Humanitarian Assistance: Call for UN support and solidarity with Myanmar People

The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), held from 24 February to 4 April 2025, has concluded with two undesirable interactive dialogues on the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the report of the so-called Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, which took place on 3 and 20 March respectively.

During the session on 3 April, a resolution on Myanmar, tabled by the European Union was adopted without consensus, undermined the principle of meaningful dialogue and excluded the participation of the country concerned.

On 28 March, Myanmar was struck by a powerful earthquake, claiming over 3,000 lives and damaging infrastructure severely. The Chairman of the State Administration Council declared a state of emergency in the severely affected regions—Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, and northeastern Shan State—and publicly called for aid and assistance from all willing parties on the same day.

A 43-member National Disaster Management Committee, chaired by the Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council is tasked to lead and coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts. Following the recent devastating earthquake, the government has mobilized immediate relief operations, including the provision of food, medical assistance, and essential services to the affected regions.

Myanmar welcomes the constructive engagement and support of the international community, including that of the United Nations and humanitarian organizations in its efforts to respond the disaster. In this time of national emergency, Myanmar expresses its sincere appreciation to all countries and organizations including UN agencies that have extended condolence messages and shown solidarity with Myanmar people.

Such gestures of support are a testament to the spirit of humanitarian cooperation and friendship. It is deeply regrettable that, amid such tragedy, Myanmar continues to face with repeated condemnations from some corner of the world. What Myanmar people need is a helping hand, assistance, constructive engagement and solidarity, not politically driven resolution that further burden them.

Myanmar urges the United Nations to end ineffective mandates, such as the Special Rapporteur, which has shown no practical value over the past three decades. Myanmar also urges the United Nations to support its disaster response efforts through balanced and practical approach and strengthen its solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult time.