Intervention of Bangladesh delegation intervention at the General discussion with Prof Yanghee Lee, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar on 22 October 2019, UNHQs, New York
Mr. Chair,
Bangladesh delegation would like to express its sincere thanks to the Special Rapporteur Prof Yanghee Lee for her yet another revealing report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.
We commend the way she has undertaken her role independently and in an objective manner under her mandate since 2014. Regrettably, as has been reflected in the SG’s report, Myanmar’s continued refusal to cooperate with United Nations human rights entities and mechanisms including refusal of access to Special Rapporteur, has not helped much.
Creation of conducive environment is a pre-requisite for safe, voluntary and dignified return of all Rohingyas to Myanmar as the Rohingyas have been telling the world repeatedly. The call for accountability is also yet to be addressed through ‘a credible process and a focus on meeting the justice needs of victims and affected communities’. We recognize the need for complementarity between various judicial mechanisms to generate confidence among the victims. We would like to hear the views of Prof Lee on how to ensure this complementarity.
As time goes by, the crisis is becoming complex and protracted. The report touches on the looming risks like human, arms and drug trafficking. She has presented valuable recommendations for the UN and its Member States including referral of the situation to International Criminal Court or alternatively establish an international tribunal.
Aid and development in the pretext of development alone devoid of meaningful steps taken to address fundamental human rights issues will not bear fruit. Human rights, accountability and other issues including freedom of movement and sustainable livelihood as raised by Rohingya themselves and reflected in the report need to be addressed. We look forward to the implementations of her recommendations on the ground including restoration of citizenship rather than follow a pathway to citizenship.
We understand that this would be the last report of Prof Lee to this Committee and wish to thank her for her arduous and committed work in highlighting the plights of the Rohingyas and other minorities in Myanmar to us and we, the international community, has to take them on their merit and act.
I thank you.