10 March 2026
General Observations
1. The so-called Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar fails to follow Article 8(d) of Human Rights Council resolution 5/2 which required the Special Rapporteurs to give representatives of the concerned State the opportunity of commenting on mandate holders’ assessment and of responding to the allegations made against this State, and annex the State’s written summary responses to their reports. Accordingly, the report becomes a propaganda tool of opposition groups, misusing UN resources to mislead the international community.
2. The report further incites the countries to take unilateral coercive measures against Myanmar, contrary to international law, to undermine the socio-economic rights of millions of people. While Myanmar opens to objective criticisms, it is deplorable to see that the report includes sweeping allegations and misinformation that are not acknowledged by mainstream media. The report is neither independent nor solution-oriented but one-sided and divisive.
Observations on paragraphs under subtitle I
3. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle I. In the first place, the elements contained therein are internal affairs of Myanmar and interference under the pretext of human rights goes against the principle of non-politicization.
4. Paragraph 1 covers up the root cause of the electoral fraud that occurred in the 2020 elections, and the serious errors and inaccuracies in the voter lists involving 10.4 million voters, which led to electoral fraud that could not be ignored.
5. Reference is made to paragraph 2. The paragraph is distorting. Myanmar has been experiencing violence and armed attacks committed by terrorist groups. Tatmadaw, with the support of local communities, has regained control of several areas from terrorists. Those areas recaptured in 2025 and 2026 are Mogok, Hsipaw and Kyaukme and Lashio in Shan State, Bhamo in Kachin State, Banmauk in Sagaing Region, Singu Town and Thabeikkyin, Nawnghkio, Sedawgyi Dam and surrounding areas in Mandalay region, and Mobye, Demoso, and Pasawng in Kayah State.
6. Reference is made to paragraphs 3, 4, and 5. The elements therein are offensive. The leadership of Myanmar has made it clear since 2021 to hold the general elections once it completes the responsibilities under the state of emergency. No matter how the sponsors of the mandate and the Special Rapporteur tried to discredit the recent general elections, they cannot stop the political progress on the ground with the support of the people of Myanmar.
7. Reference is made to paragraphs 6, 7, and 8. The paragraphs provoke the international community to collectively punish the people of Myanmar with illegal sanctions without the authorization of any competent bodies of the United Nations.
8. It is disappointing to see the tireless effort of the report to isolate Myanmar and dictate to ASEAN what to do, going beyond the level of an independent expert. The assumptions contained in the paragraphs, particularly paragraphs 12 and 13, were not drawn from factual realities, resulting in impractical and unethical suggestions. Reconciliation cannot be achieved by ignoring the ongoing atrocities committed by armed groups and glorifying them under the pretext of democracy and federalism. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur deserves careful review since its existence for over thirty years has only produced confrontation and discord.
Observations on paragraphs under the subtitle II
9. Reference is made to paragraphs under the subtitle II. While the report includes all the negative sentiments of a group of people, it totally excludes other voices, making it biased and unbalanced. Concerning paragraph 17, it should be noted that the former National League for Democracy party chose not to register while the other 57 parties contested the recent elections. Myanmar adopted the Law mentioned in paragraph 19 to protect the election officers and candidates from political parties since over 1,000 civil servants and 1,000 members of the USDP party were killed since 2021. Paragraph 23 acknowledges the attacks against the polling stations and election officers while downplaying the terrorist groups as “resistance groups.”
10. Reference is made to paragraph 20. The multiparty democratic general elections in Myanmar, which were held in three phases from 28 December 2025 to 25 January 2026, covered 80 percent of the country, contrary to narratives that are contained in the paragraph.
11. Reference is made to paragraph 21. A total of 4,963 parliamentary candidates, including nominees from 57 political parties and independents, have been registered. 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. The author fails to acknowledge the political participation of over 13 million people of Myanmar.
12. It is disappointing to see unfounded allegations contained in paragraph 22, since no such reports appeared in mainstream media. Myanmar cannot verify them since it does not contain any verifiable facts, such as date, place, alleged perpetrators, or the responsible agency.
13. The results of the elections have been announced transparently on a phase-by-phase basis. 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. International observers also shared their first-hand experiences. Some countries practice double standards in analysing the elections of different countries based on their own interest. The author attempts to discredit the elections by relying on anti-government media rather than listening to the voices from the ground.
Observations on paragraphs under subtitle III
14. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle III. The elements contained therein are repetitive allegations without credible facts to verify.
15. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle III A. Regardless of their brutality and atrocities, the Government extended an invitation to terrorist insurgents and PDF terrorists to resolve differences through the political process by laying down arms. If there is a shared commitment to building a Union based on democracy and a federal system, the State has always welcomed and invited armed groups, including the PDF, to return to the legal fold, prioritizing the interests of the Union. In response to the invitation, hundreds of youths communicate with the State security forces and return to the legal fold every month. As of March 2026, a total of over 2,500 persons returned to the legal fold. The step was welcomed by the international community; however, the report fails to include the fact.
16. Reference is made to paragraph 32. Allegations contained in the paragraph are not accurate. As of December 2025, Myanmar has issued registration certificates to over 4,500 NGOs and over 50 INGOs.
17. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle III B. Recently, on 2 March 2026, amnesty was granted to a total of 10,172 individuals including 10 foreign nationals accordance with Code of Criminal Procedure Article 401 (1), in commemoration of full moon day of Taboung and Peasants’ Day. Similarly, 9,532 cases involving 12,487 individuals prosecuted under Counter Terrorism Law Sections 50 (J) and 52 (A) and under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 512 were also withdrawn, and the offenders were pardoned.
18. Although the government-imposed prison sentences on the prisoners in accordance with the crimes they had committed, arrangements were made at the prisons and camps to provide social, healthcare services and other human rights standards fully in accordance with established norms. Prisoners who need health care are given health care at the relevant prison hospital and, if necessary, are transferred to general hospitals in severe cases under the prison law. The Special Rapporteur should not base his story on fabricated news to mislead the public with his dramatic narrative. The Government media also issued announcements regarding the fabrication made by malicious media on healthcare services provided in prisons.
19. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle III C. Although the report largely blames the Tatmadaw, it admits serious human rights abuses, including killings, sexual violence, and forced recruitment by armed groups. From 1 February 2021 to 28 February 2026, the terrorist groups have claimed the lives of 9,628 innocent civilians, including 381 children, 1321 administrative staff, 124 teachers, and 25 healthcare workers. As of February 2026, the terrorist groups have sabotaged 1,318 roads and bridges, 83 hospitals and dispensaries, and 845 schools and educational buildings. The report largely ignores the resentment of the people, particularly residents, against terrorist organizations for their cruelty, extortion, and destruction of historical, cultural, and religious monuments, particularly in northern Shan State. The local communities increasingly cooperate with the Tatmadaw in the fight against terrorists who have been retreating from temporarily occupied areas.
20. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle III D. Myanmar is a society that traditionally and culturally opposes sexual violence in any form. It is well recognized that military personnel are strictly required to abide by the code of conduct, as the offenders were punished with maximum sentences in accordance with a zero-tolerance policy. The National Committee on Prevention and Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence was also established on 26 March 2019, and was reconstituted on 31 March 2021. Complaints can be filed with the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) by anyone who has knowledge of violations. Additionally, Myanmar ensures prison conditions meet applicable international standards, and the Prison Department regularly facilitates the visits of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In 2025, the MNHRC visited a total of 9 prisons, 1 detention center, and 11 camps. The Department of Prisons has followed up and implemented the recommendations of the MNHRC. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited a total of 13 prisons and 2 detention centers in 2025: Pathein Prison, Tharyarwady Central Prison, Kengtung Prison, Taunggyi detention center, Sittwe Prison, Yamethin Prison, Hpa-an Prison, Myitkyina Prison, Kyaikmaraw Central Prison, Magway Central Prison, Daik Oo Central Prison, Nay Pyi Taw detention center, Nyaung Shwe Prison, Mandalay Central Prison and Insein Central Prison.
21. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle III E. Anyone who knows forced recruitment can file a complaint to the Central Body for Summoning People’s Military Servants, and actions have been taken in case of non-compliance with the Law.
22. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle III F. The Government of Myanmar allows access to all secured areas while taking into consideration the safety and security of the humanitarian workers. There is no incident where international humanitarian workers were harmed by the security forces, while there are several reports indicating killings and abductions of aid personnel and looting of aid by terrorist organizations.
23. Currently, there are 17 UN agencies in Myanmar with field presence in all states and regions across the country. As of December 2025, approximately over 290 international staff and over 8,013 Myanmar national staff are working for the UN Agencies and INGOs in Myanmar. According to the data provided by relevant Ministries, there are altogether 50 projects currently run by the UN agencies and 96 projects run by INGOs. In 2025, Myanmar granted visas to nearly 500 individuals from UN agencies, ICRC, INGOs, and other national societies. Between February 2021 and December 2025, the Government facilitated travel access for UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations over 2,400 times. From January to December 2025, over 100 visits of the diplomats to different parts of the country were also facilitated. Concerning high-level visits from the UN and international organizations from 2021 to December 2025, the Government has facilitated high-level visits of 39 officials in total.
24. With regard to the accusations of malnutrition, Myanmar is striving to ensure food security across the entire nation, as some regions and states face challenges. Some regions of Myanmar can produce surplus crops and supply them to other states and regions that face food security challenges. Generally, Myanmar has a surplus in food production due to the cultivation of diverse crop varieties.
25. In connection with support to IDPs, the National-Level Committee on Resettlement and Closure of IDP Camps has been established and works with ministries and regional authorities to provide food, social support, and livelihood assistance for displaced people living in temporary shelters. The committee also coordinates plans to facilitate the safe return of IDPs to their original homes once conditions allow. In addition, the assistance has also been delivered through the National Disaster Management Committee and local administrative bodies. Displaced individuals have received direct cash support along with rice and necessities to help them manage daily living expenses while residing in temporary shelters.
26. Regarding accusation on health sector, there has been no long-term shortage of medicines, as the necessary pharmaceuticals are being imported and distributed nationwide. Donations and international cooperation also help strengthen medical supply distribution and healthcare services.
Observations on paragraphs under subtitles IV and VI C
27. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitles IV and VI C. The Government has continued to assist Bengalis in Rakhine State. These efforts include healthcare and education services in IDP camps, emergency relief assistance, ongoing welfare support for camp residents, and preparations for voluntary repatriation programs, regardless of challenges. With regard to the repatriation of the displaced persons from Rakhine State, Myanmar reaffirms its commitment to receive the verified displaced persons once the security and stability in northern Rakhine are restored. 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. Myanmar found that 262,239 individuals were former residents in Rakhine State, 3,819 individuals were found to have been involved in terrorist acts, and the data of 99,672 individuals could not be verified.
Observations on paragraphs under subtitle V
28. Reference is made to subtitle V. The Government of Myanmar has emphasized the importance of combating transnational crimes in order to safeguard national security, strengthen the rule of law, and maintain peace and stability in border regions. The Government formed the Central Supervisory Committee on Combating Telecom Fraud and Online Gambling in December 2025 to coordinate national-level responses to online scams and related criminal activities. Between 30 January 2025 and 6 March 2026, a total of 14,385 foreign nationals who were involved in or victims of the online scam were deported to their respective countries without any legal action. It should be noted that almost all of them, or 99.5 percent of them, illegally entered into Myanmar crossing the borders from our neighbors. At present, the law enforcement agencies are systematically dismantling the physical infrastructures used by the criminal syndicates for online scams.
29. Concerning anti-drug operations, the drug trade remains closely linked to other criminal activities such as corruption, arms smuggling, and organized crime. Myanmar’s Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control continues to coordinate nationwide efforts to combat drug production and trafficking. The security forces captured the largest ever drug production sites in Mongyai Township in Shan State in January 2026. The Government invited diplomats to take part in the field visit, and press conferences were held.
Observations on paragraphs under subtitle VI
30.Reference is made to subsection VI. The paragraphs again incite the international community to impose illegal sanctions against Myanmar. Restrictions on access to funding, whether through sanctions, financial isolation, or limits on development assistance, can significantly constrain a government’s administrative capacity. This may affect its ability to maintain basic public services, support economic stability, and sustain institutional governance structures that are necessary for the functioning of the state. Regular arms trade among member states is permitted under international law, and attempts to disturb the lawful actions go beyond the mandate.
31. Reference is made to subsection VI D. When the report focuses largely on blaming the Government and emphasizes narrowly on the legitimate State’s actions to protect civilians, the report does overlook abuses by non-state actors to a large extent. Ignoring these actions may inadvertently legitimize or normalize violence, particularly when financial or political support flows to groups engaged in such activities. The so-called Special Rapporteur requires a high level of professionalism, objectivity, and impartiality. This requires moving beyond selective criticism.
32. While successive reports of the mandate made unjustifiable conclusions like the ones in paragraphs 40 and 101 without factual evidence, Myanmar categorically rejects them. Since Myanmar has the willingness, ability, and functioning national institutions to address the violations, it does not recognize any outside measures under the pretext of accountability.
Observations on paragraphs under subtitle VI
33. Reference is made to paragraphs under subtitle VII. Given the political nature of the mandate, it is unsurprising to see unjustifiable conclusions. Such misinformation, disinformation, and fabrication not only mislead the international community but also intensify the situation in the country. While the people who strive for democracy in Myanmar no longer want the danger posed by armed terrorist organizations. The international community needs to be part of the solution. Since the so-called Special Rapporteur has no authority to dictate how member states should treat Myanmar, the Government strongly rejects the recommendations and the report as a whole.
Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations
Geneva
10 March 2026