Call for independent probe as UNGA adopts resolution
ROHINGYA rights violation
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT, Dhaka
The third committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which deals with issues related to human rights and humanitarian affairs, has unanimously passed a draft resolution, condemning all rights violations in Myanmar and called for an independent investigation into them, including against Rohingya Muslims, to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
The draft resolution titled Situation of human rights in Myanmar also called for international support for the underfunded 2018 joint response plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, according to the website of the UNGA.
In a recorded vote on Friday, out of 193 member states, 142 voted in favour, 10 countries -- Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Russian Federation, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe -- voted against, 26 countries, including India, abstained while 15 states remained absent.
This draft resolution will now be placed before the UNGA for passage.
Similar draft resolution followed by a passage took place last year where voting pattern was more or less the same like this time. Introducing the draft on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Turkeys delegate pressed Myanmar to end the vicious cycle of violence against the Rohingyas.
We must work tirelessly to urge Myanmar to address the root causes of the crisis, he asserted.
The Turkish representative expressed deep concern over serious human rights violations in Myanmar against the Rohingyas.
Without a comprehensive strategy, it is impossible to find solutions for the crisis and to end the vicious cycle of extensive and systematic attacks against the Rohingyas, Myanmar must create the conditions for peaceful life, he said, stressing the need to implement human rights laws and bring perpetrators to justice.
He underlined the importance of a full and independent investigation of such violations, noting that Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding and established a commission of inquiry.
Welcoming Bangladeshs efforts to address the humanitarian crisis, Turkey said that the voluntary and safe return of Rohingya is the
only lasting solution, cautioning against transferring refugees from camps in one State to those in the other and expressed the OICs readiness to work with the UN and engaged parties.
On behalf of the European Union, an Austrian representative said that the draft articulates the grave international concern over the suffering of the Rohingyas. The independent international fact-finding mission results point to the commission of the gravest crimes under international law, such as torture, rape, killings and enslavement.
Commending Bangladesh for its generosity, he said the text sets out what must happen to ensure redress for those who have suffered. It underscores deep concern over the persecution of minorities in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan states and recognises steps by Myanmar to improve conditions in Rakhine.
The representative of Bangladesh stressed that the comity must redeem itself for failing to prevent crimes against the Rohingyas by heeding their call for identity, security and justice, and ensuring that the most persecuted minority in the world is at least no longer the forgotten one.
Rohingyas must be allowed to return home or to their place of choice. On the option of return, the Rohingya were not convinced by Myanmars assurances, as not a single one had accepted that option. They want guarantees for a pathway to citizenship and land ownership, and dispensation of justice legitimate demands to which Myanmar must respond, said the representative.
The representative of Myanmar, in explanation of vote, totally rejected the draft, calling the tabling of a country-specific resolution on any country that is under active consideration by the Human Rights Council procedurally unwarranted and an abuse of human rights procedure.
The representative of Saudi Arabia said events in Myanmar continue to cast shadows of suspicion on positive political developments in the country. Such developments cannot be complete without including all people of Myanmar.
The representative of the United States expressed deep concern about serious human rights violations in Burma and Rakhine State. The representative welcomed the governments commitment to implement the advisory commission recommendations and the memorandum of understanding.
The representative stressed the importance of ensuring the return of displaced persons to their place of origin, while welcoming the establishment of an independent mechanism to collect and analyse data, echoing the call to immediately make it operational.
The representative of China said different human rights needs must be addressed through constructive dialogue and cooperation, recalling complex historic and ethnic issues.
In October, Myanmar and Bangladesh had agreed to start a repatriation process. China stands ready to support this endeavour. The United Nations and the international community should remain patient rather than complicating the situation, noting that China will vote against the draft resolution.
The representative of the Russian Federation attached great importance to positive inter-state cooperation in protecting human rights. Neither criticism nor politicised country-specific resolutions resolve such problems. The Russian Federation has consistently rejected such texts.
The Canadian representative said the draft resolution sends a message that crimes should not go unpunished.
IK
