General Statement by India
Delivered by Ambassaor Rajiv K. Chander, Permanent Representative of India at the 36th Session of the Human Rights Council on consideration of the draft decision A/HRC/36/L.31/Rev1 titled ‘Extension of the mandate of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar’
(September 29, 2017)
Mr. President,
India remains deeply concerned at the situation in Rakhine State of Myanmar. Initially triggered by a series of terrorist attacks leading to loss of lives amongst the security forces as well as the civilian population, subsequent operations by security forces have resulted in the exodus of a large number of people from Rakhine state, many of whom have sought shelter in neighboring Bangladesh. It is important for the Myanmar security forces to handle the situation with restraint, focusing on the welfare of the civilian population, and take steps to prevent further exodus of civilians from Rakhine State and encourage the safe and sustainable return of those who have fled.
The role being played by Bangladesh in extending humanitarian assistance to such a large influx of people from Rakhine State is commendable and deserves both recognition and support by the international community. As a neighbour, friend and partner of Bangladesh, India has responded promptly to support the Government of Bangladesh in meeting the relief requirements posed by this large influx. The relief provided both by air and sea supplied the basic necessities by way of 15 kg packs for each family of recently arrived displaced persons in Bangladesh. Thus, we have supported 72,000 families to meet their essential needs in the relief camps.
We are convinced that the only lasting solution to the situation in the Rakhine State is the socio-economic and infrastructure development in the State and a resolution of underlying issues of citizenship and residence in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission. We have already proposed to provide assistance for projects to be undertaken in conjunction with the Government of Myanmar. All efforts must be made to restore normalcy in the State through a solution based on respect for peace, communal harmony, justice, dignity and democratic values.
Mr. President,
Our effort within the framework of this body must be to help Government of Myanmar meet its responsibilities towards its people, including all communities belonging to Rakhine State. In this context, we must welcome the commitment made by Government of Myanmar to implementing the recommendations of the Kofi Annan led UN Special Advisory Commission for Rakhine State. We must also welcome the categorical assurance given by Government of Myanmar that it will take back people who had fled to Bangladesh from Rakhine State, on the basis of the principles agreed upon between Bangladesh and Myanmar in 1993. This entails a systematic process of verification to enable speedy return of the displaced persons, including through setting up of a Myanmar-Bangladesh Joint Working Group. Our effort must be to enable the two countries to work together vigorously to facilitate the immediate and safe return of the displaced persons and restoration of normalcy and communal harmony in Rakhine State.
Government of Myanmar has committed to engaging with the international community, especially Bangladesh, in verifying and facilitating return of the displaced persons to Rakhine State. Government of Myanmar has also emphasized that it does not fear international scrutiny and would like to engage with the international community, particularly in facilitating delivery of humanitarian aid to all communities in Rakhine State. It is incumbent on us to help them in this endeavour. We have always maintained that the promotion and protection of human rights is best achieved through constructive engagement and dialogue with the country concerned. Rendering all necessary assistance, as requested by the country, is the need of the hour.
I thank you, Mr. President.
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September 29, 2017
