Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar at the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Dr. P. R. Thulasidass, Under Secretary, Geneva, 20 March 2023
Mr. President,
1. India takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur. The full statement will be uploaded on the extranet.
2. We are, however, concerned about some unwarranted references to India in the report. These go beyond the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. Such remarks do not contribute to improving the situation in Myanmar and undermines India’s efforts towards peace and stability in Myanmar.
3. The deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar has direct implications for India. We share more than 1700 km long porous border with Myanmar. The ongoing situation has led to influx of more than 50,000 people from Myanmar into India. In addition, there is a significant rise in cross border criminal activities like drug trafficking and arms smuggling. Despite these concerns, India is one of the very few countries which has allowed Myanmar nationals to take shelter.
4. India also remains committed to strengthening the democratic process in Myanmar. We have worked with various stakeholders to develop capacities in areas of democratic systems and practices. We have renewed these efforts, including in building capacities in areas of constitutionalism and federalism.
5. India has been extending assistance in kind to Myanmar through various connectivity projects, infrastructure projects, capacity building initiatives, developmental projects under the Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP), Border Area Development Programme etc. During the COVID pandemic, India had extended COVID related medical assistance to Myanmar consisting of medical equipment, medicines and other supplies to Myanmar.
6. As regards the issue of the repatriation of displaced persons from the Rakhine state, as a neighboring country to both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we have high stakes in resolving this issue. It is important that our ongoing efforts towards safe, speedy and sustainable repatriation of displaced persons from Bangladesh to the Rakhine State of Myanmar are not undermined. We will continue to support the endeavors of the Government of Bangladesh and will continue to build capacities in the Rakhine State.
I thank you. Mr. President.
