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INTERVENTION BY

MR. AHMAD RADZI MOHD ZIM

LONG-TERM DELEGATE TO THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

DURING THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH

MR. THOMAS H. ANDREWS

SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN MYANMAR

 

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 26 OCTOBER 2022

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and work with regard to Myanmar. The deteriorating situation in Myanmar is of grave concern to Malaysia. We condemn in the strongest terms the violence committed against innocent civilian populations in Myanmar, particularly by the military junta, including the execution of democracy activists. The atrocities committed since the February 2021 coup which has exacerbated mass migration and internal displacement.

 

Malaysia concurs with the Special Rapporteur that the international community must support the people of Myanmar towards the restoration of normalcy. We must induce the incentive for peaceful resolution of the crisis, and send a clear message that persistent violence against innocent populations cannot be met with impunity. While we appreciate support towards the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, we believe that the United Nations, especially the Security Council, must supplement ASEAN's efforts and not abscond its primary responsibility, especially in the face of the military junta blatant disregard of the Five-Point Consensus.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

The international community, particularly States Parties to the 1951 Refugee Convention beyond the Southeast Asia region and those who regard themselves as promoters of human rights, should also do their part by offering asylum to those fleeing the crisis in Myanmar. Despite not being a Party to the Convention, Malaysia is hosting more than 200,000 refugees from Myanmar at present. We simply do not have the capacity to handle additional arrivals into the country.

 

With regard to the deportation of Myanmar nationals by Malaysian law enforcement authorities, we note that you have also conveyed this via letter to our Permanent Representative in Geneva. We are undertaking internal consultations with the relevant agencies to establish the facts on this matter. We will convey the concerns expressed and respond to your letter in due course.

 

I thank you.