Permanent Mission of India
Geneva
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27th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on
“The Human Rights situation of the minority Rohingya Muslim population and other minorities in the Rakhine State of Myanmar”
Consideration of the draft resolution A/HRC/S-27/L.1
(December 5, 2017)
Explanation of Vote by India delivered by Shri Rajiv K Chander,
Permanent Representative/Ambassador
Mr. President,
1. My delegation is of the view that 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. We welcome the signing of an Arrangement between Government of Myanmar and Government of Bangladesh on return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State. This is on the basis of the principles agreed upon by Bangladesh and Myanmar in 1992, which includes a systematic process of verification to enable speedy return of the displaced persons. We hope that the Governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh would take the implementation of this bilateral Agreement to its logical conclusion based on mutual trust and in the spirit of maintaining good neighbourly relations.
2. The agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar was signed just on November 23, 2017. Our effort within this Council must be to encourage the two countries to work together with purpose and vigour to bring about the immediate and safe return of the displaced persons and the restoration of normalcy in Rakhine State. We have always maintained that the promotion and protection of human rights is best achieved through constructive engagement and dialogue with the country concerned. This issue needs to be addressed in a fair and objective manner. This must inform our approach to the current situation in Rakhine State as well.
3. In this background, my delegation would abstain from the Resolution being considered by the Council.
I thank you, Mr. President.
