Statements and Speeches by Ministry Representatives 2006

United Nations General Assembly 61st Session Third Committee: Statement in opposition to a motion of no action on draft resolution A/C.3/60/L.53 – the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Statement by the New Zealand representative Nicola Hill, 22 November 2006

Mr Chairman

The General Assembly has a mandate to consider human rights situations. We have passed resolutions expressing our collective concern about some of the worst human rights situations for more than thirty years. In many cases, this international attention has helped increase the pressure on States that have since turned into strong promoters of human rights.

New Zealand is committed to dialogue and cooperation on situations where there is evidence of serious violations of human rights. We believe resolutions should only be adopted after negotiations with the countries concerned and with the broadest consensus possible. This has always been the case with the resolution on Myanmar.

There continue to be very serious questions about the situation of human rights in Myanmar raised in the draft resolution before us. This Committee needs to deal with those questions. My delegation will be voting against this no action motion, and we hope all others can do the same.

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