The Interactive Dialogues with the High Commissioner of Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, followed by their oral reports were conducted in the absence of the representatives of the country concerned, Myanmar, during the 47th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 6 and 7 July 2021 respectively.
Since the participation of the country concerned in the Interactive Dialogues of the Human Rights Council can reflect the actual situation on the ground, it is therefore crucial. The Interactive Dialogues held in the absence of the country concerned has deviated from the principles and objectives of the Human Rights Council, i.e., promoting and protecting of human rights through all inclusive dialogues. Accordingly, Myanmar rejects such dialogues held without the participation of the country concerned.
Furthermore, the remarks made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, tended to pave the way for the legitimacy of the so-called National Unity Government (NUG) which was declared as an unlawful association and a terrorist group. Myanmar categorically rejects such coercive remarks on a member state by the High Commissioner representing the United Nations.
Similarly, Myanmar rejects the calls, made by the Special Repporteur, Mr. Thomas Andrews, which interfere the internal affairs of a sovereign state. Myanmar has consistently opposed the country-specific resolutions and has never accepted the mandates of a Human Rights Special Rapporteur which was created by such resolutions. Against this backdrop, Myanmar has not accepted Mr. Thomas Andrew as the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and has never permitted him to enter Myanmar.
Therefore, Myanmar strongly rejects not only one-sided remarks based on inaccurate and unverified information but also all forms of intimidation which threatened the sovereignty of the State. Such remarks and intimidation differ from the actual situation on the ground and ignore the Government’s endeavours in the midst of its delicate transition towards democratization in line with the provisions of State Constitution 2008 of Myanmar.
The Human Rights Council is advised to follow its Rules of Procedures; to refrain from the practices of double standards and politicization and to respect all-inclusiveness, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. Likewise, the High Commissioner is called to perform her duties in an impartial, objective and constructive manner as stipulated in the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
Dated. 9 July 2021.