By Mizzima, 10 March 2018
Myanmar and the European Union held their fourth Human
Rights Dialogue this week in Nay Pyi Taw co-chaired by Minister for
International Cooperation Kyaw Tin and EU Special Representative for Human
Rights Stavros Lambrinidis.
Myanmar and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to
strengthen cooperation in the field of human rights on the basis of shared
principles and international human rights standards, according to a press
release received 9 March.
Discussions covered a wide range of human rights issues
relating to labour rights; the situation in Rakhine State; freedom of
expression, the press, assembly and association; access to basic social
services; gender issues; human trafficking and related exploitations;
protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities and combating and
preventing religious intolerance and incitement to hatred; human rights
cooperation in the United Nations, Myanmar’s accession to and implementation of
international human rights conventions and treaties; and rights of refugees and
migrants and national minorities in the EU, according to the press release.
Myanmar expressed appreciation to the EU for reaffirming
its continued support towards the country’s democratic transition, peace and
national reconciliation process and inclusive socio-economic development, and
expressed the view that constructive engagement with Myanmar would contribute
towards finding a sustainable solution for the situation in Rakhine State. The
Myanmar Government stated its commitment to promoting the rule of law, national
security and human rights.
With regard to the situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar
took note of the concerns expressed by the EU in the Council Conclusions of 26
February 2018. It provided an update on the activities carried out in
particular by the "Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance,
Resettlement and Development in Rakhine", and ongoing preparations for the
return of displaced persons from Rakhine State in accordance with the bilateral
arrangement of 23 November 2017, including its readiness to receive verified
and voluntary returnees and measures towards creating conducive conditions for
safety, law and order and the protection of all communities. Myanmar briefed on
the progress made on the implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory
Commission on Rakhine State. Myanmar informed about ongoing humanitarian
activities to all affected communities through the Red Cross Movement, the
World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the ASEAN
Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA
Center). It informed that it has invited the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme to jointly assist
Myanmar’s efforts in repatriation and resettlement of displaced persons as well
as in providing for the livelihood and development for all communities in
Rakhine State.
The EU explained the EU Council Conclusions of 26
February 2018, including its assessment of the nature of human rights
violations in Rakhine State. It took positive note of initial steps towards the
implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine
State and cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh in preparation for the
repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine State. It underlined the
importance of addressing root causes of discrimination and future challenges to
a voluntary, safe, and dignified return including through cooperation with the
UNHCR. The EU also welcomed the intention expressed by the Government of
Myanmar to undertake steps towards closing IDP camps in central Rakhine State
and underlined the importance of an inclusive, transparent and consultative
process in accordance with international standards.
The EU reiterated the importance of security, full
humanitarian access and an independent and credible investigation into reported
human rights violations, including cooperation with the UN Human Rights
Council's Fact-Finding Mission. The EU highlighted the importance of continued
efforts on the part of the Myanmar authorities to provide full accountability
for violations and to tackle the continuous climate of fear and insecurity in
Rakhine State. The EU also underlined the need to promote reconciliation and
dialogue between the communities and particularly emphasised the importance of
a long-term political, security and socio-economic strategy for Rakhine State,
including a concrete Action Plan in support of the recommendations of the
Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, and reiterated its offer of support to
the Government of Myanmar in this regard.
The Dialogue also enabled presentations on enhancing the
protection and promotion of human rights, an exchange of best practices, and
the identification of ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual
interest. The EU welcomed progress made by the Government of Myanmar on the
promotion of labour rights and its continued close cooperation with the ILO in
this regard.
The EU encouraged that existing and draft laws affecting
freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association be
brought in line with international human rights standards.
Regarding the rights of national minorities, the EU side
shared relevant policy and measures in EU Member States in addressing the
challenges. Myanmar and the EU also provided updates on the legal framework for
the protection of persons belonging to minorities and ongoing efforts to
promote non-discrimination.
Myanmar briefed on the implementation of the National
Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (2013-2022) and there was an
exchange of views on how to best fight trafficking of women and girls.
Multilateral human rights issues were discussed with a
view of the ongoing session of the UN Human Rights Council. The EU reiterated
that access of and cooperation with all relevant UN mandate holders was
essential and advocated for Myanmar to continue cooperation with the UN Special
Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar. The EU welcomed Myanmar's recent
ratification in October 2017 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights and encouraged Myanmar to actively consider ratifying additional
international human rights conventions and the optional protocols thereto,
notably the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights. The two
sides agreed to pursue further future cooperation in this regard.
The dialogue was attended by Senior Officials from
different Myanmar government ministries and agencies and senior EU Officials
including EU Ambassador to Myanmar, Mr. Kristian Schmidt, the Deputy Managing
Director for the Asia-Pacific region of the European External Action Service, Ms
Paola Pampaloni, and Ambassadors and other senior diplomats from several
European Union Member States.
It was agreed to hold the next round of the dialogue in
2019 in Brussels.