YouSaid · the spoken record
Suan
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- 160
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- 2017-11-06
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- 2020-01-10
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- un-security-council
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“We also hope that the visit will give strong impetus to our bilateral efforts with Bangladesh for the implementation of the repatriation process. We facilitated the Security Council's visit to the fullest extent possible within the available time frame of the Council. The State Counsellor saw the visit as an important turning point. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Myanmar Government to bringing about peace, stability and development in Rakhine state. In resolving the current issues relating to Rakhine state, we all agree that the most urgent task right now is to start the repatriation of the displaced persons in accordance with the bilateral agreements. We have repeatedly stated that we want to start the repatriation process as soon as possible, as we are ready to receive the returnees.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“My delegation wishes to congratulate you, Madam President, on Poland's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. We have full confidence in your wisdom and able leadership. I assure you of our full support and cooperation. My Government welcomed the visit of the members of the Security Council to Myanmar in the hope that the visit would help them to better understand the situation on the ground so that we can further strengthen our cooperation with the United Nations in our efforts for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the displaced persons. We believe that we will be able to overcome the serious challenges that we face today by working in partnership with the United Nations. We trust in its constructive engagement and cooperation based on the principles of objectivity, mutual respect and understanding.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“As much as we all condemn conflict-related sexual violence, we should also deplore the exploitation of this sensitive issue by certain groups as a tool to achieve their own political goals. The problem of sexual violence cannot be resolved by naming and blaming. The international community must take a constructive approach by sharing information on violations and assisting Member States in their efforts to address the issue.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Myanmar strongly objects to the use of expressions such as "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide" in reference to the situation in Rakhine state. Such irresponsible accusations, based on unsubstantiated and one-sided allegations, fake news and reports tailored for political purposes, will only exacerbate the current situation and further polarize the various communities in the region. We are seriously concerned that such incessant rhetoric directed against Myanmar can have only a negative impact on the existing cooperation between Myanmar and the United Nations, as well as on our ongoing bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh in our efforts to find a lasting solution to the current humanitarian problems and to the complex situation in Rakhine.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“My delegation stresses that members of our armed forces are subject not only to our 1959 military act and military by-Iaws, but also to existing civilian laws and traditions. As such, severe legal action is taken against perpetrators whether they are civilians or members of the security forces, as has been demonstrated by a number of prosecutions of military personnel for sexual violence. Members of the armed forces have been clearly instructed to strictly follow the military code of conduct and to refrain from committing crimes, including any involving sexual violence. A series of capacity-building workshops have been held to educate military personnel on human rights, and the curriculum of our military training schools includes instruction on laws related to the prevention of sexual violence.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“With regard to the alleged sexual violence mentioned in the Secretary-General's report, the Government of Myanmar has once again made its position very clear that it will not condone any human rights abuse. Ifthere is concrete evidence, we will be ready to take action against any perpetrator in accordance with the law and without impunity. The recent sentencing of seven military personnel who were involved in the Inn Din incident to 10 years in prison with hard labour is clear testimony to the Government's strong commitment to the rule of law. My delegation categorically rejects the groundless accusations that sexual violence was used as a strategy to force Muslim people to flee their homes. In Myanmar, sexual violence is a crime that is abhorrent to our traditional values and strictly forbidden by our law and culture.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“This year's annual report (S/2018/250) of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence acknowledges the important steps that Myanmar has taken to protect the rights of women and children. However, it is most regrettable that the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Armed Forces, has been listed in the report, despite Myanmar's genuine efforts to engage constructively with the Office of the Special Representative. Moreover, the decision to list it was made based on unverified allegations, despite our attempts to interview the alleged victims in camps in Cox's Bazar to investigate the cases. We are disappointed that our request for a proper investigation to be carried out was denied.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“With regard to the joint communique proposed by the Special Representative, I would like to say that the Government has already implemented various measures, such as steps to raise awareness on preventing sexual violence. Reports on actions taken by the Government to ensure that the rights of women are protected and sexual violence against women and girls is prevented have also been regularly submitted to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and included in the Universal Periodic Review process of the Human Rights Council. We have also updated this information for the various United Nations special mandate holders. We intend to work with Myanmar-based United Nations agencies on implementing the five priority areas of cooperation identified by the Special Representative.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“We have also set up one-stop women's support centres throughout the country to support women and girls who have experienced violence. The centres provide physical, legal, psychological and social support. Starting in 2016, we established national gender-based hotlines to help victims of violence to report such incidents and get counselling. We are also revising our child laws to include a provision on conflict-related sexual violence against children. Myanmar took a further step towards demonstrating its firm position on preventing and addressing conflict-related sexual violence by inviting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Patten to Myanmar in December 2017.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Myanmar is striving to build a peaceful, prosperous and democratic nation after decades of military rule, isolation and internal armed conflict. In our efforts to achieve a people-oriented, democratic society, we are working hard to put gender equality and women's empowerment at the heart of our national development strategies. Our 10-year national strategic plan for the advancement of women covers key areas of the United Nations agenda, including women's empowerment and the prevention of violence against women and girls. In 2014 Myanmar also signed the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict and became the one hundred and fiftieth State to endorse it. We are currently drafting a law on the protection of women and the prevention of violence against them that will cover all forms ofviolence against women and girls.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Iwouldliketoconcludebyexpressingmydelegation's sincere appreciation to the members of the Security Council who have demonstrated an understanding of the complex challenges that we face today. We are grateful for their support and encouragement, which we will continue to need. We believe that only mutual understanding and constructive cooperation will bring about positive results. The Government of Myanmar is determined to overcome all the challenges with the full support and contribution of the entire population of Myanmar. We will not allow the immediate challenges to undermine or to delay our ultimate goal of building a fully democratic federal union, with lasting peace and sustainable development.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The challenges facing Rakhine state include poverty, resource competition, human rights, citizenship and immigration perspectives, to name a few. There is no easy quick fix to those highly complex challenges. Ultimately, it is up to the people of Myanmar to determine how to achieve a peaceful and prosperous Rakhine state. The solution must come from within. It must not be imposed from outside. We appreciate the concern expressed by our friends and welcome the constructive cooperation of the international community. We need a solution to solve the problem. We would not allow action that would exacerbate the problem. In the policymaking process, we should not become hostage to the one-sided media and activists. Important judgments and policy decisions should be based on a careful examination of the information.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“We hope that we can count on the continued support and encouragement of the international community in our efforts for lasting peace, sustainable development and democratic nation-building. The current humanitarian crisis, which involves the Muslim people of Rakhine state, did not result from communal violence, as happened in 2012. It is the consequence of terrorist attacks on security posts, which triggered the security response of the Government forces. Such attacks were a clear and real threat to the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar. The matter is not a religious issue, as some people are trying to portray. The majority of Muslims in other areas across Myanmar have lived peacefully and in harmony with people of different faiths throughout history.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The 21st Century Panglong Conference is the forum bringing together all stakeholders to undertake political dialogue towards peace and lay the foundation for a democratic federal union. The first session of the Panglong Peace Conference, held in 2016, was the most inclusive peace conference in Myanmar's history. The second session of the Conference took place in May 2017 and reached an agreement on part 1 of the 37-point Pyidaungsu Accord, which will constitute part of the basis for a future democratic federal constitution. Preparations are now under way for the third session of the Panglong Conference. I would like to take this opportunity to express the Myanmar Government's sincere appreciation to all our friends around the world and to the United Nations for supporting the peace process.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“Without peace, stability and the rule of law, the country will not be able to realize its ultimate goal of building a genuine democratic federal union that will guarantee security, freedom and progress for all people. To that end, the previous Government initiated the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with ethnic armed groups to sustain peace. Eight out of about twenty armed groups signed the Agreement during the previous administration. I am pleased to inform the Council that today, 13 February, another two ethnic groups -the New Mon State Party and the Lahu Democratic Union - have signed the Agreement in Naypyidaw, bringing the total number of signatories to ten. The People's Republic of China, India, Japan, Thailand, the European Union and the United Nations have also signed the Agreement as international witnesses.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“Myanmar recognizes the freedom of the press, and they were not arrested for reporting. The two reporters are charged under the Official Secrets Act for illegally possessing confidential Government documents. Every citizen is bound by the existing law of land. It is important that the action of a journalist also be within the bounds of the law. In accordance with judicial procedure, they have full legal rights as defendants in the course of legal proceedings. Achieving durable peace, harmony and development in Rakhine state will be contingent on nationwide peace and the success of the democratic transition of Myanmar. The greatest national endeavour for Myanmar today is to forge lasting peace.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“Recently, the Associated Press and the BBC reported widely on alleged mass graves in the village of Gu Dar Pyin, in Buthidaung township. The Rakhine state Government sent a 17-member inspection team to the village, comprised of regional administrative officials, local Rakhine and Muslim community elders, doctors, immigration officers and security officers. According to the interviews and area inspections, no mass grave was found in the reported area. Moreover, the local elders confirmed that there had been no such incidents in the village. However, the Rakhine state Government is now extending the investigation to nearby villages. The Government of Myanmar will continue to ensure accountability for all crimes committed, as no one is above the law. The case of two Reuters reporters has attracted much attention in recent weeks.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“With regard to the Reuters report of December last year on the finding of 10 bodies in a cemetery in Inn Din, Maungdaw, the Tatmadaw immediately formed a high-level enquiry team and conducted an investigation of the incident. It was found that 10 Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army members had been arrested by security forces on 1 September 2017, soon after the terrorist attacks on 25 August. The next day, 2 September, they were executed and buried in the village cemetery without being handed over to the police. Therefore, actions are being taken against 16 individuals, including army and police officers and some villagers who acted in violation of standard operating procedures and rules of engagement. The action taken on the part of the Tatmadaw is a positive step forward in taking responsibility, and deserves encouragement.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The points made by the board concern the sustainability of implementation projects, the wider participation of United Nations agencies in the repatriation and resettlement process, and the granting of full humanitarian access, among others. We are encouraged by the board's conviction that constructive and positive work can be done to help bring peace, reconciliation and economic progress to all communities in Rakhine state. Concerning allegations of human rights violations, the Government of Myanmar has always made its position very clear that it will not condone any action of abuse. If there is concrete evidence, action will be taken against the transgressor in accordance with the law, no matter who or what he is.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Development has been spearheading various projects with great momentum in the implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission. One of the most significant developments in that regard was the formation on 14 December of a 10-member advisory board to the Committee for Implementation of the Recommendations on Rakhine State, headed by Mr. Surakiart Sathirathai, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The primary purpose of the board is to provide an external perspective and advice to the Committee for a more effective and efficient implementation of recommendations. The board has also already provided five points of advice to the Implementation Committee as preliminary reflections.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“We highly appreciate ASEAN's understanding, support and constructive engagement in our efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the Rakhine issue. The Government of Myanmar has embraced the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State as a road map to resolve the root causes of the problem of Rakhine state and achieve sustainable peace and development for all. The Government is committed to implementing the recommendations made by the Advisory Commission, as well as other recommendations made by the Maungdaw Region Investigation Commission. The Committee for Implementation of the Recommendations on Rakhine State has begun taking steps towards their implementation. The Committee has recently published its first report on the progress of the implementation of the recommendations.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“On humanitarian assistance, the Government and the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine have been providing food and household needs to all communities in Rakhine state, in addition to building infrastructure and increasing business activities for the economic development of the region. The Red Cross Movement continues to play an important role in providing services to address the urgent need of humanitarian assistance in affected areas. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management is also actively participating in the Government-led mechanism to deliver humanitarian assistance.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“They will not hesitate to use their brutal tactics of intimidation and killing of innocent people who want a peaceful life in harmony with other communities in Rakhine. The recent media reports of the killing of two camp leaders from refugee camps in Bangladesh sent a warning to those who want to return to their villages. Under such circumstances, and in order to establish the rule of law and sustain peace and security, the capacities of the security forces must be strengthened. It is regrettable that, at a time when we most need international support for building the capacities of our security personnel, some countries have adopted new restrictions and sanctions on Myanmar with regard to cooperation in the security sector. Such actions could have negative effects on the maintenance of peace and stability in conflict areas.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“Likewise, visiting dignitaries, such as the Foreign Minister of Japan and the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, have also visited the area with their accompanying media. We are fully aware that the Government has the primary responsibility to protect its own people. As lives in the affected areas, especially the Maungdaw area, return to normalcy, the police forces have largely taken over the security responsibility in most parts of Maungdaw district. Although no major clashes with terrorists have been reported in the past six months, there is always a threat posed by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army terrorists, who are taking refuge among innocent people. They will take every opportunity to undermine law and order and public security.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“In recent days, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of United Nations agencies - including the Office ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Food Programme, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank - have been given access to the Maungdaw areas to observe the preparations for repatriation and the situation on the ground. The Government has arranged a day trip for all diplomatic corps members residing in Myanmar, including United Nations agency representatives, to Rakhine state in three groups. The first and second groups went on 6 and 9 February, respectively. The third group will be going on 15 February.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Council that the Minister of Home Affairs of Myanmar will be visiting Bangladesh on 15 February to discuss with his counterpart matters relating to cooperation in repatriation and to find a solution to the problem of people being stranded on the zero line of the border. Officials from both sides of the border will also be meeting at the border on the same day to encourage people to return to their villages, because the building of houses or habitations on the zero line of the common border is prohibited in the boundary agreement. We appreciate the traditional good-neighbourly relationship with Bangladesh and we are confident that we will be able to overcome all problems arising between the two neighbours with a spirit of friendship and cooperation.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“In addition, on 30 January the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the Bangladeshi side with information relating to a resettlement plan, the provision of livelihood assistance, access to basic services, and safety arrangements for verified returnees. We have made the necessary preparations and are now ready to receive the first group ofreturnees. We will continue to work in close consultation and cooperation with Bangladesh for the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of displaced persons in accordance with the bilateral agreement.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The number of transit camps and reception centres may be increased based on requirements as the repatriation process progresses. In the process of repatriation, Myanmar will draw on the services of the Office ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as needed and at the appropriate time. Recently, on 5 and 6 February, UNHCR conducted its second workshop on voluntary repatriation in Myanmar. In an effort to expedite the implementation of the repatriation process, Myanmar provided to Bangladesh a list of 500 Hindus and 750 Muslims, verified as Myanmar residents, to be included in the first batch of repatriation.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“After the signing on 23 November last of the memorandum of understanding on the arrangement on the return of displaced persons, on 19 December 2017 the terms of reference for the joint working group were signed; the first meeting of the group was held on 15 January. The physical arrangement for repatriation agreement was signed by the two sides on 16 January. According to that agreement, the repatriation process was scheduled to commence on 23 January. The returnees will be received at two reception centres and then temporarily accommodated at a camp before permanent settlement. As an initial step, Myanmar will receive 300 returnees a day to ensure a smooth and safe return. The number will be increased based on the progress of the return and will be reviewed in three months.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“My delegation is keeping in close touch with members of the Council as well as with the Secretariat to maintain a constructive partnership in the spirit of cooperation. Since the issuance of the presidential statement on the situation in Myanmar on 6 November last (S/PRST/2017/22), Myanmar has made great strides towards the restoration of the rule of law, peace and stability, and preparations for the repatriation of displaced persons from the Maungdaw area. The implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State has gained momentum in the process of promoting sustainable peace, stability and development in Rakhine state. Myanmar and Bangladesh have made significant progress in our bilateral efforts for the repatriation of displaced persons.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for allowing my delegation to participate in this meeting. My delegation wishes to congratulate you on the Kuwaiti presidency of the Council. I am confident that under your able leadership, the Council's important debates will bear fruitful results. I assure you of our support and cooperation. I also thank Mr. Miroslav Jenea and High Commissioner Grandi for their briefings on the situation in Myanmar. We appreciate the constructive approach adopted by the Secretary-General and the United Nations in our engagement. We will continue to cooperate with the United Nations. In this connection, we are glad that the visit of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Patten to Myanmar last December was very positive. We are working closely with her Office for further cooperation.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“My delegation is working closely and in good faith with the members of the Council and the Secretariat to establish a constructive partnership in our common quest for peace, reconciliation and sustainable development in Rakhine state. We will continue to do so in the spirit of cooperation. On behalf of the Government of Myanmar, I would like to express our sincere appreciations to the members of the Council that have demonstrated an understanding of the complex challenges that we are facing today. We believe that mutual understanding and constructive cooperation will only bring about positive results.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“Moreover, the expressions "ethnic cleansing" and "crimes against humanity" should not be used lightly without concrete evidence and a conclusive legal judgment. We have serious doubts about the attitude of some members of the Council that repeatedly refuse to even call my country by its proper name. Such arrogant behaviour, coupled with a hostile mentality, will not contribute to constructive cooperation. Notwithstanding all of that, as a responsible State Member of the United Nations, Myanmar has never failed to maintain its relationship with the United Nations. We always choose the path of engagement and cooperation, based on mutual understanding and mutual respect.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“Just barely over a week later, the Third Committee adopted an almost identical draft resolution, entitled "Situation of human rights in Myanmar" (A/C.3/72/L.48). On 5 December, almost exactly a month after the presidential statement was adopted, the special session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted by a vote resolution S-27/1, entitled "Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar". We have stated in unequivocal terms our objection to the discriminatory and selective application of overlapping actions against my country in the name of human rights under various United Nations mechanisms. The pattern of exerting undue political pressure and coercive measures will not achieve any positive results.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“The Union Enterprise is undertaking infrastructure development and construction in preparation for the repatriation process. It is also assisting in the distribution of humanitarian assistance. For the long-term development of the region, the Union Enterprise is encouraging and inviting investment in order to create jobs and generate income, thereby upgrading the livelihoods of the people. As a result, the Maungdaw special economic zone was recently established in order to boost cross-border trade with Bangladesh. We welcome international partners, donor agencies and United Nations entities to participate in that process. The Security Council adopted presidential statement S/PRST/2017/22 on Myanmar on 6 November.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“The Union Enterprise Mechanism for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Development in Rakhine was launched in October as a national initiative to address the issue of Rakhine state following the August terrorist attacks. The three main tasks of the Uninon Enterprise, for both the short and the long terms, are repatriation and the effective provision of humanitarian aid, the coordination of resettlement and rehabilitation efforts, and socioeconomic development and durable peace. The work of the Union Enterprise complements the work of the committee on the implementation of the recommendations on Rakhine state. It is working closely with the private sector and civil society. It also collaborates with Government organizations at the union and regional levels.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“To that end, the ministerial-level committee for implementation of the recommendations on Rakhine state was formed on 12 September. The ministries concerned have already started the implementation process in various areas. The progress of the implementation process is to be released to the public every four months. Today, I am pleased to inform members of the Council that an advisory board to the committee for implementation of the recommendation on Rakhine state was formed on 8 December. The advisory board comprises five well-respected international members and five members from Myanmar. The advisory board will give necessary, independent advisory opinions in order to permit the Committee to effectively implement the recommendations, in consonance with the situation on the ground.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“At the request of the Hindu community in Myanmar, the Government has asked the Bangladeshi Government to ensure the early repatriation of more than 500 Hindu refugees. However, Bangladesh has indicated its intention to include them in the first batch of returnees, together with other Muslims. Regarding the implementation of the recommendation of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, the Government of Myanmar has embraced the recommendations of the Commission as a road map to addressing the root causes of the problems within Rakhine state and achieving sustainable peace and development for all. The Government is committed to implementing the recommendations made by the Advisory Commission, as well as other recommendations made by the Maungdaw Region Investigation Commission.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“After the formation of the joint working group, the repatriation process will start within two months from the date of signing the agreement on the repatriation arrangement. Two reception centres, at Taung Pyo Lat Wel and Nga Khu Ya, near the border, and a drop-in centre have already been set up. The reception centres will provide basic services, such as health, water and sanitation, gender-inclusive security and safety, education and transportation to people's respective places of origin. Application forms for returnees have been sent to Bangladesh. The returnees will be temporarily accomodated in those reception centres, but they will be resettled in their places of origin or places that are close by.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“Moreover, the World Health Organization is also providing medical support that is being channelled through the Ministry of Health and Sports. A youth humanitarian coordination group has been formed with youth volunteers from across the country in order to efficiently distribute humanitarian aid to all of the affected communities. Regarding repatriation, on 23 November Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an agreement on an arrangement for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced persons from Rakhine state. According to the arrangement, a joint working group will be formed within three weeks of the signing. We have now agreed to meet in Dhaka on 19 December in order to finalize the terms of reference and establish the joint working group.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management is also working with the Government of Myanmar and the Red Cross Movement to deliver humanitarian assistance. The Thai and Philippines Red Cross will soon be joining the Red Cross Movement in aid delivery. The Union Government, in collaboration with the Rakhine state authorities, is trying to find ways and means for the United Nations agencies and international organizations to resume their activities in the region. In the meantime, the World Food Programme (WFP) is delivering food assistance to Rathedaung township, including the five remaining Muslim villages. In late October, the WFP was granted permission to restart its food distribution in the Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“In order to establish the rule of law and sustain peace and security, the police force in Rakhine will be strengthened. The Government of Japan has accepted the request of Myanmar to provide community-policing training to Myanmar police personnel in Rakhine state. With regard to humanitarian assistance, the Red Cross Movement is operating in Rakhine state to address the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in affected areas, following the violence that broke out on 25 August. As of 26 November, the Red Cross Movement had reached out to over 29,000 households in Rakhine state. Apart from emergency items, the Movement is also providing health-care services to the affected communities. Mobile clinics and health facilities have been deployed. Thousands of people have also been provided with cash assistance.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“The Government of Myanmar has spared no effort to address the humanitarian, security and socioeconomic issues that have emerged following the terror attacks of 25 August by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army against security posts in the Maungdaw district. At the same time, the Government is striving to achieve sustainable peace, harmony and socioeconomic development for all communities in the state. Let me briefly highlight some salient facts on the status of what the Government of Myanmar has done so far. With regard to the cessation of violence, there have been no major clashes with the terrorists reported since 5 September. Moreover, most troops have withdrawn from the Buthidaung-Maungdaw region. Public security and the maintenance of law and order have been taken over by the Myanmar police force.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“The Government of Myanmar has accommodated the proposed visit to Myanmar by Ms. Patten from 14 to 17 December, in demonstration of our genuine desire to work with the United Nations and our faith in the United Nations system. I am confident that the first official visit of the Special Representative to Myanmar will produce positive results that will pave the way for further cooperation between Myanmar and the United Nations, and in particular with her Office. With regard to the alleged sexual violence, the Government of Myanmar has made its position clear that it will not condone any human rights abuse. Ifthere is concrete evidence, we are ready to take action against the transgressor, in accordance with the law, no matter who or what he is.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“My delegation thanks Under- Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing this afternoon on developments in Rakhine state since the adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2017/22 on 6 November. Mr. Feltman has reflected in his briefing the efforts of the Government of Myanmar in response to the challenges the country is facing with regard to Rakhine state. We appreciate the constructive approach to our engagement adopted by the Secretary-General. We will continue to cooperate with the United Nations in our efforts to alleviate the current humanitarian problems and to achieve our objective of a sustainable solution to the protracted issue of Rakhine state. My delegation also welcomes the presence in the Council today of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8133 (2017) · source
“I would like to conclude by reaffirming Myanmar's commitment to making its utmost efforts to prevent people from falling into the hands of traffickers.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“A joint working group will be set up to coordinate the process of repatriation. We strongly hope to sign the bilateral agreement on repatriation arrangements very soon so that the repatriation process may begin as soon as possible. While the humanitarian situation is in the focus of the international community, we must not lose sight of the other important facts about the situation in the area, where there is credible evidence of the continuing activities of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army terrorist group and its affiliates. The terrorists are now taking refuge in hideouts in the mountains and among the innocent people of the region. Reportedly, they have been funded by people abroad. We must all be vigilant to deter any traffickers or criminal networks seeking to exploit this situation for malicious purposes.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“The 25 August terrorist attacks against 30 Myanmar police stations and one military base and subsequent acts of terrorism have triggered an extremely tragic humanitarian situation in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. We also share the concern that the people who have fled across the border to Bangladesh may fall into the hands of traffickers. With the aim of taking measures to prevent such situation, Myanmar participated in the ad hoc meeting convened by the Governments of Australia and Indonesia last month in Jakarta. In a good-neighbourly spirit, we are actively working with Bangladesh on the voluntary, safe and dignified return of the people who are taking refuge on the Bangladesh side. The repatriation process will start in three weeks after signing a bilateral agreement for the arrangement of their repatriation.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Apart from the extreme circumstances of conflict and natural disaster, poverty, overpopulation and the lack of job opportunities in many less-developed countries also constitute root causes of trafficking. Therefore, we encourage all stakeholders to make effective use of the relevant goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the global efforts to combat trafficking in persons. The fight against such trafficking needs to be based on cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination. Politicizing the fight against trafficking in persons should be avoided as that would not serve as a solution to the problem.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Myanmar believes that cooperation among countries should be strengthened through accepted legal frameworks. Humanitarian crises caused by natural disasters or conflicts create situations where people living in the affected areas become vulnerable to the threat of trafficking. This phenomenon cannot be eliminated by actions of the Governments alone. We need to engage constructively with the private sector. Therefore, I thank the Governments of Australia and Indonesia for their initiative in organizing the Bali Process Government and Business Forum in August 2017 to discuss and make recommendations on supply-chain transparency, preventing trafficking in persons and modern-day slavery. Preventive measures are crucial in addressing the issue of trafficking in persons.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source