Statement by India under Agenda Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, during the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September 2021 to 08 October 2021)), delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India
[Geneva, 22nd September, 2021]
Madam President,
We thank the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, for his oral report.
2. For a country that shares a long land and maritime border with Myanmar, the escalating situation in Myanmar is a matter of concern. Continued instability in Myanmar has direct implications for India. We have also been facing the situation of people crossing over the border into India from Myanmar.
Madam President,
3. As a democratic neighbour of Myanmar, India remains committed to strengthening the process of democratic transition in Myanmar. We have worked with various stakeholders in Myanmar to develop capacities on democratic systems and practices and we are continuing these efforts.
4. We are also concerned at the current COVID situation in Myanmar and in the bordering regions. India has dispatched urgent medical assistance to strengthen Myanmar’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. India has also contributed to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.
5. We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic and political situation in Myanmar has led to a decline in economic activity. Our developmental and humanitarian efforts in Myanmar, including in the Rakhine State, have been aimed at the socio-economic development of the country. We have continued these efforts in the interest of the people of Myanmar.
6. On the issue of the repatriation of displaced persons from the Rakhine state in Myanmar, it is important to ensure that our ongoing efforts towards the safe, speedy and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons currently in Bangladesh to the Rakhine State of Myanmar are expedited. We will continue to support the Government of Bangladesh in this regard.
7. We welcome the appointment of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar and his call to seek a peaceful solution though constructive dialogue. We look forward to the visit of the ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar and early implementation of the five-point consensus.
8. As Myanmar's close neighbour, India will continue to support the restoration of the democratic process in Myanmar. We urge the international community to work together and lend constructive support to the people of Myanmar.
Thank you, Madam President.
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