Myanmar rejects human rights observations of UN envoy

The Myanmar government has rejected some observations made by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Myanmar Yang Hee Lee, who visited the country recently, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Many of the concerns she raised in a statement at the end of her January visit do not reflect the overall positive aspect of an issue, the ministry said, adding that on some occasions, interfering on issues which falls within sovereignty and domestic jurisdiction is evident.

The ministry rejected Yang's use of term "Rohingya" which Myanmar never recognizes the terminology among the country's over 100 ethnic nationalities and believed insistence on using the controversial term will only pose a barrier on the road to resolving the issue.

Referring to a package of four draft bills which are in the process of domestic legislation, the ministry said prejudging the outcome constitutes an attempt to make undue influence on the public opinion and incitement among the people.

On land issue, it said the government is committed to implementing land reform and returning the confiscated land to the rightful owners.

Relating to political prisoners, the ministry said scrutiny process on a few remaining has been carried out with special consideration.

With regard to media freedom, it said no journalists were apprehended for exercising their due rights but for the offense they had committed, such as breaking into a restricted area.

The ministry also urged Yang to fulfill her mandate in a professional and prudent manner, hoping her visit should not leave the country and Myanmar people with discord, distrust and incitement. Endi