Statement by MAP Director, Chris Gunness
2 December 2021
We welcome the decision by the United Nation’s Credentials Committee to reject the attempt by the illegal military government of Myanmar to represent the state of Myanmar at the UN. The decision not to accept the credentials of the junta and to leave in place Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun who represents the National Unity Government is a diplomatic move of huge significance.
It sends a powerful message to the people of Myanmar that the international community supports their democratic and human rights. All UN bodies must similarly reject representatives of the junta, just as the UN General Assembly has, and instead accredit NUG officials.
MAP calls for a review of the position of Myanmar junta officials in all international organisations following the Credentials Committee decision, in order to promote consistency across the board, in line with the decision of the UN General Assembly.
There is a strong legal case for all the above actions. Some of the world’s pre-eminent legal authorities signed an opinion in September 2021 arguing that UN precedent and legal considerations dictate that the junta’s credentials be rejected and those of the National Unity Government accepted.
The Credentials Committee’s decision to defer a final determination on Myanmar’s credentials must not become open ended. MAP urges all UN member states to respect the democratic will of the people of Myanmar and accept the credentials of the National Unity Government, which won a landslide victory in elections last November.
ends