Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at High-level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar
Mr. Chair,
The Russian Federation consistently opposes the practice of adopting selective, unilateral resolutions on the human rights situation in individual countries. We consider this method to be ineffective, as it fails to protect and promote human rights, and serves only to exacerbate confrontation between states. Therefore, as is well known, we did not support draft resolution 79/278, adopted by the UN General Assembly this past March.
We also saw no point in holding a conference that would aim to lay the blame for the crisis and responsibility for resolving it solely on Nay Pyi Taw. Such actions not only fail to reflect the reality, but also do not contribute to settling the situation in Rakhine.
The role of the international community in resolving this problem between the neighboring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh, which is rooted in the colonial past, lies in creating favorable environment for the implementation of repatriation agreements between them, while respecting their sovereignty and not interfering in their internal affairs. At the same time, the priority should be placed on restoring peace and stability in Rakhine.
Until a direct, bilateral, updated agreement is reached on the phased repatriation of the Rohingya (upon preliminary verification of their identity) between Nay Pyi Taw and Dhaka, supported by the UN, and conditions for its implementation are established, the international community should refrain from carrying out plans to create humanitarian «corridors» or «channels» for repatriating Rohingya, as well as abstain from controversial projects to create so-called safe zones for their reception on the territory of the Rakhine national area in Myanmar. Such actions are fraught only with an aggravation of the situation.
We consider the policy of Western states, which seek to exploit this long-standing problem for their own geopolitical purposes, to be counterproductive.
The civil and legal status of forcibly displaced persons must be resolved in accordance with the domestic legislation of both countries. Pressure on this and other sensitive issues is unacceptable.
Implementation of the trilateral memorandum between Myanmar, UNHCR, and UNDP regarding facilitating the return and settlement of repatriated persons must continue.
The efforts of ASEAN on this track should also be supported, including through its Ad-Hoc Support Team, the Emergency Response and Assessment Team, and the special mechanism for socio-economic and humanitarian projects in Rakhine.
Russia, as a long-standing and sincere friend of both Myanmar and Bangladesh, opposes any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of these states or to exert pressure on their governments. Only a direct, mutually respectful dialogue between the two neighbors will help resolve their accumulated problems. We intend to contribute to this effort in every possible way.
Thank you.
