(Geneva, 8 September 2025)
The Human Rights Council has organized an Enhanced Interactive Dialogue (EID) on the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and on the report of the so-called Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) in the absence of the representatives of the country concerned on 8 September 2025 at the ongoing 60th session of the Council.
Myanmar has never recognized the so-called IIMM since its inception due to its principled position against country-specific mandates. In addition, its illogical modalities, terms of reference, and tenure were created to reach the desired conclusion of the sponsors instead of addressing the issue objectively and impartially. Amidst the liquidity crisis of the United Nations, 15.6 million USD was approved for the so-called IIMM, with an open-ended term. In addition, it received 3.9 million USD from extrabudgetary funds.
In the absence of an oversight body to the so-called mechanism, with its highly politicized nature, there is no means to guarantee its independence. Changing priorities and focuses of the so-called mechanism clearly indicate the tactic of framing easily available information, now targeting prison officials as a result of its manipulative mandate to put pressure on Myanmar, rather than seeking the truth.
Myanmar observes the report and presentation of the High Commissioner with great disappointment, for covering up the essential fact that state security forces have been taking countermeasures against the killings, attacks, and destruction of public infrastructure of armed groups, including PDF terrorists. There is no justification for the violence of armed groups that exert control over the local population by seizing public services, extortion, controlling access to natural resources, and trade routes. Even though concrete evidence of such acts has been increasing, the reports only included watered-down atrocities of armed groups.
From 1 February 2021 to 14 August 2025, the terrorist groups have claimed the lives of 9,616 innocent civilians, including 357 children, 1,253 administrative staff, 120teachers, and 24 healthcare workers. As of August 2025, the terrorist groups have sabotaged 1,306 roads and bridges, 78 hospitals and dispensaries, and 837 schools and educational buildings.
The Tatmadaw has been taking necessary countermeasures under the Rules of Engagement since it has the primary responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the people. Such measures have led to restoring peace and stability in remote areas of Myanmar, for instance, recently in Nawnghkio in northern Shan State, where the return of residents highlights faith they have entrusted in state security forces.
As Myanmar charts its course towards multiparty democracy and in the spirit of national reconciliation, the Government of Myanmar has extended an invitation to those involved in various armed groups, including the PDF, to return to the legal fold. As of 12 August 2025, a total of 1,104 members from EAOs and PDFs returned to the legal fold following the defeat of armed groups, which forcibly recruited many youths. Up to the present day, a total of 27 unilateral ceasefire declarations have been issued by the Tatmadaw since 2018 to achieve lasting peace and further promote the peace process.
While the Government has provided information requested by the Office, it is dismaying to see many of such information was omitted and fabricated news was incorporated instead, for instance, paragraph 9 of the report admits the negligence to verify the media reports, yet puts unverified figures. It goes contrary to the code of conduct of the mandate holders to duly cross-check the facts to the best extent possible. The report further alleges an airstrike struck a school in Ohhteinkwin village in Dabayin Township, Sagaing Region, on 12 May 2025. In Myanmar, the month of May falls within the summer break, and the reported presence of teachers and students in the school is unreasonable. The pictures of the incident show that all four walls of the school are still intact, the cupboard, wall posters, and even vases were not affected. The relevant security personnel stated that no airstrike had taken place. Findings indicate that the explosion was not caused by the airstrike, while a video file of terrorists making homemade explosives at the said school was available online before the incident.
Countries near and far expressed solidarity with the people of Myanmar when the central part of the country was struck by a devastating earthquake on 28 March 2025, and extended valuable support through sending rescue and medical teams and relief items. The Government not only mobilizes its own resources in responding to the earthquake, but also facilitates and smoothens the assistance, including travel of assisting nations and organizations. While such efforts have been well-received, it is inappropriate that only fictitious narratives from the armed opposition groups were presented.
When it comes to the Rakhine issue, the root cause of the forced mass displacement of people from Rakhine State was the coordinated terrorist attacks launched by ARSA, aka Aqamul Mujahideen, in 2016 and 2017, targeting innocent people of different faiths. The current repatriation efforts have faced delays due to AA’s armed attacks in Rakhine State.
Myanmar stands ready to receive all verified returnees if and when security conditions allow. Meanwhile, Myanmar continues verifying the forms of more than eight hundred thousand individuals provided by Bangladesh in six batches. As of 31 July 2025, the Myanmar immigration authorities have checked the data of 297,687 individuals and found that 211,058 displaced persons were former residents of Rakhine State. The detailed findings of them have already been communicated to Bangladesh for necessary action. In Sittwe and Yangon, the Government has been providing humanitarian assistance and support to the Bengalis from the affected areas.
Myanmar reiterates its position that it does not recognize the invented term “Rohingya,” which has never existed in legal and historical records of the country, and Myanmar will not tolerate blatant demands to infringe sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Human Rights Council this year has organized a total of six interactive dialogues against Myanmar, and four IDs were combined as two EIDs. While people around the world have increasingly questioned the effectiveness of multilateralism, incapable of addressing pressing issues challenging global peace and security, the conclusions and recommendations made by the mandate holders further derail the attention of countries where it should be. Myanmar, therefore, strongly rejects unfounded allegations and intrusive recommendations of the High Commissioner, the so-called IIMM, and certain delegations, and it does not see the need to continue such irrelevant mandates.
The Myanmar Mission’s official website provides an excellent source of detailed observations on the High Commissioner’s report.
Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations
GENEVA