting Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, to meet with alleged victims of sexual abuse. The commission's work will be evidence-based. Therefore, the international community should support the work of the commission, which will submit its final report to the Office of the President towards the end of the year. The Government of Myanmar is capable and willing to address accountability in cases of sexual violence. Action will be taken in accordance with the law where there is sufficient evidence.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“The Government has regularly submitted reports relating to actions taken on the protection of the rights of women and the prevention of sexual violence against women and girls to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and has also them included in the universal periodic review process of the Human Rights Committee. We are also working closely with UN-Women in formulating and implementing our national strategic plan on the advancement of women for the period 2013-2022 for gender equality and women's empowerment. With regard to the alleged sexual violence committed against women, an independent commission of enquiry was established to investigate all allegations of human rights violations following the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army terrorist attacks in August 2017 in northern Rakhine.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“To transform the zero-tolerance policy against sexual violence into action, domestic legal reform is essential for the effective implementation of the protection of the rights of women and girls. In this regard, a law on the prevention of violence against and the protection of women has been drafted and will soon be enacted by Parliament. The new law stipulates the need to protect women from all forms of Violence, including domestic abuse, marital rape, sexual Violence, harassment by stalking, harassment in the workplace and public places, and Violence through traditional and customary practices.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Based on the Government's firm commitment to addressing this issue and in the spirit ofcooperation with the United Nations, in December last year we signed a joint communique with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence. Soon after signing the joint communique, the Government of Myanmar facilitated the visit of Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Patten, and her team to Myanmar in February. In March, a ministerial-level national committee on the prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence was formed to implement the joint communique, and the first national committee meeting was held subsequently. The national action plan will be drafted with technical assistance from the United Nations.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“The Government of Myanmar, in building a people-centred democratic nation, places the promotion and protection of human rights as a high priority on its political agenda. The Government upholds its policy of zero tolerance for any form of sexual Violence, including conflict-related ones. The root causes of conflict-related sexual violence lie in the lack of peace and stability. We are therefore putting our utmost efforts into the cessation of conflicts and building sustainable peace and national reconciliation. Allow me to briefly share the efforts made in recent months by the Myanmar Government in the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“While the primary responsibility to address the situation in Rakhine rests with the Government and the people of Myanmar, the objective and constructive contribution and support of the international community will be crucial to the success of Myanmar's national efforts. I wish to express our sincere appreciation to all our friends who are helping and supporting us in various ways to resolve the challenges in Rakhine at this critical juncture. We shall continue to work in good faith with the United Nations and with all our friends to end the suffering of the people of Rakhine and rebuild the state into a land of peace, harmony and prosperity for all communities.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“It has also highlighted the urgent need to achieve a nationwide ceasefire agreement under the ongoing national peace process. We are fully aware of the urgent need to solve the humanitarian problems, but we want to seek the Council's understanding of the practicality and possibilities on the ground. There are huge physical and psychological barriers that hinder the implementation of the repatriation, building peace and stability and development efforts. It takes time and patience, as well as courage, to build trust and confidence among different communities in Rakhine. We want to resolve the issue as quickly as anyone.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We have been cooperating closely with Special Representative Gamba. The issue of Rakhine is not one of religious persecution, as wrongfully portrayed in the massive media campaign against Myanmar. Myanmar is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country where different faiths, including the majority of the Muslim population, have lived in harmony across the country for centuries. The issue of Rakhine state is a political and economic issue involving prolonged cross-border illegal migration since colonial times, poverty, a lack of rule of law and national security. The issue of northern Rakhine state is not a threat to international peace and security. The recent outbreak of fighting in north Rakhine state, ignited by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army's attacks against three police outposts, has further complicated the situation.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Therefore, we strongly reject any move to bring the issue to the international judicial system. With this firm commitment and in the spirit of cooperation with the United Nations, the Government of Myanmar has signed a joint communique with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence. The Government of Myanmar has recently facilitated the visit of Special Representative Patten. We have also been working very closely with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Gamba. The Government is now in the process of forming a ministerial committee on the prevention of the six grave violations affecting children. We conducted training on the six grave violations in December 2018.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Therefore, the Government of Myanmar has established an Independent Commission of Enquiry to investigate all allegations of human rights violations following ARSA terrorists attacks in August 2017 in northern Rakhine. The mandate of the Commission is to seek accountability and reconciliation. The Commission is carrying out its mandate with independence, impartiality and objectivity. The Commission is also requesting access to the refugees camps in Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh. We urge the Government of Bangladesh to facilitate the Commission's visit to the camps and to meet with the alleged victims of abuse. The Commission's work will be evidence based. Therefore, the international community should support the work of the Commission. The Government of Myanmar is willing and able to address the issue of accountability.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Most importantly, the conclusions of the report are politically motivated and aim to inflict maximum damage on the image of Myanmar and its leadership. The ARSA is alive and active. On 25 February, news media reported the death of one of the top ARSA military commanders, Nurul Alam, in a gunfight with Bangladesh Rapid Action Battalion at Muchuni camp in Cox's Bazar. Bangladesh local media also reported recently on abductions, murders, disappearances and rape committed by members of ARSA in 30 camps of Ukhia and Teknaf, in the district of Cox's Bazar. They are also threatening people who wanted to go back to Rakhine. The Government of Myanmar has repeatedly stated that it will not condone human rights violations and will take action against perpetrators according to the law if the allegations are supported by sufficient evidence.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“In that respect, I would like to reiterate our firm position, as I did before in this Chamber on 24 October last year, that Myanmar has categorically objected to the fact-finding mission since its establishment. We also reject its narrative-based report. The report of the fact-finding mission was totally biased and one-sided. Its investigation targeted only Myanmar security forces and excluded the violations committed by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). The report was prepared mainly on the basis of interviews and information gathered from non-governmental organizations and human rights groups. Moreover, the report fully authenticates the stories of Muslim displaced persons while rejecting any contradictory evidence. The fact-finding mission has ignored reports revealing massacres by the ARSA and has discounted its atrocities.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“It represents selectivity and a discriminatory and double-standard practice on the part of the United Nations human rights body. In addition, its terms of reference are very intrusive to a sovereign country's domestic jurisdiction. The Mechanism will only serve the political purposes of those who wish to exploit the Human Rights Council for their political agenda. Such intrusive measures, without the consent of the country concerned, will only further polarize different communities and exacerbate tensions. Some members of the Council in this Chamber have just made reference to the report of the Human Rights Council fact-finding mission in connection with accountability issues.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“While we are engaging constructively with the United Nations in our efforts to resolve the multitude of challenges we are facing as a nascent democracy, some groups and countries in the United Nations system continue to exploit various United Nations mechanisms to exert discriminatory and illegitimate political pressures on Myanmar with malicious intent. One vivid example, among many others, is the establishment of the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar by the Human Rights Council. That action is yet another step in a series of unprecedented discriminatory examinations of a member State. We strongly objected to the establishment of the Mechanism. The reasons are simple. The Mechanism was set up beyond the Council's mandate.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We have invited ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management to dispatch a needs assessment team to identify possible areas ofcooperation in Rakhine state to assist with repatriation. The terms of reference of the needs assessment team were agreed during the visit of the ASEAN Secretary-General to Myanmar in December last year. The ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team will be sent to Rakhine as soon as possible. The presence of the ASEAN assessment team in the repatriation process will enhance trust and confidence of the returnees.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“On the other hand, we have been working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to create conducive conditions in accordance with the trilateral memorandum of understanding. We have agreed to implement 35 quick impact projects as soon as the security conditions permit. Another 36 quick-impact projects are under consideration. The project assessments will also be extended to other designated villages in northern Rakhine. Moreover, we are also working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to facilitate the repatriation process.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Concerning humanitarian access, due to the present security situation in northern Rakhine state, access has been limited to certain areas, however humanitarian supplies can be delivered through the International Red Cross or through the Rakhine state Government. The most urgent task of the Government at hand is to commence the repatriation process as soon as possible to resolve the humanitarian situation. We are ready to receive verified returnees in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner, in accordance with the bilateral agreements and arrangements with Bangladesh. We have proposed recently to Bangladesh that the joint working group resume its meetings in April. We are confident that we can make the repatriation plan a success if we both act strictly in compliance with the agreements.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“In the process of implementation, we identified five priority areas: citizenship, freedom of movement, closure of displaced persons camps, education and health. We are also finalizing a strategy for closure of the remaining displaced persons camps. Some delegations previously alluded to the question of freedom of movement. The national verification card is the necessary step in the citizenship application process and also provides proof of residency in Rakhine state and facilitates freedom ofmovement. This requires the cooperation ofpeople to apply for such cards, which is a totally voluntary process.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“The Special Envoy has made five official visits to Myanmar in the nine months since her appointment. Her office in Naypyidaw is now fully functioning. We will continue to work closely with her in our effort to resolve the issues relating to the situation in Rakhine state. Soon after assuming its state responsibilities, the National League for Democracy Government has placed a high priority on bringing sustainable peace, stability and development to Rakhine. We have been implementing most of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, formerly led by the late Mr. Kofi Annan, which was set up by the Government voluntarily even before the humanitarian crisis took place as a result of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) terrorist attacks.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“I would like to congratulate you for chairing this important meeting and for Equatorial Guinea's successful and commendable presidency of the Council for the month of February. I thank Ambassador Christine Schraner Burgener for the objective and comprehensive briefing this afternoon and I would also like to acknowledge and welcome the presence among us of Mr. Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh. In the spirit of cooperation with the United Nations and as a demonstration of our desire to addressing the issue of Rakhine, we agreed to the appointment of the Special Envoy. We have provided her with all necessary support in discharging her mandate. We appreciate her tireless efforts and dedication in undertaking her mandate with objectivity and impartiality.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We cannot fathom how such hypocrisy can have a place in this world body. This is a disgrace to the United Nations. These pamphlets are a total insult to a Member of the United Nations and its sitting leaders. It is a gross violation of the codes of conduct of United Nations personnel. My Government has condemned this action in the strongest terms. Hate speech and provocation are now coming right into the United Nations conference rooms, where we should all work together for peace, harmony and tolerance. Everyone has to be accountable for his or her actions. History will judge individuals based on what they have said and done in the Council Chamber and in the United Nations. The people of Myanmar - and no one else - will decide their destiny.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Before I conclude, I would like to bring to the Council's attention an act of gross contempt of all ethics and civility on the premises of the United Nations. I am sorry to raise this issue, but yesterday pamphlets concerning my country - which I am holding - were distributed in Conference Room 1, where the Third Committee was holding its plenary session to hear an oral presentation by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Ms. Yanghee Lee, and the Chairperson of the fact-finding mission, Mr. Darusman. This is not the work of a disgruntle dissident or a human rights activist who does not care about rule and regulations. This is the act of a Chairperson of an international fact-finding mission who was appointed and mandated by the Human Rights Council, one of the subsidiary bodies of the General Assembly.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Our leader, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has chosen a peaceful path through national reconciliation and national consensus, which require tremendous patience and political wisdom. The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Ms. Christine Burgener, in her end-of-mission statement to Myanmar on 20 October, stressed the need for patience and more trust-building to advance the peace process towards a home-grown solution. We concur fully with the Special Envoy. Patience and trust- building are key to the success of our common efforts to find a viable and sustainable solution to the present humanitarian crisis and the whole issue of northern Rakhine. That is the way to lead us to realizing our ultimate national goal of building a truly democratic federal union.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“The report is full of prejudice and is totally unconstructive, In his United Nations Day message today, President Win Myint reminds us that, "The value of the United Nations will be decided by how the Organization and its Member States utilize instruments at their disposal to promote peace, stability and harmony, and to mitigate harm and enmity. Objectivity, impartiality, professionalism, respect for national sovereignty - these are some of the keys to the success of the United Nations mission." I would like to remind Council members that Myanmar is still at a critical juncture of transition to fully functioning democracy. Mr. Darusman has said patience will not help Myanmar's democratization, but the opposite is true. It is not by revolution that we are building democracy.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“As I stated earlier, we have demonstrated our willingness and ability to address the accountability issue. Putting accountability above all else, without regard to other positive developments, will result only in untoward consequences. Unilateral coercive measures taken without regard to the objective situation in Myanmar and the imposition of politically motivated external pressure will be detrimental to the existing good will and cooperation of the Myanmar Government with the international community. The situation in Rakhine has in no way threatened international peace and security. The accusation is absurd and groundless.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“My delegation categorically rejects the inference of "genocidal intent" with respect to the legitimate counter-terrorist actions taken by the security forces in Rakhine. The conclusion is made based on unverified circumstantial evidence and has no sound legal proof. The Government of Myanmar has resolutely rejected the 6 September ruling of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with Rakhine state. Our position is clear - Myanmar is not a party to the Rome Statute and the Court has no jurisdiction whatsoever over Myanmar. The ICC decision was made on dubious legal grounds and applied to a situation where domestic remedies have not yet been exhausted. Therefore, I want to make it very clear that we will never accept any call for the referral of Myanmar to the ICC.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“We are willing and able to take on the issue of accountability for any alleged human rights violation where there is sufficient evidence. We need to give time and space to the independent commission of inquiry. Mr. Darusman has said that Myanmar has taken no action on alleged violation of human rights. In fact, legal actions have been taken against military and police officers and civilians who were found to be in breach of standard operating procedures and rules of engagement following the Inn Din incident. In addition, other administrative actions have also been taken against high-ranking senior officers of Tatmadaw who were responsible for overseeing security operations in Rakhine.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Other militant or criminal groups were also active in the region and may also have been responsible for abuses." (ibid) Amazing. I am just bringing the naked truth of the report to the attention of the members of the Council. Much has been talked about accountability. As the Council is well aware, the Government of Myanmar has established an independent commission of inquiry, led by Ambassador Rosario Manalo. The commission will investigate allegations of human rights violations and related issues following the terrorist attacks of 9 October 2016 and 25 August 2017 by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army in Rakhine state with a view to seeking accountability and reconciliation. The commission will conduct its mandate in accordance with the principles of independence, impartiality and objectivity, and will submit its report within a year.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“When we talk about human rights, we should look at the human rights of both communities. However, we are dismayed by the fact that the fact-finding mission has deliberately and glaringly discounted ARSA terrorist atrocities, which could even be interpreted by many as justifying or condoning the acts of Muslim extremist terrorists. In its report, the fact-finding mission took great courage to reluctantly and half-heartedly mention the atrocities committed by ARSA terrorists. It lists a few ARSA human rights violations, including "the killing of up to 100 Hindu men and women from Kha Maung Seik" (A/HRC/39/64, para. 54). It continues: "[t]he mission's primary source information on the latter incident" - that is, the killing of Hindus - "corroborates the killing, but is inconclusive as to the perpetrator.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source