The Secretary-General convened a meeting of his Partnership Group on Myanmar today. The Group welcomed the high-level participation by Myanmar as a reflection of the positive direction of the reform process in that country and its constructive engagement with the international community.

Member States voiced their continued support to the reform efforts of the Government in the areas of democratization, socio-economic development, and national reconciliation. They underlined the importance of the upcoming elections as a decisive phase in the reform agenda.

They also commended the resolve shown by President Thein Sein’s Government and the ethnic armed groups in reaching a nationwide ceasefire accord, which took place on 31 March 2015. They expressed hope that early agreement would be reached on the framework for political dialogue that met the expectations of all stakeholders.

Referring to the ongoing communal tensions in Rakhine and elsewhere, Member States emphasized the need for firm and decisive action by the Government to prevent further conflict by resolving the substantive issues affecting those displaced by outbreaks of communal violence and addressing the underlying issues pertaining to status verification and citizenship for all the affected communities. They welcomed recent positive initiatives to address the humanitarian concerns. On the larger issues of citizenship and status, they hoped the Government would urgently undertake new measures in line with its national laws as well as international standards.

The Secretary-General reiterated his call for the establishment of an OHCHR office with a full mandate, which would help Myanmar strengthen its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.

While recognizing the complex ethnic and religious fabric of the country and its history, Member States also called upon Myanmar to remain committed to international humanitarian and human rights standards as it moves forward on its democratic reforms. They assured the Government and the people of Myanmar of the full support and sympathy of the international community.