Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that the report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) during the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, which was convened recently in Geneva, relies on unverified and misleading information so that it fosters mistrust between Myanmar and the international community, and it is high time the United Nations acknowledged the unwavering efforts towards peace, stability, and democratization of Myanmar.
Statement
During the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, which was convened recently in Geneva, the unfavourable interactive dialogues on the report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) and the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights were held on 9 September and 24 September 2024, respectively, in the absence of the country concerned, Myanmar. In 2024 alone, the Council has organized a total of six discussions targeting Myanmar. These discussions do not contribute to the development of Myanmar while exhausting the time and resources of the United Nations.
Since the mandate of the IIMM has stemmed from a politicized country-specific resolution that did not attain a consensus among the members, Myanmar has never acknowledged or accepted the mechanism since its inception. It is observed that the conclusions of the IIMM’s report are drawn from unreliable sources. In addition, the vague modalities of IIMM, including unlimited terms, absence of supervision, and reliance on funds outside the regular budget, make its independence, impartiality, and objectivity questionable.
Since the report of the High Commissioner relies on unverified and misleading information, it fosters mistrust between Myanmar and the international community. Regarding the allegations of treatment of prisoners and mental health, the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission has been conducting prison visits since 2021, offering recommendations on prison conditions and treatment of prisoners. Myanmar has also taken steps to address mental health issues through the implementation of a Mental Health Policy and Strategic Plan for Mental Health (2021-2024). The plan aims for a comprehensive approach to providing mental healthcare, both in hospitals and within communities.
The report also fails to verify allegations and neglects publicly available information provided by the government. The report particularly waters down the violence committed by PDF and various armed groups while focusing disproportionately on Tatmadaw’s countermeasures despite following Rules of Engagement and domestic laws. Myanmar urges the United Nations and the international community to refrain from supporting the acts of terrorist groups and to cooperate with the government in combatting terrorism and preventing terrorist acts.
As the government is committed to the implementation of the Five-Point Roadmap, the successful launch of the nationwide population and household census on 1 October 2024 marks a significant step towards holding free and fair elections. The government ensures that all available assistance reaches the needy population without any discrimination. All secured areas are granted access to UN agencies and international organizations for the provision of humanitarian aid. The government has been coordinating with the UN agencies to provide relief assistance to disaster-affected areas and facilitate the participation of donors in the distribution process.
The government has been deepening cooperation with the United Nations, particularly in the area of humanitarian assistance. Last August, Myanmar received the delegation of the United Nations Emergency Directors Group (EDG) from New York. Moreover, the government held two meetings with the UN agencies in 2024 on its policies and challenges in cooperation.
It is high time the United Nations acknowledged the unwavering efforts towards peace, stability, and democratization of Myanmar. Myanmar calls on the United Nations to end these repetitive mechanisms and foster constructive cooperation to address the challenges the country is facing rather than obstructing its development with redundant and duplicate mechanisms.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
11 October 2024
Source: GNLM (12-10-2024)
- The report of the High Commissioner fails to verify allegations and neglects publicly available information provided by the government.
- The report particularly waters down the violence committed by PDF and various armed groups while focusing disproportionately on Tatmadaw’s countermeasures despite following Rules of Engagement and domestic laws.
- It is high time the United Nations acknowledged the unwavering efforts towards peace, stability, and democratization of Myanmar. Myanmar calls on the United Nations to end these repetitive mechanisms and foster constructive cooperation to address the challenges the country is facing rather than obstructing its development with redundant and duplicate mechanisms.