(Geneva, 27 February 2026)
The Interactive Dialogue on oral update of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Myanmar was held on 27 February 2026 during the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Contrary to the principles of constructive international dialogue and cooperation as envisaged in resolution A/RES/60/251, the Council organized the one-sided Interactive Dialogue without allowing the participation of the country concerned.
It is disappointing to observe that the High Commissioner made prejudiced and obstructive comments on the General Elections in Myanmar, which is an entirely internal political process of the country. The elections in Myanmar were concluded in three phases from 28 December 2025 to 25 January 2026 in an orderly and peaceful manner, covering 80 percent of the country. Out of over 24.22 million eligible voters nationwide, a total of 13.14 million cast their votes in a free, fair, and transparent election, representing a 54.22 per cent turnout. A total of 51 international observers from ten countries and two international organizations, together with 139 diplomatic observers from 14 countries, conducted electoral observation and monitoring. Furthermore, over 1,100 domestic and over 200 international journalists were granted media access.
Myanmar further notes with serious concerns about the distorted comments and sweeping allegations against the members of the security forces. The actions of armed terrorists responsible for horrific atrocities against civilians and the lawful actions of security forces in response cannot be equated. From 1 February 2021 to 31 December 2025, the PDF terrorist group has claimed the lives of over 9,000 innocent civilians, including 374 children, 1,306 administrative staff, 123 teachers, and 25 healthcare workers.
The public, especially the local people who have experienced the cruelty of the terrorists are increasingly cooperating with the security forces. As a result, the Tatmadaw has regained control of several areas temporarily occupied by the terrorist groups brining stability and normalcy to the locals. Similarly, over 1,600 young people who had taken up arms due to the manipulation of extremist politicians are also returning to the legal fold.
In connection with humanitarian assistance, there are 16 UN agencies in Myanmar with field presence in all states and regions across the country. In 2025, Myanmar granted visas to nearly 500 individuals from UN agencies, ICRC and INGOs. Between February 2021 and December 2025, the Government facilitated travel access for UN agencies and INGOs over 2,400 times. From January to December 2025, over 530 visits of the diplomats to different parts of the country were also facilitated. Furthermore, from 2021 to 2025 December, the Government has facilitated high-level visits of 39 officials in total, including the visits of the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator in April 2025 and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in September 2025.
Following the forced mass displacement of people from Rakhine State due to coordinated attacks by ARSA, aka Aqamul Mujahideen, in 2017, Myanmar has been working with Bangladesh according to bilateral agreements and arrangements to repatriate displaced persons from Rakhine State. As of 31 January 2026, out of the list of 828,824 individuals provided by Bangladesh in six batches for repatriation, Myanmar has verified 365,730 individuals and found that over 260,000 individuals are former residents in Rakhine State. Myanmar reaffirms its commitment to receive the verified displaced persons once the security and stability in northern Rakhine are restored.
Since Myanmar has peacefully concluded elections with the earnest participation of its dutiful citizens, the people have high expectations for a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future. Myanmar hopes the international community will contribute constructively to this journey. On the other hand, Myanmar strongly opposes and rejects unsubstantiated allegations and incitements aimed at undermining unity and eroding trust between state institutions and the public.
Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations
GENEVA