Mr. Chair,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the OIC member states in order to present the draft resolution entitled “Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar” contained in document A/C.3/73/L.51.

The serious human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar, perpetrated against the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities, continue to be a cause of deep concern for the international community.

People in Myanmar have been trapped for decades in a vicious cycle of violence and forced displacement.

The events that took place after 25 August 2017 is only the latest episode of this cycle. Without a comprehensive strategy, reaching an enduring solution to this crisis is impossible.

The findings of the independent international fact-finding mission are devastating. They point at the gravest crimes under international law. They indicate extensive, systematic and shockingly brutal attacks against the Rohingya community, including widespread rapes of women and girls.

To end this vicious cycle, the Government of Myanmar first of all must create the necessary conditions for peaceful coexistence in the Rakhine State and the safe return of refugees. This requires ending all types of violence and giving humanitarian agencies immediate, unhindered access to populations in need. Implementing international humanitarian and human rights law in the Rakhine State is crucial. Bringing the alleged perpetrators of violence to justice will also be of critical importance to put an end to the repetition of this cycle.

The OIC believes that the international community must do its utmost to find a lasting solution to the current crisis.
With this understanding, the resolution we submitted on behalf of the OIC and the EU, strongly condemns all violations and abuses of human rights in Myanmar.

It calls for a full and independent investigation of violations and abuses to ensure that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable.

Mr. Chair,

Myanmar has recently engaged with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNHCR and UNDP.

Myanmar also established a Commission of Inquiry to look into reports of human rights violations in the RakhineState. These steps are noted in the resolution.

However, establishing mechanisms or signing MoUs will not be enough to produce concrete results in the field without strong political will.

We would still like to believe in the sincerity of the Government of Myanmar in taking these steps. We will closely monitor the implementation of the resolution and initiatives to be undertaken by the Government of Myanmar to that end.

We appreciate the tremendous efforts of the Government of Bangladesh, in addressing “one of the world’s worst humanitarian and human rights crises” as referred by the Secretary-General, and reaffirm our full solidarity. The international community and relevant UN institutions should support the commendable endeavors of Bangladesh in assisting the Rohingya refugees.

The OIC is convinced that the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar and their reintegration in the Rakhine State is the only way forward for a lasting solution.

Repatriation should not be from the camps in Bangladesh to the camps in Myanmar. Rohingya should return to their places of origin and their basic rights should be guaranteed. Relevant UN agencies should be given access to verify. Moreover, without holding the perpetrators accountable for their crimes, ensuring voluntary return of Rohingya to Myanmar will not be possible.

We must work tirelessly to urge Myanmar to address the root causes of the problem and create favorable conditions in Rakhine state for peaceful coexistence.

As foreseen in our resolution, the good offices of the Secretary General and the endeavors of his Special Envoy will continue to play a crucial role to find an enduring solution to the crisis.

The OIC stands ready to work with the UN and engage with relevant parties in order to respond to the plight of people in Myanmar. We hope that Member States will show strong determination to protect and uphold the rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, by co-sponsoring and voting in favor of this important resolution.

Thank you.