H.E. Mr. Ajit Kumar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UN and other International Organizations in Geneva making India's Statement at Human Rights Council 31st Session under Agenda Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar H.E. Mr. Ajit Kumar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UN and other International ..

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
31st SESSION (29 February-24 March 2016)

 

Statement by H.E. Mr. Ajit Kumar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India under Agenda item 4:Interactive Dialogue with the SR on Myanmar
(14 March 2016)

 

Thank you Mr. President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur Madam Yanghee Lee for her report.

Mr. President,

2.  The latest report of the SR on Myanmar acknowledges the fact that the last five years have witnessed wide-ranging reforms that have brought fundamental changes to Myanmar.

3.  As a close neighbour, India shares historical and cultural ties with Myanmar and has consistently reiterated the need for political reform and establishment of democratic institutions in Myanmar. The historic general elections in Myanmar in November 2015 witnessed a robust turnout and have been positively assessed by several national and international observers who oversaw the conduct of these elections. There has also been series of reforms and adoption of relevant laws, which along with the release of thousands of political prisoners reflects Myanmar's willingness for taking difficult but important decisions. The progress towards political reforms and democratization made by Myanmar during transition period deserve international community's continued support and encouragement.

4.  In addressing the still remaining human rights concerns in the country, the Government of Myanmar will require capacity building and global assistance as requested by Myanmar. It is also noteworthy that Myanmar has acknowledged the prevalent constraints and has been consistent in its request for enhanced cooperation.

Mr. President,

5.  Myanmar deserves the acknowledgement of the international community for its steadfast will for a constructive engagement with UN mechanisms. We have expressed this before, and it is worth repeating, that in our view the initiatives launched in 1992 initially under the Commission of Human Rights and subsequently extended under the Human Rights Council have substantially achieved their intended objectives in Myanmar. Hence, the time has come to seriously consider taking Myanmar off the Agenda of the Council.

I thank you. Mr. President.
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