EN

BÄTTRE
VÄRLD

Foto: UN Photo/Kim Haughton

Model UN
O N T H E S I T U AT I O N I N M YA N M A R 2 0 1 8
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

IN T R O D U C T IO N 3

IN ST R U C T IO N S 4

B AC KG R O U N D 6
The Rohingya minority 6
Recent political transformation in Myanmar 6
Current situation in Rakhine State 7
Role and previous actions by the
United Nations Security Council 8

T O P IC S 10
Sexual and gender-based violence 10
Reconciliation and justice 10
Humanitarian access 10

C O U N T RY P O SIT IO N S 11
Bolivia 11
China 12
Egypt 13
Ethiopia 14
France 15
Italy 16
Japan 17
Kazakhstan 18
Russia 19
Senegal 20
Sweden 21
Ukraine 22
United Kingdom 23
United States of America 24
Uruguay 25

T H E FO R M AT O F A D RA F T RE S OL UT ION 26

F U R T H ER R EA D IN G 27

2
 INTRODUCTION

This text is produced by the United Nations Association is to reach one or more resolutions that can be adopted
of Sweden. The UNA Sweden is an organization working by the Security Council.
for a better and stronger UN. If you have any questions
regarding this text or our work in general, please visit our The Model UN is based on the conditions that are current
website www.fn.se. The author of this text is Ragnar Fahlin as of February 2018. The Country Positions have been
Strömberg, who has extensive experience of Model UN:s written to reflect the positions of the Security Council’s
through his work as President and instructor on behalf members at this time. The participants should strive to
of UNA Sweden. reach a resolution to address the situation as it was in
February 2018. In a meeting on the 6 November 2017,
This text is a guide for a Model United Nations (Model UN) the Security Council issued a statement condemning the
on the subject of the Rohingya persecution in Rakhine use of excessive violence in Rakhine State, which can be
State in Myanmar. The conflict in Rakhine State can be found at this webpage https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/
seen as an example of failure by the national government sc13055.doc.htm, retrieved on the 30th of November 2017.
to meet the responsibility to protect its population. Con-
sequently, this Model UN focuses on the measures that the The guide has the following structure. Section 2 provides
United Nations can take if the national community fails. a set of instructions for the Model UN. In Section 3, we
present a short background on the conflict and the current
The intended participants are Swedish students at the situation in Myanmar. In section 4, we present the three
gymnasium-level. During the Model UN, they will repre- topics which are to be debated during this Model UN.
sent the 15 member states of the United Nations Security Section 5 provides Country Positions that are to be used
Council (the Security Council) and debate three topics by the different participating countries. Finally, section
in relation to the Rakhine State conflict, namely sexual 6 provides the suggested format for a draft resolution
and gender-based violence, reconciliation and justice and section 7 lists a number of sources for suggested
and humanitarian access. The purpose of the Model UN further reading.

3
 Foto: UN Photo/Kim Haughton
INSTRUCTIONS

Preparations Opening speeches

The students should be informed that they will represent During the preparations, the students should write ope-
different states in the Security Council and that their task ning speeches based on the country position. The time
is to reach a resolution on the situation in Rakhine State. for each opening speech is a maximum of 1 minute. Each
For the students to perform successfully, they need basic opening speech should address the most important views
knowledge about the conflict and about the Security of the state on the topics that are to be debated during
Council’s Rules of Procedure, which you will find in the Model UN.
this guide.
The guide provides a background description and a Write resolutions
timeline of the conflict. In addition, it focuses on three The goal of the Model UN is to agree on and adopt a
essential issues in the conflict. We recommend that each resolution. We recommend that each delegation during
topic is addressed in a separate resolution. You can decide the preparations writes one draft resolution on each topic
how many issues you want to work with depending on that will be debated during the Model UN.
the time you have at your disposal.
The students should be divided into groups of 2–3 stu- Lobbying
dents (delegations). Each delegation represents a country After the opening speeches, the Model UN enters the next
and works based on their country’s position. The Country phase, lobbying. During the lobbying the delegations are
Positions provide a brief overview of the important po- allowed to conduct informal negotiations which are not
sitions of each country and the different strategies that moderated by the President. The delegations should strive
each country should pursue. to form alliances with other delegations and merge their
A President chairing the Model UN is required. If it is respective draft resolutions into new draft resolutions that
your first time arranging a Model UN, we recommend that command the support of as many countries as possible. It
you contact the United Nations Association of Sweden is important to be creative and to be able to compromise.
([email protected]), in order to hire a professional President. Each draft resolution is presented by one particular coun-

4
try and must be co-sponsored by a minimum of four other either for, against or abstain. For a resolution to be adopted
countries to proceed to debate and voting. In other words, nine votes in favour are required. It is also required that
the support of five countries is required if a resolution is no permanent member of the Security Council votes
to proceed to debate and voting. Each country can present against. The permanent members of the Security Council
or co-sponsor no more than one resolution on each topic. are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the
United States.
Debate The entire procedure of debating and voting is repeated
After the lobbying, the resolutions that command suf- for each draft resolution that has been co-sponsored by
ficient support should be debated. One delegate from the the required number of countries.
presenting country is asked by the President to read the
operative clauses of the draft resolution. The delegate is Further information and
then given the opportunity to speak in favour of the draft alternative Rules of Procedure
resolution. Subsequently, other delegations are given the The above Rules of Procedure provide an exhaustive guide
opportunity to speak either in favour or against the draft for the Model UN. It can be mentioned that two separate
resolution. The President distributes the speaking time sets of Rules of Procedure exist. The Rules of Procedure
and also has the important task of encouraging as many outlined above imply that the debate to a large extent is
delegates as possible to participate in the debate and to directed by the President. According to the alternative set
ensure that different opinions and arguments are heard. of Rules of Procedure, the delegates decide how the debate
After each speech, the delegates have the opportunity should proceed through raising motions. These Rules of
to ask questions to the speaker, assuming that the speaker Procedure requires a higher degree of involvement from
is open to answer questions. the students, but are more compatible with the authentic
Rules of Procedure in the Security Council. For a detailed
Voting guide to the different Rules of Procedure, see the website
After the debate, the Security Council moves into voting https://fn.se/fnskola/fn-rollspel/.
procedure. Each member state has one vote and can vote

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 3. BACKGROUND

The factual statements in this section are largely based poverty and tension between different ethnic and religious
on reports by the Office of the High Commissioner for groups. The Muslim Rohingya population in Rakhine
Human Rights (the Office of the High Commissioner or State has been estimated to be slightly over 1 million. The
OHCHR), a United Nations office tasked with protecting Rakhine Buddhists, estimated to be around 2 million, have
and promoting human rights.1 The Office of the High long harboured grievance against the Rohingya, regarding
Commissioner is not dependent on the views of parti- them as foreigners with no legitimate claim to reside in
cular member states in the same way as for example the the state. Beyond the refusal of the Myanmar government
Security Council. to grant the Rohingya citizenship, the Rohingya have
been denied access to higher education and suffered
The Rohingya minority restrictions in their freedom of movement. Land owned
The Rohingya is an ethnic group living in Rakhine State of by the Rohingya has been confiscated, Rohingya males
Myanmar. About 90 percent of the 50 million population have been exploited in forced labour and the Rohingya
of Myanmar is Buddhist, while the Muslims represent a have been required to comply with restrictions on the
religious minority of just over 4 percent of the population. number of children. 4
The Rohingya is the largest Muslim group in Myanmar, The recent escalation of the conflict in Rakhine State
although a fraction of the Rohingya are Hindu. The Ro- should be seen against the background of the increased
hingya have suffered longstanding marginalization. They national prevalence of expressions of religious intole-
have been denied Myanmar citizenship and have never rance and hatred since 2012, during which Muslims have
been legally recognized in Myanmar as an ethnic group.2 repeatedly been portrayed by ultra-nationalist Buddhist
Many people in Myanmar hold the opinion and belief that organizations as a “threat to race and religion”. In some
the Rohingya are originally from Bangladesh, while many instances, politicians have even publicly argued in favour
Bangladeshis similarly think that the Rohingyas originate of killing the Rohingya. 5
from Myanmar. Neither Bangladesh nor Myanmar is wil-
ling to recognize them as citizens. Recent political transformation in Myanmar
Myanmar is a highly ethnically diverse country. The Myanmar has recently experienced an extensive transfer of
Bamar is the largest ethnic group and represents a majority power from the military to the civil society. Open national
of the population. Since Myanmar’s independence in 1948, elections were held in November 2015 for the first time in
the different ethnic minorities have been subject to vari- 25 years. A civilian government, under the leadership of
ous forms of systematic discrimination and deprivation, Aung San Suu Kyi, assumed power in March 2016. It has,
especially since the military coup and seizure of power in however, been pointed out that the political influence of
1962. Ethnically driven internal armed conflicts have been the military remains strong through continued control of
recurring since the Myanmar independence. 3 25 percent of the seats in Parliament and the power of the
Rakhine State, where the Rohingya in Myanmar are Commander-in-Chief to appoint key government Ministers.
concentrated, is found on the western coast of Myanmar, The new civilian government has stated its intention
bordering the Bay of Bengal. To the north, Rakhine State to pursue reconciliation between the different ethnic
borders Bangladesh. Rakhine State is characterized by groups of Myanmar. In the national elections of Novem-

1
For more information about the Office of the High minorities in Myanmar, p. 2–3.
Commissioner, see the following webpage: 4
See Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/Pages/WhatWeDo.aspx, minorities in Myanmar, p. 7–13, and Interviews with Rohingyas
retrieved 30 November 2017. fleeing from Myanmar since 9 October 2016, pages 5–6.
2
See Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other 5
See Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other
minorities in Myanmar, p. 2–4, and Interviews with Rohingyas minorities in Myanmar, p. 7, and Interviews with Rohingyas
fleeing from Myanmar since 9 October 2016, p. 5–7. fleeing from Myanmar since 9 October 2016, p. 5.
3
See Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other

6
 Foto: UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General António Guterres briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in Rakhine state of Myanmar.

ber 2015, however, Muslim candidates were not allowed August 2017 began operations aimed at expelling the
to participate, resulting in a Parliament with no Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar. The report concluded that the
members. The government has also opposed calls to grant operations constituted systematic human rights violations
the Rohingya minority citizenship. 6 and that the perpetrators were Myanmar security forces, in
many instances with collaboration from the local popula-
Current situation in Rakhine State tion of Rakhine Buddhists. Moreover, the report stated that
The situation in Rakhine State has escalated in the after- civilian Rohingya were intentionally targeted. The findings
math of the 9th of October 2016, when insurgents from the contest the position of the Myanmar government that the
Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) reportedly at- operations have been targeted at Rohingya militants.10
tacked Myanmar border posts at the Myanmar-Bangladesh Based on interviews with Rohingya refugees, the report
border. Myanmar security forces retaliated by conducting detailed features of the ongoing persecution. According
what they referred to as “area clearance operations”, where to the findings, Myanmar security forces have engaged
they claimed to have targeted militant Rohingya groups in in indiscriminate violence against Rohingya villages,
the northern part of Rakhine State. It is still ongoing. The shooting against the inhabitants and torching homes.
conflict has resulted in over 688 000 Rohingya refugees Places of cultural significance to the Rohingya population
fleeing the country8, mostly to Bangladesh, although pre- have been deliberately destroyed and educated members
viously, Rohingyas have fled from Bangladesh to Myanmar. of the communities have been arrested and arbitrarily
The access of humanitarian organizations in Myanmar has detained. Summary executions and sexual violence have
simultaneously with the increase of refugees been severely also been marked features of the ongoing persecution. Ac-
limited. Reports of human rights abuses in the northern cording to the findings, the attackers have often stated that
Rakhine State have been widespread.9 the Rohingya do not belong in Myanmar.11 The findings
According to the Mission report by the Office of the confirmed the conclusion of earlier reports that severe
High Commissioner, the Myanmar security forces in human rights violations have been prevalent in Rakhine

6
See Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims Bangladesh, 13–24 September 2017, p. 1–2, and http://www.
and other minorities in Myanmar, p. 3. un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58114#.Wi51wFXiZaQ.
8
UN Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Action, retrieved 10
Ibid.
26 February 2018 https://www.unocha.org/rohingya-refugee-crisis 11
Ibid. p. 3–11.
9
See Mission report of OHCHR rapid mission to Cox’s Bazar,

7
 Foto: UN Photo/Kim Haughton
Yanghee Lee, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, briefs journalists.

State.12 The actions described above are considered crimes November, Bangladesh and Myanmar reached a principal
against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and possible genocide agreement to enable the return of Rohingya refugees from
according to UN definitions. The High Commissioner for Bangladesh to Myanmar. 17
Human Rights has described the actions of the Myanmar The agreement has not yet been implemented, and several
security forces as “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing”.13 actors – including the UNHCR and several states on the
In early December 2017, the Special Representative of Security Council – has warned that conditions on the
the Secretary-General for Sexual Violence in Conflict, ground are not yet safe for the return of refugees.18
Pramila Patten, visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bang-
ladesh. At a Security Council meeting following the visit, Role and previous actions by the
the Special Representative shared her shocking findings United Nations Security Council
from the visit: every woman she spoke with in the refugee The authority of the Security Council
camps had been the victim or witness of sexual violence. and the Responsibility to Protect
Her assessment was that sexual violence served as a tactic The Charter of the United Nations gives the Security
for forced displacement, which is a serious violation of Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance
international law.14 of international peace and security. In fulfilling this
The leader of the Myanmar Government, Aung San responsibility, the Security Council has the authority
Suu Kyi, has denied the allegations that Myanmar forces to take military and non-military action to maintain or
engage in organized persecution of the Rohingya mi- restore international peace and security.
nority. She has stated that the Myanmar security forces The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is a principle, based
have operated with the intent of neutralizing Rohingya on existing international law, to prevent and stop genocide,
militants.15 On 23 August 2016, the Myanmar Government war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
established the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State The principle was unanimously adopted by heads of state
lead by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan (the and governments at the UN World Summit in 2005.
Annan Commission). The task of the Annan Commission According to R2P, all member states have a duty to
is to find a solution to the situation in Rakhine State.16 In prevent and halt genocide and mass atrocities. This duty

12
Compare Interviews with Rohingyas fleeing from Myanmar since 16
See http://www.statecounsellor.gov.mm/en/node/228.
9 October 2016, p. 40–43. 13 Full statement at http://www.ohchr. 17
See http://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/27/asia/rohingya-
org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22041. myanmar-bangladesh-agreement/index.html.
14
See https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc13117.doc.htm 18
See https://news.un.org/en/story/2017/11/637152-conditions-
15
See http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/05/asia/ myanmars-rakhine-not-place-enable-safe-returns-un-refugee-agency
rohingya-myanmar-bangladesh/index.html.

8
 Foto: UN Photo/Kim Haughton
lies first and foremost with the state, but the international monitoring and humanitarian assistance are other tools.
community has a responsibility to assist if the state fails to Further, the Security Council has the authority to refer a
protect its own population. The international community criminal investigation to the International Criminal Court
also has a responsibility to take action if it is the state that (ICC). If the Security Council uses this authority, the ICC
is responsible for the crimes. The principle is divided into has jurisdiction regardless of whether the concerned state
three pillars to further the implementation of R2P; is party to the court’s Statue.
Pillar I: The state bears the primary responsibility to
protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic Previous actions by the Security Council
cleansing and crimes against humanity. This responsibility Despite reports of the increasing violence and repression
entails the prevention of such crimes and violations, against rohingyas in Rakhine State, the Security Council
including their incitement; remained largely inactive on the issue during 2016 and
Pillar II: The international community has a respon- the first half of 2017. A few meetings were held on the
sibility to assist and encourage the state in fulfilling its situation under the agenda point “any other business”,
protection obligations; and no action was taken. In the second half of 2017 and
Pillar III: The international community has a respon- beginning of 2018, the attention devoted to Myanmar and
sibility to take appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and Rakhine State increased. Meetings were held much more
other peaceful means to help protect populations from frequently and regularly, and a range of briefers, including
these crimes. The international community must also be Secretary-General António Guterres, updated the Security
prepared to take collective action, in a timely and decisive Council on the situation.19
manner, in accordance with the UN Charter, on a case- On 6 November 2017 the Security Council issued
by-case basis and in cooperation with relevant regional a unanimous statement inter alia condemning the
organizations, if a state manifestly fails to protect its “widespread violence that has taken place in Rakhine
populations or is in fact the perpetrator of crimes. Such State” and calling on the government of Myanmar to
action may entail coercive measures, including the use of “ensure no further excessive use of military force in
force, where appropriate, and through the Security Council. Rakhine State”. Simultaneously, the Security Council
reaffirmed its “strong commitment to the sovereignty,
Alternatives to the use of military force political independence, territorial integrity and unity of
Military force remains a measure of last resort. Other Myanmar” and condemned the attacks carried out by
measures that the Security Council could impose through a ARSA.20 The Security Council has, however, not adopted
resolution include arms embargos and economic sanctions any legally binding resolution regarding the conflict.
against Myanmar and against key figures. Human rights

19
Chronology of Security Council meetings and actions on Myanmar 20
Full statement at https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc13055.doc.htm.
at http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/chronology/myanmar.php.

9
 TOPICS

Sexual and gender-based violence be used in this conflict and how the perpetrators should
Sexual and gender-based violence is considered a war be brought to justice.
crime if it is widespread and systematically executed. One possible justice mechanism is the International Crimi-
Hence, it is also a reason for the R2P principle to take nal Court (ICC) that can prosecute individuals for genocide,
effect, where other member states take action in order crimes against humanity and war crimes. ICC has its own
to ensure the protection of the people. According to the Statute and is independent of the UN. ICC has jurisdiction
Office of the High Commissioner, sexual and gender- over crimes committed in the territory of a state that is
based violence against the Rohingya has been prevalent party to the Statue or by a national of such a state. However,
before the current crisis and has likely been underreported if the Security Council refers a situation to the ICC, the
for decades.21 When the Office of the High Commissioner court enjoys jurisdiction and can investigate the suspected
in January 2017 conducted interviews with Rohingya re- crime even if the concerned state is not a member of the
fugees in Bangladesh, more than 50 percent of the women ICC. As an alternative to ICC as a mechanism for justice,
stated that they had experienced rape or other forms of reconciliation mechanisms such as a truth commission or
sexual violence. Similar findings were reported by the tribunal can be used.
Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict in The government of Myanmar could be urged to establish
December 2017. Moreover, the majority of rape victims national courts specifically tasked with handling cases rela-
stated that they had been raped by more than one perpet- ted to human rights violations perpetrated in this conflict.
rator. The perpetrators were described as soldiers.22 The
conclusions were confirmed by the findings of the Office Humanitarian access
of the High Commissioner in subsequent interviews with Humanitarian access refers to the ability by neutral hu-
refugees during September 2017. 23 manitarian actors such as NGO’s and the UN, to enter
The question for the Security Council is how sexual a conflict-area and provide humanitarian aid as well as
and gender-based violence can be stopped in this conflict. monitor and promote human rights. In Myanmar, the
Furthermore the Security Council must consider how this northern Rakhine State has been restricted and hundreds
best can be achieved, i.e. by enforcing accountability, recon- of thousands of Rohingya remain in the state without any
ciliation and/or transitional justice. The resolution should humanitarian assistance. In its statement on 6 November
urge Myanmar to refrain from organizing, facilitating or 2017, the Security Council welcomed the Government of
in any way tolerating sexual and gender-based violence Myanmar’s “decision to establish ‘the Union Enterprise
in the Rakhine State. The Security Council must also Mechanism for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and
address concrete measures to ensure an end to these acts. Development in Rakhine’”. According to the Government of
Myanmar, this body shall allow both local and international
Reconciliation and justice organizations to participate in the future development of
A reconciliation process is imperative to ensure that the Rakhine State.
society in Rakhine State will function in the future. It is In its resolution, the Security Council should address
also imperative that the perpetrators are brought to justice. possible mechanisms to ensure that humanitarian ac-
The reconciliation process should be implemented ac- cess is granted and reaches the intended receiver. In order
cording to the concept of transitional justice24 and should to assess the actual humanitarian needs, humanitarian
aim to ensure accountability, serve justice and achieve organizations must firstly be granted access to conduct
reconciliation. In the resolution, the Security Council fact-finding missions.
should address which reconciliation mechanisms that can

21
See Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims 23
See Mission report of OHCHR rapid mission to Cox’s
and other minorities in Myanmar, p. 9. Bazar, Bangladesh, 13–24 September 2017, p. 7–8.
22
See Interviews with Rohingyas fleeing from 20
Full definition on https://www.ictj.org/about/transitional-justice.
Myanmar since 9 October 2016, p. 20–25.

10
 COUNTRY POSITION: BOLIVIA

Traditionally, Bolivia has maintained close ties to the United States. These relations, ho-
wever, have recently been strained. Bolivia has diplomatic ties of increasing importance
with Myanmar’s ally China.

Bolivia has vigorously condemned the violence in Rakhine State and in particular violence
impacting the Rohingya minority. Incitement to religious hatred must stop and all acts of
sexual violence must cease. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. Bolivia has stated
that the United Nations Charter and international law must be upheld, but that the prin-
ciple of non-intervention in the internal affairs of state must also be respected. The dispute
should firstly be solved within the borders of Myanmar and, if that is not possible, through
regional cooperation. Military force should not be used. It is also necessary to encourage
the measures taken by the Myanmar Government to ensure stability in Rakhine State.

The Myanmar Government should grant humanitarian access and address the root-causes
of the conflict. In the long-term, this involves that the Rohingya are granted Myanmar
nationality. In the short-term, the Rohingya must be granted a legal status and civil rights
such as the right to education and freedom of movement.

Strategy
Bolivia is likely to advocate compromise and negotiations as the means to resolve the conflict. Humanitarian
access should be granted and the rights of the Rohingya promoted. However, the resolution must respect
the principle of sovereignty.

Important positions See the statement of Bolivia at the meeting of

• The Government of Myanmar bears the responsi- the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://
bility to protect all civilians, regardless of religion. www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.
• Human right violations, including sexual and
gender-based violence, must be duly investigated. See the statement of Bolivia at the meeting of the Se-
• The national sovereignty of Myanmar must si- curity Council 13 February 2018 (http://www.un.org/
multaneously be respected. en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8179), re-
trieved 26 February 2018

Sources and further reading General information about the foreign policy of
See the statement of Bolivia at the meeting of Bolivia (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https:// sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/sydame-
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/ rika/bolivia/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved
PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017. 30 November 2017.

11
 COUNTRY POSITION: CHINA

China is a long-standing ally to Myanmar and has historically blocked or vetoed resolutions
in the Security Council against Myanmar. China has important economic and defensive
interests in Myanmar and is Myanmar’s most important arms supplier. Recently, China
has made major investments in the development of a deep-water port in Rakhine State.
The port is expected to provide a connection for China to the Bay of Bengal, and points to
the continued importance of the relations between the countries.

China has stated that the hostilities in Rakhine State have been growing for a long time
and that the international community cannot expect a quick solution. The international
community must recognize that the Myanmar Government faces challenges and view these
challenges objectively. China has advocated a continued dialogue between Bangladesh and
Myanmar and constructive, peaceful measures to address the refugee crisis.

Strategy
For China, it is crucial that the resolution respects the national sovereignty of Myanmar, and therefore
diplomatic dialogue is preferred over interventions. China believes that the international community should
support the Government of Myanmar in its efforts to safeguard stability.

Important positions en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8133),

• The national sovereignty of Myanmar and its retrieved 26 February 2018.
territorial integrity should be respected.
See the statement of China at the meeting of the Secu-
• Reconciliation and justice should primarily be
rity Council 13 February 2018 (http://www.un.org/en/
achieved at the national level, with a minimum of
ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8179), retrieved
involvement from the international community.
26 February 2018.
• The international community should facilitate the
dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar, so General information about the foreign policy of
that the countries can address the refugee crisis. China (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.sub.
su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/asien/kina/
Sources and further reading utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved 30 November 2017.

See the statement of China at the meeting of the Security

Information about the foreign relations between
Council 28 September 2017 (https://www.un.org/
China and Myanmar (in Swedish), see (https://www-
en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8060),
ui-se.ezp.sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/
retrieved 30 November 2017.
asien/burma/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved
See the statement of China at the meeting of the Security 30 November 2017.
Council 12 December 2017 (https://www.un.org/

12
 COUNTRY POSITION: EGYPT

Egypt is traditionally an ally of the United States and has received extensive military con-
tributions from the United States, even after the military coup of 2013. Egypt also maintains
good relations with Russia and has sought closer cooperation with the EU. As a Muslim
country, Egypt is disposed to support the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Egypt has condemned the violence in Rakhine State and has asserted its support for all
regional and international efforts aiming to remedy of the humanitarian situation resulting
from the crisis. Coexistence with people of different beliefs must be promoted and incitement
to hatred must be rejected. The Government of Myanmar must end all violence and allow
full humanitarian access and fact-finding missions.

Egypt has further stated that it does not support violence of other groups, but that the
Rohingya may have been forced to take up arms in self-defence. The discrimination of
the Rohingya minority must end and in the long-term they must be granted citizenship.
Egypt has also expressed support for the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Coopera-
tion (OIC). Egypt has required that Rohingya refugees are granted the right to return to
Myanmar from Bangladesh.

Strategy
Egypt favours a strong resolution which explicitly requires the Government of Myanmar to safeguard the
well-being of the Rohingya minority. Egypt is likely to cooperate with the United States, United Kingdom
and France.

Important positions rity Council 28 September 2017 (https://www.un.org/

• The Government of Myanmar should be explicitly en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8060),
required to meet its responsibility to protect the retrieved 30 November 2017.
civilians in Rakhine State.
See the statement of Egypt at the meeting of the Secu-
• Full humanitarian access must be ensured. rity Council 12 December 2017 (https://www.un.org/
• The Rohingya refugees should be granted the en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8133),
right to return to Myanmar from Bangladesh and retrieved 26 February 2018.
in the long-term the Rohingya must be granted
citizenship. General information about the foreign policy of
Egypt (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.sub.
su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/afrika/egyp-
Sources and further reading
ten/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved
See the statement of Egypt at the meeting of the Secu- 30 November 2017.

13
 COUNTRY POSITION: ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is a regional power in Africa and has maintained close relations with the West.
On the international scene, Ethiopia has kept an active profile.

Ethiopia has stated that the situation in Rakhine State is complex and must be solved through
a comprehensive effort, involving diplomatic and developmental efforts. Further, Ethiopia
has stated that all forms of hate speech that incite violence must end. Military operations by
the Myanmar military in Rakhine State should be terminated, but the operations of ARSA
are also to be condemned and have caused a deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

A mutual level of trust between the international community and Myanmar must be
achieved. It is necessary to work closely with the Myanmar Government and the role of
diplomacy must not be overlooked. The root causes of the violence must also be addressed.

Strategy
Ethiopia is likely to assume the middle ground in the negotiations and strive to reach a compromise solution.

Important positions www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/

• Military operations in Rakhine State should end. PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.

• Diplomacy remains preferable to sanctions or See the statement of Ethiopia at the meeting of the Se-
interventions in order to influence the policy of curity Council 13 February 2018 (http://www.un.org/
the Government of Myanmar. en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8179),
retrieved 26 February 2018.
Sources and further reading
See the statement of Ethiopia at the meeting of General information about the foreign policy of
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https:// Ethiopia (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/ sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/afrika/
PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017. etiopien/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved
30 November 2017.
See the statement of Ethiopia at the meeting of
the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://

14
 COUNTRY POSITION: FRANCE

The French President Emmanuel Macron has termed the ongoing violence as “genocide”,
and in the Security Council, France has referred to the situation as “ethnic cleansing”. The
French government has demanded that the Myanmar security forces ensure the protection
of the civilian population and swiftly restore safe humanitarian access. The first priority,
however, is to put an immediate end to the violence in Myanmar.

France has also called on Bangladesh to continue to accept the Rohingya refugees who
reach the country. Once the violence has ceased, the safe return of the refugees must be
guaranteed. The root causes of the violence must also be addressed, and in that context the
systematic discrimination of the Rohingya must end.

Strategy
France supports a strong resolution that exercises pressure on the Myanmar Government. Access for
international humanitarian organizations should be granted immediately. Moreover, France is likely to
advocate that the perpetrators face justice before an international court, e.g. ICC.

Important positions www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/

• The resolution must demand that the Myanmar PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017.
Government immediately meets its responsibility
to protect the civilians in Rakhine State. The re- See the statement of France at the meeting of the
solution must result in sufficient pressure on the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://www.
Myanmar Government to ensure that it complies un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
with this demand. Economic sanctions and – as PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.
a measure of last resort – a military intervention
may be on the table. See the statement of France at the meeting of the
Security Council 13 February 2018 (http://www.
• International institutions – independent of My- un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
anmar Government – should be involved in the PV.8179), retrieved 26 February 2018.
process of reconciliation and justice.

• The Rohingya should be granted Myanmar General information about the foreign po-
citizenship. licy of France (in Swedish), see (https://
www-ui-se.ezp.sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-
Sources and further reading och-omraden/europa/frankrike/utrikespolitik-
See the statement of France at the meeting of och-forsvar/), retrieved 30 November 2017.
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https://

15
 COUNTRY POSITION: ITALY

Italy has traditionally been an advocate of European cooperation and cooperation through the
NATO. In the current conflict, Italy is likely to advocate for a strong international response.
Italy has stated that the violence must end immediately, and that the Myanmar authorities
must stop the attacks against civilians. It is imperative that the security response of the
Myanmar forces respect human rights laws and it should be stressed that it is the respon-
sibility of the national authorities to protect human lives.

Further, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured. The efforts of Bangla-
desh in receiving the refugees have been of great value. However, the safe and sustainable
return of the refugees is critical for the future stability of the region.

Strategy
Italy is likely to cooperate with France, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The key priorities are that hu-
manitarian access is granted and that the return of the refugees is ensured once the violence has ended.

Important positions en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8060),

• Humanitarian access for international organiza- retrieved 30 November 2017.
tions must be granted.
See the statement of Italy at the meeting of the Secu-
• The return of the Rohingya refugees must rity Council 12 December 2017 (https://www.un.org/
be ensured. en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8133),
• The international community should assume an retrieved 26 February 2018.
active role in the reconciliation process.
General information about the foreign policy of Italy
(in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.sub.su.se/
Sources and further reading
landguiden/lander-och-omraden/europa/italien/ut-
See the statement of Italy at the meeting of the Secu- rikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved 30 November 2017.
rity Council 28 September 2017 (https://www.un.org/

16
 COUNTRY POSITION: JAPAN

Japan has strongly condemned the attacks against the Myanmar security forces. Japan has
further stated that it expects that the protection of the civilian population and humanitarian
access are assured as soon as security has been restored.

Japan is committed to stability in Asia and will likely be sceptical to measures that might
induce an escalation of the conflict. The Japanese strategy is to promote a resolution through
dedicated diplomacy. Moreover, Japan has extended substantial financial assistance to
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. A key issue for Japan is that the refugees who have fled
to Bangladesh are allowed to return Myanmar.

Strategy
Key priorities are to assure immediate humanitarian access and that the Security Council establishes a
framework for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. Japan is likely to favour a resolution
with concrete proposals concerning these key areas. The Security Council should, however, refrain from
using strong and provocative language and focus on diplomatic means.

Important positions See the statement of Japan at the meeting of the Secu-
• Immediate humanitarian access must be granted. rity Council 12 December 2017 (https://www.un.org/
en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8133),
• The safe and voluntary return of the retrieved 26 February 2018.
Rohingya refugees must be ensured.
General information about the foreign policy of
Sources and further reading Japan (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.sub.
See the statement of Japan at the meeting of the Secu- su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/asien/japan/
rity Council 28 September 2017 (https://www.un.org/ utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved 30 November 2017.
en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8060), re-
trieved 30 November 2017.

17
 COUNTRY POSITION: KAZAKHSTAN

As a predominantly Muslim country, Kazakhstan has expressed its support for the work
of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation on the issue. Simultaneously, Kazakhstan
maintains a close relationship with Russia, an ally of Myanmar.

Kazakhstan has stressed that it is imperative to send a UN fact-finding team to Rakhine

State to provide an objective assessment of the situation on the ground. The number of
refugees who have fled Rakhine State is remarkable and is inconsistent with the claim of
the Government of Myanmar that clearance operations have ceased.

The Myanmar Government must be urged to suspend all military operations and end the
persecution and discrimination against the Rohingya Muslims. Further, humanitarian access
must be granted. The safe return of the Rohingya refugees must also be ensured. As a long-
term measure, the Rohingya should be granted citizenship in Myanmar. The Government
of Myanmar should fully implement the recommendations of the Annan Commission.

Strategy
Kazakhstan is likely to favour a strong resolution. Kazakhstan is, however, simultaneously likely to advocate
compromise and refrain from provocation against Russia.

Important positions See the statement of Kazakhstan at the meeting of

• Full humanitarian access must be granted. the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
• A UN fact-finding mission should be allowed full PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.
access to Rakhine State.

• The safe return of the Rohingya refugees must be See the statement of Kazakhstan at the meeting
ensured and there should be a path to citizenship of the Security Council 13 February 2018 (http://
for the Rohingya in Myanmar. www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
PV.8179), retrieved 26 February 2018.

Sources and further reading

General information about the foreign policy of
See the statement of Kazakhstan at the meeting of Kazakhstan (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https:// ezp.sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/asien/
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/ kazakstan/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved 30
PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017. November 2017.

18
 COUNTRY POSITION: RUSSIA

After China, Russia is Myanmar’s second most important ally in the Security Council. The
Russian Government has stated that interventions in Myanmar’s internal affairs will worsen
the conflict. The Russian Government has supported the efforts of the Myanmar Govern-
ment to alleviate the situation in Rakhine State and has stated that ARSA is responsible
for violence against civilians. Specifically, Russia has stated that ARSA is responsible for
attacking civilians from the Hindu community.

According to Russia, the international community should refrain from labelling the ongoing
violence as “genocide” or “ethnic cleansing”. The violence and violent rhetoric from all sides
must be condemned.

Simultaneously, Russia has expressed concern on the large number of refugees. Russia sup-
ports the efforts of Bangladesh and has stated that the international community should
support the Myanmar Government in its effort to solve the situation in Rakhine State.

Strategy
The resolution must respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar. The international
community should support the Government of Myanmar in its efforts to safeguard stability.

Important positions See the statement of Russia at the meeting of the

• The international community should refrain from Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://www.
labelling the ongoing events as genocide. un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.
• The national sovereignty of Myanmar and its
territorial integrity should be respected. See the statement of Russia at the meeting of the Se-
• Reconciliation and justice should primarily be curity Council 13 February 2018 (http://www.un.org/
achieved at the national level, with a minimum of en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8179),
involvement from the international community. retrieved 26 February 2018.

General information about the foreign policy of

Sources and further reading
Russia (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.sub.
See the statement of Russia at the meeting of su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/asien/ryssland/
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https:// utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved 30 November
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/ 2017.
PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017.

19
 COUNTRY POSITION: SENEGAL

Traditionally, Senegal, a former French colony, has maintained a close cooperation with
France. Senegal is likely to cooperate with Kazakhstan and Egypt, the other two predomi-
nantly Muslim countries in the Security Council.

Senegal has strongly condemned the ongoing violence and urged the Government of Myanmar
to take decisive measures. All military violence must end, including sexual and gender-
based violence. Senegal has further called for an independent investigation on violations
of human rights. Further, international law must be respected in the conflict. Senegal has
welcomed the cooperation between the Governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar. A root
cause of the conflict, according to Senegal, is that the Rohingya have been denied citizenship.

Strategy
A strong resolution is desirable and an independent investigation, under the leadership of the international
community, must be undertaken. Senegal is likely to seek cooperation with France and with fellow Muslim
countries Egypt and Kazakhstan.

Important positions www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/

• The military operations of the Myanmar military PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017.
should end.
See the statement of Senegal at the meeting of
• A UN fact-finding team must be granted access the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://
to Myanmar. www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
• The Rohingya Muslims must be granted PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.
citizenship in Myanmar.
General information about the foreign policy of
Senegal (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.
Sources and further reading
sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/afrika/
See the statement of Senegal at the meeting of senegal/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved 30
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https:// November 2017.

20
 COUNTRY POSITION: SWEDEN

Sweden has stated that the ongoing violence is a strong indication of crimes against humanity
being committed in Rakhine State, and has demanded its immediate cessation. All military
and security operations conducted by the Myanmar security forces must be terminated. It
is essential that the Government of Myanmar, with the support of the international com-
munity, moves swiftly to ensure that those who have fled the country can return to their
places of origin in a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable manner.

Sweden favours a strong resolution that exercises real pressure on the Government of Myan-
mar. The first priority, however, is to ensure humanitarian access to Rakhine State. Sweden
demands that the Government of Myanmar grants immediate, full, safe and unhindered
humanitarian access to the United Nations and its partners to all areas. Moreover, Swe-
den advocates full accountability for the perpetrators. Sweden has also advocated that the
perpetrators should face justice before an international court such as the ICC.

Strategy
Sweden will advocate a strong resolution that exercises real pressure on the government of Myanmar. The
first priority is to ensure humanitarian access for international organizations. Sweden will further advocate
an active role for the international community in the reconciliation and justice process. Sweden is likely to
cooperate with France and the United Kingdom.

Important positions See the statement of Sweden at the meeting of

the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://
• All violence from the Myanmar security forces
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
must end.
PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.
• The Myanmar Government must grant immediate
access for international humanitarian organi- See the statement of Sweden at the meeting of the Se-
zations. curity Council 13 February 2018 (http://www.un.org/
• The international community should be actively en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8179),
involved in the reconciliation process. retrieved 26 February 2018.

• Economic sanctions are on the table.

General information about the foreign policy of
Sweden (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.
Sources and further reading
sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/eu-
See the statement of Sweden at the meeting of ropa/sverige/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https:// 30 November 2017.
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017.

21
 COUNTRY POSITION: UKRAINE

The foreign relations between Russia and Ukraine have been hostile since the Russian an-
nexation of the Crimea in 2014. Ukraine has a sought a close cooperation with the West
and this cooperation is viewed as a guarantee for the future independence of Ukraine.

Ukraine has stated that the violence against civilians is unacceptable and that the perpet-
rators must face justice. The Myanmar Government must immediately halt all military
operations in Rakhine State. The Security Council must be more proactive in ensuring the
human rights of the Rohingya. Further, humanitarian access must be granted to Rakhine
State. The Government of Myanmar should follow the recommendations of the Annan
Commission.

Strategy
Ukraine is likely to cooperate with the United Kingdom and France and advocate a strong resolution.

Important positions www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/

• The Government of Myanmar must immediately PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017.
halt military operations.
See the statement of Ukraine at the meeting of
• Humanitarian access must be ensured. the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://
• The Security Council must contemplate the use www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
of stronger measures, such as economic sanctions PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.
and the use of force, to put pressure on the Go-
vernment of Myanmar. General information about the foreign policy of
Ukraine (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.
sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/europa/
Sources and further reading
ukraina/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved
See the statement of Ukraine at the meeting of 30 November 2017.
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https://

22
 COUNTRY POSITION: UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom has called for an end to the violence in Rakhine State, and has labelled
the situation one of “ethnic cleansing”. The United Kingdom has further stated that the
military of Myanmar bears the primary responsibility for resolving the crisis. The military
must immediately stop the violence and ensure the protection of all civilians. The hate speech
and incitement to violence must also stop and the military must uphold the rule of law. Full
humanitarian access to Rakhine State must be allowed for UN agencies and their partners.
The humanitarian needs in Rakhine are beyond the capacity of the Red Cross and only the
UN agencies can provide aid on the required scale. The Myanmar authorities must act to
curb the rhetoric against the UN. The Government of Myanmar must also implement the
recommendations of the Annan Commission.

Further, Myanmar must work with Bangladesh to establish a safe and sustainable way for
those that had fled Rakhine to return home. The Myanmar authorities must cooperate with
the UN fact-finding commission established by the Human Rights Council. The Security
Council must be ready to act if the Myanmar Government does not meet its responsibilities.

Strategy
The United Kingdom is likely to advocate a strong resolution and may find common ground with countries
such as France and Sweden.

Important positions See the statement of the United Kingdom at the

• The military of Myanmar should cancel the meeting of the Security Council 12 December
ongoing operations in Rakhine State and focus 2017 (https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.
on the maintenance of the rule of law. asp?symbol=S/PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.

• Full humanitarian access must be allowed. See the statement of the United Kingdom at the mee-
• The Rohingya refugees must be guaranteed a ting of the Security Council 13 February 2018 (http://
safe return. www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
PV.8179), retrieved 26 February 2018.
• A fact-finding mission of the UN must be granted
access to Rakhine State.
General information about the foreign policy of the
United Kingdom (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-
Sources and further reading se.ezp.sub.su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/
See the statement of the United Kingdom at the europa/storbritannien/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/),
meeting of the Security Council 28 September retrieved 30 November 2017.
2017 (https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.
asp?symbol=S/PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017.

23
 COUNTRY POSITION: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The United States has blamed the Myanmar military for the ongoing violence. The United
States fears that undue pressure on the Myanmar Government may result in a backlash against
the fragile democratization process, but has nevertheless called on the Security Council to
exert pressure on the civilian government to recognize the situation in Rakhine State. The
United States has, however, been explicit in its condemnation of the ongoing violence and
has cancelled planned military cooperation with the Myanmar military.

The United States ambassador to the United Nations has described the actions of the
Myanmar authorities as a “ethnic cleansing”. She further stated that the Government of
Myanmar has refused to recognize the seriousness of the situation. The retaliation of the
Myanmar security forces is disproportionate and undermines the democratic transition.

The Government of Myanmar must restore the order of law and the incitement to violence
from military channels must cease. Individuals within the Myanmar military accused of
committing abuses should be suspended from service and prosecuted. Any country that
delivers weapons to the Myanmar military must suspend their deliveries. Further, Myanmar
authorities must allow rapid humanitarian access to Rakhine State for UN agencies and
other humanitarian organizations. Finally, the Government of Myanmar must commit to
allowing the refugees to return to their homes when it is safe to do so.

Strategy
The United States favours a resolution that grants humanitarian access to Rakhine State and calls for the
persecution of perpetrators. The United States may, however, oppose a resolution that explicitly condemns
the Government of Myanmar.

Important positions PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017.

• The violence in Rakhine State should be explicitly
condemned, but the resolution should refrain from See the statement of the United States at the meeting of
explicitly condemning the civilian Government of the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://www.
Myanmar. un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8133),
retrieved 26 February 2018.
• Humanitarian access for international organizations
must be granted.
See the statement of the United States at the meeting
• The perpetrators must face justice. The United States of the Security Council 13 February 2018 (http://www.
has not ratified the Statute of the ICC and may ad- un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/PV.8179),
vocate the use of other mechanisms to reach justice. retrieved 26 February 2018.

Information about the foreign policy of the United

Sources and further reading
States (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.sub.su.se/
SSee the statement of the United States at the meeting landguiden/lander-och-omraden/nordamerika/usa/
of the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https:// utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/) retrieved 30 November 2017.
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/

24
 COUNTRY POSITION: URUGUAY

Uruguay has endorsed the statement by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeir
Ra’ad Al Hussein, that the situation in Rakhine State bears the characteristics of genocide.

Uruguay has stated that a true national reconciliation is imperative. Myanmar must end
impunity for the perpetrators and investigate all violations of human rights. The violence
of all military groups must be condemned, but the primary responsibility for the protection
of the civilians falls on the Myanmar Government. The human rights of the Rohingya must
be respected and full humanitarian access must be guaranteed.

The recent oppression of the Rohingya has been conducted under the pretext of combating
terrorism, but is likely to contribute to bitterness and opposition that might allow global
terrorist organizations to establish themselves in the region.

Access for a fact-finding mission must be granted by the Myanmar authorities and the
recommendations of the Annan Commission should be implemented. Military operations
must be suspended and the return of the Rohingya refugees must be facilitated.

Strategy
Together with countries such as Bolivia and Ethiopia, Uruguay may assume a middle ground in the nego-
tiations. It is imperative that a resolution that guarantees humanitarian access is reached, and for the sake
of compromise strong language may be omitted from the resolution.

Important positions See the statement of Uruguay at the meeting of

• The perpetrators must face justice, and an inter- the Security Council 12 December 2017 (https://
national criminal investigation into the violence www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
against rohingyas is necessary. PV.8133), retrieved 26 February 2018.

• Humanitarian access for international organiza- Information about the foreign policy of Urugu-
tions must be guaranteed. ay (in Swedish), see (https://www-ui-se.ezp.sub.
su.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/sydame-
Sources and further reading rika/uruguay/utrikespolitik-och-forsvar/), retrieved
See the statement of Uruguay at the meeting of 30 November 2017.
the Security Council 28 September 2017 (https://
www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
PV.8060), retrieved 30 November 2017.

25
 Foto: UN Photo/ Evan Schneider
THE FORMAT OF A DRAFT RESOLUTION

The following is an example on the format of a draft resolution. Further instructions in Swedish can be found at
https://fn.se/fnskola/swemun/konferens/att-forbereda-sig/.

TOPIC:
SUBMITTED BY:
CO-SPONSORS:

The United Nations Security Council,

(01) Noting the alarming situation in Rakhine State in Myanmar where the Rohingya have

(02) been persecuted,

(03) Reaffirming its strong commitment to maintain and restore international peace and

(04) security,

(05) Stressing the importance of respecting the UN Charter and the principle of sovereignty,

(06) 1. Decides to...;

(07) 2. Requests...;

(08) 3. Decides to remain actively seized on the matter.

26
 FURTHER READING

Regarding the Situation in Rakhine State (http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/Display-

News.aspx?NewsID=22041).
• OHCHR report: Situation of human rights of Ro-
hingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, • Statement on 6 November 2017 of the Security Council
June 29, 2016, from Annual report of the United Na- on violence in Rakhine State, retrieved 30 November 2017
tions High Commissioner for Human Rights and re- (https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc13055.doc.htm).
ports of the Office of the High Commissioner and
• Resolution on 16 November 2017 of the General As-
the Secretary General, retrieved 30 November 2017.
sembly on the situation of human rights in Myanmar,
(http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSes-
retrieved 26 February 2017 (http://www.securitycoun-
sions/Session32/Documents/A_HRC_32_18_AEV.docx).
cilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-
• Flash Report: Report of OHCHR mission to Bang- CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/a_c_3_72_l_48.pdf)
ladesh: Interviews with Rohingyas fleeing from My-
• Resolution on 5 December 2017 of the Human Rights
anmar since 9 October 2016, February 3, 2017, Of-
Council on the situation of human rights of Rohin-
fice of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
gya muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, re-
(OHCHR), United Nations, retrieved 30 November 2017.
trieved 26 February 2017 (https://documents-dds-ny.
(http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/MM/
un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G17/358/08/PDF/G1735808.
FlashReport3Feb2017.pdf)
pdf?OpenElement)
• Mission report of OHCHR rapid mission to Cox’s
• List of all Security Council actions taken on Myanmar
Bazar, Bangladesh, 13–24 September 2017, released 11
(http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/chronology/my-
October 2017, U.N. Office of the High Commissioner
anmar.php)
for Human Rights retrieved 30 November 2017. (http://
www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/MM/CXBMis-
sionSummaryFindingsOctober2017.pdf) Regarding the Responsibility to Protect

• Country situation and populations at risk by the • The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention
Global Centre for R2P (http://www.globalr2p.org/re- and the Responsibility to Protect
gions/myanmar_burma) (http://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/about-re-
sponsibility-to-protect.html)
• Article published by the CNN on 5 September 2017,
inter alia recounting statements made by the My- • Background and more information about R2P
anmar Government, retrieved 30 November 2017. (http://www.globalr2p.org/about_r2p)
(http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/05/asia/rohingya-
myanmar-bangladesh/index.html). Regarding the different Country Positions
• Article published by the CNN on 27 November 2017, • See the sources listed under the respective Country
reporting about the agreement reached between Bang- Positions. Statements by the Security Council’s members
ladesh and Myanmar, retrieved 30 November 2017 regarding the situation in Rakhine State, made on 28
(http://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/27/asia/rohingya-my- September 2017, 12 December 2017, and 13 February
anmar-bangladesh-agreement/index.html). 2018, can be found at the UN website, retrieved 26
• Decision by the Myanmar Government to establish the February 2018.
Annan Commission, retrieved the 30 November 2017 https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
(http://www.statecounsellor.gov.mm/en/node/228). PV.8060
https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
Regarding previous actions by the Security PV.8133
Council and other UN statements http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/
• Statement by the High Commissioner on 11 Septem- PV.8179
ber 2017 at the Human Rights Council’s 36th session,
retrieved 30 November 2017.

27
U N I T E D N A T I O N S A S S 28O C I A T I O N O F S W E D E N
address United Nations Association of Sweden, P.O. Box 15115, SE-104 65 Stockholm, Sweden· phone +46-8-462 25 40 · e-mail [email protected] · webbpage www.fn.se