OIA:
Mr President,
New Zealand continues to support the Government of Myanmar and its international partners to address the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in the country. We remain deeply concerned by the overwhelming evidence of extreme violence and suffering inflicted on the Rohingya peoples of Rakhine State, as well as ongoing conflicts in Shan and Kachin states.
New Zealand considers the ASEAN Preliminary Needs Assessment for Repatriation in Rakhine State as a constructive starting point to identify challenges to repatriation for displaced and internally displaced persons back into Rakhine society. However, repatriation can only occur if the requisite conditions are in place for a safe, voluntary and sustainable return. This requires Rohingya people to have access to full citizenship, freedom of movement and guaranteed security and protection from further violence and suffering, and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.
New Zealand believes that, in order for the victims of human rights violations to live in dignity and without fear, it is critical to establish a robust accountability process. As well as supporting the establishment of international accountability mechanisms for crimes committed under international law, it is important that the findings of the domestic Independent Commission of Enquiry are robust and credible, as this will also provide a basis to hold perpetrators to account.
New Zealand also supports the development of a broader, country-wide truth and reconciliation or restorative justice process to address grievances in Myanmar, including long-standing discrimination against minority communities.
New Zealand will continue to support Myanmar’s peace process and transition to a sustainable and stable democracy. At the same time, we will maintain that accountability measures are necessary for enduring peace and reconciliation. W e would like to ask the High Commissioner what she considers the international community’s top priority should be in order for the crisis to be resolved.
Thank you Mr President.