As delivered by Minister Counsellor Herborg F. Alvsåker
- We thank the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Ms Yanghee Lee, for her briefing and welcome her comprehensive report on Myanmar.
- Norway is deeply worried about the human rights and humanitarian situation in Rakhine State. There is a pressing need for the authorities in Myanmar to end all violence, ensure full protection of all civilians without discrimination and fully observe international human rights and humanitarian law.
- The Government of Myanmar needs to establish a credible and practical process to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of all refugees to their original places of residence.
- Furthermore, it is of vital importance that the United Nations, the Red Cross-Red Crescent movement, and other humanitarian organizations are granted unhindered and safe humanitarian access to all parts of Myanmar.
- With regard to the return of refugees, we encourage both Myanmar and Bangladesh to continue their engagement to ensure implementation of the repatriation agreement of 23 November 2017. We strongly recommend Myanmar and Bangladesh to include the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other relevant international organizations in the return process.
- Finally, we encourage the Government of Myanmar to resume its cooperation with the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission established by the Human Rights Council. In this regard, we would appreciate reflections by the Special Rapporteur on how the international community best can assist.
- The escalation of conflict in Kachin and Shan States, allegations of serious human rights violations and decreasing humanitarian access are matters of concern.