April 7, 2025

Naypyidaw – Myanmar has formally called on the United Nations to terminate the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country, labeling the role as ineffective and lacking practical value after more than three decades of operation.

The statement, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 6, came in response to discussions at the UN regarding recent reports on Myanmar’s human rights situation, presented by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews.

In its statement, the Ministry criticized the UN proceedings as "meaningless dialogues" and expressed “deep regret” that Myanmar continues to face what it described as "relentless condemnations" from certain "biased actors in the global arena," even amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.

“What the people of Myanmar truly need at this time is assistance, support, constructive engagement, and solidarity—not politically motivated decisions that only add to their burden,” the Ministry stated.

Amid the country’s response to a recent natural disaster, the government urged the international community and the UN to adopt a more “balanced and pragmatic approach,” calling for unity and cooperation in relief efforts.

The Ministry also extended its gratitude to UN agencies, countries, and organizations that have conveyed condolence messages and provided support during this crisis. It said such gestures reflect “humanitarian cooperation and goodwill.”

The successive reports submitted by Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, have been consistently criticized as biased, baseless, one-sided, and unscholarly.

The UN mandate for the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar has been in place since 1992, tasked with monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in the country.

#ymg/knl