Intervention made by Ms Thilmeeza Hussain, Deputy Permanent Representative, at the Interactive Dialogue  with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, Third Committee of the 66^th Session of the UN General Assembly, 19 October 2011

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Let me first take this opportunity, to thank the Special Rapporteur for his interim report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and extend to him the full support of the Maldives for his mandate and his proposed methodology of work. Let me also thank the Secretary-General for his report, and the recommendations contained herein.

Mr. Chairman,

The Maldives was a co-sponsor of the Human Rights Council resolution 16/9, which established the mandate in June this year. We did so, knowing fully well the challenges faced by Iran in promoting and protecting the rights of its citizens, sometimes reminiscent of the situation we faced not so long ago. Our experience, as a Muslim country, in engaging with the different human rights mechanisms, treaty bodies and the UPR was instrumental in the democratic transition of the Maldives, now, seeking to share our practices and knowledge with other countries going through similar difficulties.

We strongly believe that in our view, the establishment of the new mandate on Iran is not a reprimand; on the contrary, it is an excellent opportunity for dialogue, to discuss and engage on all the issues contained in the report.

Cooperation….., Mr Chairman, is a constructive approach to also communicate the genuine views of Iran to the UN system, and will contribute greatly to allay some of the concerns raised by the Special Rapporteur.

We are however, deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, specifically the alarming increase in the application of the death penalty without due process and judicial safeguards especially amongst juveniles.

We are also concerned about the rights of minority groups, women, human rights activists, members of the civil society and the intelligentsia of Iran, and calls upon the Government to fulfill its obligations to promote and protect basic rights, as a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Mr Chairman,

The responsibility of a sovereign state to its own people cannot be undermined. Although, we understand sensitivities that do exist in Iran’s perspective of the mandate and its willingness to cooperate, we believe that under these difficult circumstances, both the international community and the Islamic Republic of Iran must find common ground, a point of convergence to initiate dialogue.

We acknowledge that such a point of convergence could be the implementation of the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review, and other human rights mechanisms of the United Nations. Furthermore, the Maldives would like to urge that a constructive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur, and other mandate holders be used as a platform to assist in implementing some of these recommendations, which would be a leap in the right direction.

In this regard, we call upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to seriously consider the request by the Special Rapporteur to visit Iran at the earliest possible opportunity, to fulfill his mandate and to address the concerns raised in his report.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Intervention made by Ms. Rishfa Rasheed, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, at the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Third Committee of the 66^th Session of the UN General Assembly, 19 October 2011

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Let me first take this opportunity to thank the Special Rapporteur for his informative report, which clearly illustrates the hard work he has done in his capacity for the betterment of the human rights situation in Myanmar. We would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report, and take note of his good offices’ attempts and efforts regarding human rights, as well as the political, social, and economic challenges faced by the country.

Through our own recent experience of shifting to a democratic system of government, we intimately understand the need for strong support from the international community. We, therefore, urge all nations to join us in offering our assistance to Myanmar during their process of reform, as was offered to us during ours. We believe this is a potentially historic moment for Myanmar, and both Myanmar and the international community must grasp it to further pursue the universal recognition of human rights.

Mr. Chairman,

The Maldives is optimistic on the human rights situation of Myanmar. Over the past year, the new government of Myanmar has shown a number of positive first steps to improve the situation for its citizens. Myanmar held national elections for the first time in decades, established a National Human Rights Commission, reduced restrictions on freedom of expression, and allowed labour unions to form. We are extremely pleased by the release of Daw Awn Sahn Sue Chee and over 200 other political prisoners as a goodwill gesture from the government. It is our hope that the actions continue along the lines of the reform roadmap towards democracy. Maldives recognizes the Special Rapporteur as a vital conduit through which Myanmar and the international community can begin cooperation in moving forward. We, therefore, commend Myanmar for inviting the Special Rapporteur to visit the country and allow him offer his assistance and assess the situation first-hand.

Mr. Chairman,

The Maldives does of course recognize that Myanmar must still take many steps to further improve the human rights situation in the country. The Maldives is particularly disappointed to note the deteriorating education system, discriminations faced by many, and the dire conditions under which the elections took place as mentioned in the Special Rapporteurs report, and we fully support the recommendations made on these matters. The Maldives, joins the other nations today, in calling the Government of Myanmar to release the remaining prisoners of conscience in the country and allow them to carry on their peaceful activities, and enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and basic rights. We stand with the Secretary-General in welcoming President Thein Sein to undertake the political and economic reforms proposed.

We would be pleased if the Special Rapporteur could share his thoughts on the progress Myanmar has made, in pursuing the reform roadmap.

Mr. Chairman,

The resumption of political activities in the country, after over a half-century of restriction, clearly shows a willingness by the Government to engage in real reform and national reconciliation. The Maldives remains committed to working along with the international community in assisting the new Government of Myanmar to bring necessary reforms in the spheres of democracy, good governance and human rights.

We are confident that the Government will work together with the assistance of the international community to resolve the political situation in the country.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman