By Someshwar Singh, IANS
Geneva : There was a clear division between countries at the Human Rights Council while discussing the findings of a report on the human rights situation in Myanmar, with Asian neighbours preferring a more cautious and non-condemnatory tone.
“India has consistently maintained that all initiatives taken in this connection should be forward looking, non-condemnatory and seek to engage the government of Myanmar in a non-intrusive and constructive manner,” said Swashpawan Singh, India’s permanent representative to the UN.
The 32-page report by Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, suggests a number of immediate and transitional measures that the Myanmar government must undertake, including allowing an international commission of enquiry.
Bo Qian of China noted that the government of Myanmar had resumed dialogue to push forward the seven-step process towards democratisation.
“This had not been an easy task. The international community should be patient and understand the difficulties faced in the national reconciliation process,” Bo said.
The Malaysian delegate, Mohamed Zin Amran, said the council should respond positively to the ongoing efforts undertaken and the clear commitment given by the government by “adopting, if at all necessary, a forward looking, constructive and consensus approach that could result in meaningful improvements on the ground for the people of Myanmar”.
Speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Tehmina Janjua of Pakistan said there was no need for an international commission of enquiry to go to Myanmar as the UN secretary-general’s special advisor and special rapporteur had been given positive responses from the Myanmar government.
Erlinda F. Basilio of the Philippines said greater and quicker progress was required towards the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the full and free participation of political parties in the political process, and the peaceful return to democracy.
“This might take time and it was important to recognise the unique local situation and economic and social challenges and acknowledge steps forward,” Basilio said.
In contrast to such emphasis by the Asian neighbours, other countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union, were more vocal in condemning human right abuse in Myanmar.
In his report, Pinheiro called on the Myanmar government to urgently release all people who have been detained for protesting against the junta rule. Reports from released detainees gave the impression that they had undergone harsh treatment during their interrogation phase. The level of violence and insults against monks and monasteries were particularly shocking.