YouSaid · the spoken record

Suan

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160

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2017-11-06

most recent

2020-01-10

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14

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un-security-council

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1. “We have repeatedly explained the fact that the current humanitarian crisis in Rakhine state was ignited by the unprovoked and premeditated attacks against 30 police outposts and a military battalion headquarters by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) terrorist group in August 2017 and, previously, in October 2016. The ARSA terrorists had massacred security personnel and hundreds of innocent civilians, including 100 Hindu villagers, other ethnic minorities and even pro- Government Muslims. The atrocities perpetrated by ARSA have made thousands of innocent ethnic people flee their villages to the other parts of Rakhine state. Likewise, it created a massive exodus of Muslims to the neighbouring country. It is crucial to bear in mind that the present crisis did not affect only the Muslim community.”

   2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

2. “The action called for our legitimate concerns about the objectivity, impartiality and credibility of the mission. The methodology of its investigation is also flawed, as the report was prepared from results of interviews of selected groups of displaced persons in Cox's Bazar and information gathered from some non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international NGOs and human rights groups who had already set their predetermined agenda on the issue. Therefore, the mission's report did not shed new light on the problem but was found to be identical with the reports of certain human rights groups with no accountability for their work at all.”

   2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

3. “We are also concerned that the release of its report (A/HRC/39/64), which is based on narratives and not on hard evidence, will serve only to further inflame tensions and potentially hinder the Government's effort to create much-needed social cohesion in Rakhine state. The one-sided report of the mission has confirmed our concerns. We also raised previously in the Chamber, on 28 August (see S/PV.8333), our doubt - or our concern - about the sincerity of the mission. Although the mission was mandated to submit its report to the Human Rights Council on 18 September, it released, well ahead and in haste, the unedited version of the report on 27 August, just one day ahead of the Security Council's public debate on the situation in Myanmar.”

   2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

4. “The Human Rights Council resolution mandated the mission "to establish the facts and circumstances of the alleged recent human rights violations by military and security forces, and abuses, in Myanmar, in particular in Rakhine State with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims" (Human Rights Council resolution 34/22, para. 11) The mandate was very clear. The mission has already designated who should be perpetrators and who should be victims. From its genesis, the establishment of the fact-finding mission has been flawed, biased and politically motivated, with hidden agendas.”

   2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

5. “We are witnessing the core erosion of the moral and institutional integrity of the United Nations as a result of the blatant attempt by some members of the Council to hijack the human rights issue for their political purposes. My delegation has joined other Council members in our strong objection to this injustice and abuse of the established practice of the Security Council. When the fact-finding mission on Myanmar was established by the Human Rights Council, in March 2017, we objected to the mission because of our serious concerns, particularly about the advisability of its establishment and the mandate itself.”

   2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

6. “Today, 24 October, marks the seventy-third anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In Myanmar we celebrate United Nations Day every year with a special ceremony and public activities to promote awareness of the work of the United Nations. This is a day to celebrate, a day to cherish, a day to remember the past and a day to renew our noble commitment to building peace, development and human rights in the world, the responsibilities the founding fathers of the Organization entrusted upon us. Sadly, though, we are gathering here in the Chamber in defiance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations - that of our own Organization - against the standing rules and procedures of the Council and against all logic and fairness of human conscience.”

   2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

7. “In conclusion, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to all our friends who are helping us in various ways to resolve the challenges in Rakhine at this critical juncture of democratic transition. We should make important policy decisions based on facts and full understanding of the issues at hand. We should view this complex issue from a broader perspective. We shall continue to work in good faith with the United Nations and with all our friends near and far to end the suffering of the people of Rakhine and rebuild their land so that all shall enjoy the fruits of peace and prosperity in a land blessed with so much resources and potential.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

8. “While the primary responsibility to address the situation in Rakhine rests with the Government and people of Myanmar, the objective, positive and constructive contribution and support of the international community will be crucial to the success of Myanmar's national efforts. This is not the time to exploit the plight of innocent people, particularly women and children, from Rakhine for reasons of self- interest and political grandstanding. This is the time to act and to show our genuine concern by taking practical steps. Let the first batch of verified people who have expressed their interests in voluntary return go back to their land. Let the first phase of the assessment programme commence where access has been granted. Let us not waste our time.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

9. “The report, which was scheduled to be submitted only to the Human Rights Council on 18 September, was hastily released on the eve of this particular meeting of the Security Council. This action raises serious questions about the objectivity, impartiality and sincerity of the Fact-Finding Mission. The challenges we are facing today in Rakhine state are formidable. However, the Government and people of Myanmar are united in our determination to achieve sustainable peace and development for all communities in Rakhine. We shall not let these challenges derail our ultimate goal of democratic nation-building. It will take time and patience to build trust and confidence among communities. We shall seek reconciliation but not retribution; compassion but not hatred; integration but not segregation.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

10. “The Government of Myanmar will provide protection to all those who are in contact with the Commission, particularly victims and witnesses. The Commission will conduct its mandate while observing the principles of independence, impartiality and objectivity. The members met for the first time on 15 August. The Commission will commence its work this week. With regard to the allegations of atrocity crimes committed by Myanmar security forces, as set out in the recent report (A/HCR/39/64) of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, I would like to reiterate that we did not accept the mandate ofthe Mission because we have concerns about its impartiality. Besides, I have serious doubts as to the intention behind the timing of the release of the report.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

11. “The Commission is tasked with investigating allegations of human rights violations and related issues following the terrorist attacks on 9 October 2016 and 25 August 2017, with a view to seeking accountability and reconciliation, as well as formulating recommendations on steps to be taken to ensure peace and stability in Rakhine state. The Commission will submit its report to the President of Myanmar within a year, including its recommendations prepared on the basis of the outcomes of its investigation. In discharging its mandate, the Commission will apply in particular the 1950 Investigation Committee Act, which gives the Commission the necessary authority to investigate. The Commission will also avail itself of international human rights law and international humanitarian law where applicable.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

12. “We welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Christine Schraner Burgener as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General. We believe that we could maintain a constructive and fruitful relationship with the Special Envoy. We have facilitated the opening of her office in Naypyidaw. Let me now turn to the question of accountability. The Government of Myanmar has made its position very clear that it will not condone any human rights abuses. Action will be taken against anyone if there is sufficient evidence. In that regard, the Government has established an independent commission of inquiry, led by Ambassador Rosario Manalo, an eminent diplomat with rich experience in the field of human rights. The Commission also includes Ambassador Kenzo Oshima, another prominent diplomat, and two highly respected members from Myanmar.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

13. “Eighty-one out of the 88 recommendations have been implemented or are under implementation. In the process of implementation, the Government attaches great importance to the advice and opinion of the advisory board, chaired by Mr. Surakiart Sathirathai, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. The advisory board submitted its final report on 16 August. The report contained balanced and viable final recommendations, which will certainly receive our serious attention. We recognize the crucial role of the United Nations in addressing the issue of Rakhine, and the present humanitarian crisis in particular. Last April, we facilitated the visit by members of the Security Council, representatives of neighbouring countries and the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Netions.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

14. “Moreover, the Government of Myanmar also signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to assist with speedy and efficient resettlement and rehabilitation of the returnees. We have already mapped out potential resettlement sites. On 7 August, United Nations officials were granted access to 23 villages in 13 village tracts selected for the first phase of the assessment programme. An additional three village tracts have been marked out for the resettlement of internally displaced persons residing near the border line. We urge the United Nations team to start the assessment programme as soon as possible. The Government continues to implement the recommendations ofthe Rakhine Advisory Commission in earnest.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

15. “We call on Bangladesh to fulfil its obligations in accordance with the bilateral agreements so as to allow without delay the return of verified persons who consented to return to Rakhine voluntarily. Another important issue is the systematic repatriation of displaced persons staying on the border line. Since occupying the area 150 feet from the international border line is unlawful, those people put themselves unwittingly in a situation that can affect the stability of the two bordering countries. It is highly possible that the areas could become an ARSA terrorist foothold. In that regard, we have requested the Bangladesh authorities not to provide them any assistance from their side of the border, instead we are now arranging to provide humanitarian assistance for them from the Myanmar side.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

16. “In line with those bilateral agreements, Myanmar made arrangements with momentum for the repatriation of verified displaced persons. We have been ready to receive the first batch of verified returnees since 23 January. In February, Bangladesh provided us with a list of 8,032 people - without signatures, finger prints, proper photographs or, more important, the proper forms agreed by the two sides. Despite difficulties in verification owing to a lack of adequate information, we managed to verify 3,952 returnees as of 23 August 2018. We are also ready to receive those on a list of over 1,200 verified Hindus and Muslims that we shared with Bangladesh. But we have yet to receive a single returnee despite our repeated requests for their repatriation.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

17. “We have reached out to Bangladesh by sending ministerial delegations. We invited Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, to Myanmar early this month. Among other things, during his visit the two sides agreed to deliver on the commitments made, to speed up the implementation of bilateral agreements on repatriation and to set up a hotline between the two countries at the ministerial level. In the course of the two months between November 2017 and January 2018, we signed three documents with Bangladesh to facilitate the repatriation of verified persons who crossed over to Bangladesh following the ARSA terrorist attacks in October 2016 and August 2017. According to the agreement on physical arrangements for repatriation, the process of repatriation was scheduled to have commenced on 23 January 2018.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

18. “It could have been a happier occasion of stock-taking on the implementation of the Rakhine Advisory Commission recommendations, or an international pledging conference to help with poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development on behalf of all communities in Rakhine. The provocative terrorist attacks of October 2016 and August 2017 have affected the course of our earnest endeavour to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous future for the people of Rakhine. But nothing shall stop our determination to continue our efforts to achieve our objectives. We share deep sympathy and concern for all displaced persons, especially women and children. We believe that we will be able to solve the issue with our neighbour Bangladesh if we work together amicably in the spirit of good-neighbourliness.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

19. “Those events were well planned and executed with the support of foreign terrorist organizations. The present grave humanitarian problems and the untold suffering of the innocent civilian people of all communities in Rakhine state were carefully calculated, instigated and created by ARSA. Their objective was to undermine the Myanmar Government's commitment and efforts to find lasting solution through the speedy implementation of the Commission's recommendations and to elicit maximum international pressure on Myanmar to achieve their political goals. Our gathering here today could have been a different one had there been no terrorist attacks.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

20. “ARSA has also brutally killed more than 250 non-Muslim ethnic minorities in northern Rakhine since October 2016. On the same day that ARSA attacked the security posts they massacred 100 Hindus, which was well documented. The ARSA attacks triggered a predictable and logical response from Myanmar security forces to protect the life and property of every citizen, resulting in the subsequent mass displacement of people. Those are plain facts and nothing but the truth, but they were conveniently discounted or ignored by mainstream media. The violent attacks were not coincidence. ARSA terrorists and their foreign masterminds knew all too well that the Myanmar security forces would respond to their attacks with full force. They must also have anticipated the exodus of people from northern Rakhine to Bangladesh.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

21. “The 88 recommendations are aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in Rakhine state. The challenges are daunting, multi-faceted and require multitasking, but we welcomed the report and decided to carry on the task of implementing the recommendations in good faith to the fullest extent, within the shortest time frame possible, and consonant with the situation on the ground. Then, in the early hours of 25 August 2017, just a few hours after Mr. Annan submitted his final report, ARSA launched premeditated, well-planned and coordinated simultaneous armed attacks on 30 border guard posts and one army battalion headquarters in northern Rakhine. The attacks caused the deaths of dozens of security personnel and many innocent civilians.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

22. “The Commission was mandated to examine the complex challenges facing Rakhine state and to propose responses to those challenges. Barely a month later, on 9 October 2016, a religious extremist terrorist group called Aqa Mul Mujahidin, later known as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), launched its first attack on three border police posts in northern Rakhine state. The attack was premeditated and well organized, causing the deaths of 13 security personnel and other civilians. Their goal was clear- to incite violence and attract international attention of the issue at a time when the whole world was welcoming our peaceful democratic transition. On 24 August 2017, the Rakhine Advisory Commission presented its final report to the Government of Myanmar.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

23. “The people of Myanmar will always be grateful for his invaluable support and wise counsel in the country's democratic transition. We should all learn from his way of solving conflicts in a peaceful manner with a constructive and caring approach. Addressing the deep-rooted and complex issues in Rakhine state was a fundamental and crucial part of Myanmar Government's efforts in building peace and national reconciliation in the country. In May 2016, just two months after taking on State responsibility, the Government established the Central Committee for the Implementation of Peace, Stability and Development in Rakhine State. Soon after, on 5 September, the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, headed by Mr. Arman, was established.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

24. “I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, for presiding over this important meeting and for the United Kingdom's successful presidency of the Security Council this month. At the outset, please allow me to pay tribute to the late Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, who contributed tremendously towards our efforts to find lasting solutions to the problems that were jeopardizing peace and progress in Rakhine state. When he took on the responsibility of leading the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, at the request of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, he wanted Myanmar to succeed and reach its goals of peace, prosperity, security and progress. The Commission's recommendations are welcomed by all as important steps for lasting peace and development in Rakhine state.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

25. “But peace is the only way to safeguard humankind from violence, conflict and human suffering. I would like to conclude by reassuring the Council that Myanmar will continue its efforts to enhance the safety of vulnerable people caught up in conflicts. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all our friends around the world and to the United Nations for supporting our peace process. We will work unceasingly to fully realize lasting peace and put an end to civilian suffering due to conflict and strife.”

    2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source

26. “The 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference was launched in 2016 as a political platform that brings together all stakeholders in a political dialogue for peace and to lay the foundation for our democratic federal union. Two successful sessions of the Conference have been held, and the second of them, in May 2017, reached an agreement on a 37-point agreement known as the Union Peace Accord Part One, which will constitute part of the basis for a future democratic federal constitution. Preparations are now under way for a third Panglong Conference. Building and sustaining peace is not an easy task. It requires political will, courage and determination and cannot be achieved overnight. It is also essential to advocate for a culture of peace and national reconciliation.”

    2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source

27. “The greatest national endeavour of Myanmar today is forging a lasting peace and bringing to an end the seven decades of armed conflict that have brought untold suffering to our people since the country's independence. Without peace, stability and the rule of law, we will never be able to realize our ultimate goal ofbuilding a genuine democratic federal union that can guarantee security, freedom and progress for its people. To that end, we have initiated a nationwide ceasefire agreement with various ethnic armed groups. Of some 20 armed groups, 10 have now signed the agreement, and we continue to work hard to bring the others on board. We have embarked on implementing a political process to tackle the root causes of the conflicts and achieve sustainable peace.”

    2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source

28. “For that reason, we should focus on conflict prevention and resolution, and on building sustainable peace. In that regard, the peaceful settlement ofdisputes, negotiation, mediation and dialogue should be applied as vital tools to prevent and resolve conflicts. We must remind ourselves of the important nexus between achieving peace, realizing sustainable development and eliminating poverty. Conflicts and instability can have lasting effects on a country's development. Without peace, there can be no sustainable development or social justice. There can be no lasting peace without the rule of law, respect for human rights and inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no one behind.”

    2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source

29. “The international community should support the capacity-building efforts of such countries. At the same time, we must also address violations by non-State parties, which often operate outside the effective control of the Government and deliberately harm civilians in order to achieve their objectives. The protection of civilians in conflicts and the provision of humanitarian assistance should be guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, neutrality, objectivity and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. The politicization of humanitarian issues must be avoided. Conflicts are the cause of civilian insecurity and instability, which endanger the social fabric of peaceful coexistence.”

    2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source

30. “It calls on States and non-State parties to conflict to respect international law, facilitate safe access for medical and humanitarian personnel engaged in medical duties, prevent and address acts of violence and attacks on medical and humanitarian personnel and integrate practical measures to protect the wounded and the sick. While we recognize that States have the primary responsibility to protect their citizens, the fact is that countries in armed conflict often lack the capacity and institutions they need to implement their obligations. The primary responsibility for taking action against the perpetrators of atrocities must rest with the State concerned. For that, it is essential that States strengthen their law-enforcement institutions, establish the rule of law and promote a safer environment for their citizens.”

    2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source

31. “My delegation would like to congratulate the Polish presidency of the Security Council for organizing today's open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, a very timely and pertinent subject considering the current circumstances of growing security challenges around the world. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Guterres for his statement and Mr. Yves Daccord, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Ms. Hanaa Edwar for their briefings. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. In 2016, the Security Council adopted resolution 2286 (2016). It constituted a milestone in setting a course of action for the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”

    2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source

32. “All States Members of the United Nations, regardless of their size or power, are equally obliged to abide fully by the principles and purposes of the Charter in letter and spirit. Only then will we be able to enjoy peace, security, human rights and social and economic development, as envisioned by the founding fathers of our Organization.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

33. “The issue of Rakhine state has been framed and orchestrated in a way designed to escalate it into an international issue in order to justify severe action by the Security Council. However, that scenario could not be further from the truth. Rather than promoting provocative one-sided narratives, advocating retribution and creating misunderstanding and mistrust among different communities, we should rather be promoting understanding, peace and reconciliation. We should work together immediately to alleviate the plight of all the people affected by the violence in Rakhine state. The Security Council should encourage Bangladesh to cooperate immediately and fully with Myanmar in order to implement bilateral arrangements for beginning the repatriation process as soon as possible.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

34. “A total disregard for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and contempt for a nation's dignity, will not serve the United Nations in its noble objective of maintaining global peace and security. In recent months and days we have witnessed many incidents where international norms have been threatened. Some of the countries advocating for the protection of human rights and calling for punitive action against alleged perpetrators of human rights violations are those that have been committing far worse human rights abuses under the protection of their powerful patrons. Such hypocrisy, double standards and politicization of humanitarian crises should be avoided in our pursuit of justice and the rule of law.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

35. “The Charter has entrusted the Security Council and the International Court of Justice with primary responsibility for upholding justice and international law, in order to keep the world safe and secure so that we can all live in peace and prosperity. We firmly believe that in discharging its responsibility to maintain international peace and security by safeguarding international law, the Council should be guided by the principles of universality, objectivity and non-discrimination. However, we have recently been deeply alarmed by the growing signs that some Western Powers and other groups are using international law and international humanitarian law as a tool to serve their political purposes.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

36. “My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the representative of Venezuela on behalf of the members of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. With trust and faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Myanmar joined the Organization soon after its independence in April 1948. As a responsible member of the United Nations and a party to many international conventions, including human rights instruments, we have always been in full compliance with international law and fulfilled its obligations. We strongly believe in the rule of law. The strengthening of international law and the primacy ofjustice are key to maintaining international peace and security.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

37. “I would like to conclude by expressing my delegation's sincere appreciation to the members of the Council that have been extending their support to Myanmar at this challenging time of transition to democracy. We also thank our four neighbours for accepting our invitation to travel to Myanmar with the Council members. We believe that mutual understanding and constructive cooperation will ultimately bring about the positive result to which we all aspire. I would like to reassure the Council that, notwithstanding all the daunting challenges we are facing, the Government of Myanmar will spare no effort to bring peace, harmony and development to all people in Rakhine state.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

38. “Discriminatory treatment and one-sided support will lead only to further polarization and escalation of tensions among different communities in the region. Bangladesh must cooperate fully and sincerely with Myanmar in the implementation of the bilateral agreement for the repatriation of displaced persons. We are confident that we will be able to resolve the present humanitarian problem and the issues of long- term peace and development of Rakhine state if Myanmar and Bangladesh work hand in hand in a spirit of mutual respect, genuine desire to help the displaced persons and a spirit of good-neighbourliness. In that connection, I am pleased to inform the Council that the joint working group for the repatriation of the displaced persons will meet in Dhaka on 17 May to expedite the implementation of the agreed repatriation process.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

39. “All persons residing in Myanmar have to go through the same process of verification, myself included. We will continue to implement the recommendations of the Annan report at the fullest extent, in keeping with the situation on the ground, to bring long-term peace, harmony and development to the people of Rakhine. The international community, including the United Nations, should work together to create an environment conducive to restoring peace, harmony and development for all people in Rakhine state. Hate narratives that promote deep-rooted mistrust must stop. The prevailing hostile attitude towards the Myanmar Government will not contribute to building peace and harmony in the country. We have just heard a few very hostile and hateful remarks with respect to my country. That is very unfortunate.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

40. “Of the 88 recommendations by the Annan Commission and the 48 by the national investigation commission, many overlap. Fifty-seven will be fulfilled very soon, while 31 are still being processed. The first report of the Implementation Committee was issued in February 2018, and the second will appear in May. Since the submission of Mr. Annan's final report, three camps for internally displaced persons have been relocated, and another four will be closed very soon. With regard to the issuance of national verification cards, false information has been spread to discourage people from complying with requirements in that regard. In reality, cards constitute the first step for citizenship verification. Card holders who meet requirements in accordance with the existing law will become Myanmar citizens within a few months.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

41. “Convinced that the engagement of United Nations agencies in Rakhine will strengthen our ability to ensure safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation, we are in the process of active discussions on a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Those agencies will be working alongside Myanmar ministries concerned and the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development for the good of all communities in Rakhine. At the same time, we shall also be dealing with the root causes ofthe recent violence. The recommendations of the Annan Commission set out practical measures necessary to achieve development for all communities in Rakhine.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

42. “We are seriously concerned that Bangladesh is unwittingly allowing extremism to rear its ugly head in that part of the region. ARSA already has a foothold in the camps, which soon will become a stronghold of terrorism and extremism. Recently, on 9 May, a group of four to six terrorists entered one of the refugee camps in Balukali and dragged 46-year-old Mohamed Faisal Ulhaq out of the camp and stabbed him to death. He had reportedly been advocating returning to Rakhine among his fellow displaced persons. We have made every effort to put in place an environment conducive to the return of displaced people.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

43. “Those people witnessed the atrocities committed by ARSA terrorists, including the killing of seven Mro ethnic people in Khon-Taing village of Maungtaw township on 28 August 2017 and the subsequent torching of 2,625 houses in the area. They also testified as to the horrific discovery of a mass grave found near Yebawkya village on 28 September 2017, where 45 bodies of Hindus were discovered among the hundred kidnapped by ARSA. Those ethnic people in Maungtaw area are traumatized by these brutal terrorist acts. They all feel insecure as minority groups in their own land as a result of the fear instilled by ARSA. ARSA must also be held accountable for atrocities committed against the civilian population in Rakhine. The investigation of violations must include cases of terrorist atrocities as well.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

44. “The truth has been suppressed by incessant sensational arguments and Muslim victimhood narratives. Only a balanced and constructive approach can lead us to the right solution of the extremely complex and politically sensitive problem of Rakhine state. During the Security Council visit to Maungdaw on 1 May, approximately20 Rakhine, Mro, Maramar and Hindus waited for the Council members at the township administrative office for an opportunity to testify as to their experience of ARSA terrorist atrocities. Due to the limited time, only one Rakhine woman and one Hindu woman were able to talk about human rights abuses and atrocities perpetrated by ARSA terrorists. Sadly, many tragic stories of the ethnic people in Rakhine have fallen on the deaf ears of some who wanted to listen to only one side of the story of their choosing.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

45. “Moreover, the Commander-in-Chief also told the members of the Council that the Tatmadaw would welcome any alleged survivor of sexual violence who could bring hard evidence of the crime committed so that the perpetrators can be held accountable. He also mentioned that the Tatmadaw has adopted a zero- tolerance policy against any sexual violence committed by members of the armed forces. When it comes to human rights abuses and violations, we should not forget the fact that the current humanitarian problem was the result of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) terrorist attacks on 30 border guard posts in northern Rakhine. The root cause of the latest crisis and the brutal killings and atrocities committed by the terrorists on innocent ethnic Hindu, Rakhine Buddhists and other minority tribes had been ignored by the Western media.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

46. “We notified them that such actions should cease immediately. Allow me to turn to the matter of accountability. The Government of Myanmar has stated time and again that no violation of human rights will be condoned. Allegations supported by evidence will be investigated and action taken in accordance with the law. You may recall, Madam President, that, during your meeting with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, she condemned all violence and reassured you of our readiness to take actions on the alleged human rights violations in Rakhine if the necessary information is provided. She reiterated that security assurances would be given to anyone who wishes to bring to court in Myanmar cases regarding violations of rights.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

47. “We need the full and sincere cooperation of the Government of Bangladesh if the repatriation process is to be successful. In that connection, I would like to refer to the remark made by the Permanent Representative of Kuwait concerning the illegal occupation on both sides of the international border. Human habitation and the building of any structure within 150 feet of the international border is prohibited by our bilateral border agreement. We have therefore filed our objection with the Bangladeshi side regarding the construction of bunkers and houses in the restricted areas on their side of the border. We have also learned that the Bangladesh side is helping illegal occupants on our side ofthe border in building shelters, which is a violation of Myanmar's territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

48. “During the visit, the Minister could not meet the persons whom we have verified for repatriation, despite our request that such a meeting be arranged. While we are trying to solve the issue in good faith through bilateral cooperation, it is most regrettable that, instead of fulfilling its commitment for the repatriation ofthe displaced persons as per the bilateral agreements, the Bangladesh side has deliberately made one excuse after another to stall the repatriation process. Bangladesh has been distorting the facts and telling the whole world that Myanmar is not willing to accept the return of the displaced persons. Bangladesh is altering the truth and vilifying the Government and the people of Myanmar to solicit international condemnation and exert maximum political pressure on Myanmar.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

49. “We had already requested the Bangladesh side, on three separate occasions through diplomatic channels, to forward the duly completed prescribed forms that would enable displaced persons to be repatriated under the principle of voluntary, safe and dignified return. Prior to the Security Council visit to Myanmar, the Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement of Myanmar visited Cox's Bazar refugee camps and met with the displaced persons. He explained the resettlement programme for returnees to them and provided information on the repatriation process. To our surprise, they were not at all aware of the repatriation process. Apparently, they had not been notified by the Bangladesh authorities about the current bilateral arrangements or provided any of the forms required for the repatriation process.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

50. “Recently, on 8 May, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Myanmar, Mr. Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, was summoned to Nay Pyi Taw and reminded of Myanmar's readiness to commence the repatriation of verified displaced persons before the monsoon, as agreed by the two Governments. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs once again urged Bangladesh to implement the bilateral agreement and to repatriate those who are already verified so that they can return to their villages in Rakhine. The Ambassador was also reminded to send the lists of displaced persons, using the right forms, as agreed in the physical arrangement for repatriation. The forms used by Bangladesh were not those prescribed in the physical arrangement. They did not contain the signatures, fingerprints and proper photographs necessary for the proper verification and assurance of consent.”

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source