A/HRC/7/18 page 20 90. The Special Rapporteur is convinced that Myanmar would benefit from more active cooperation with his mandate. He insists that, though it is his obligation to go public about allegations of human rights violations, that does not exclude a constructive and continuous dialogue with the Government. These two elements of his mandate can contribute to a new dynamic for the improvement of the situation of human rights in the country. 91. In this last opportunity to address the Council as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, he would like to share some reflections on his experiences of the last seven years. 92. The Special Rapporteur has made every effort to convince the Government of Myanmar to work towards the protection and promotion of human rights and to fulfil its international obligation of cooperation in the field of human rights. The representatives of Myanmar, despite their urbane treatment of the Special Rapporteur, have preferred to denounce his findings as inaccurate or biased instead of investigating the allegations reported by him. Combating impunity is essential for the promotion and protection of human rights. The investigation of reported abuses and punishment of perpetrators is necessary for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. 93. The Special Rapporteur reaffirms that he has maintained his independence, impartiality and objectivity in weighing up the information provided by various sources. He has reported in an honest manner on the progress made and obstacles faced by the Government in promoting and protecting human rights. He is distressed to conclude that the Government of Myanmar refuses to cooperate with both his mandate and the Council. 94. The Special Rapporteur warmly thanks all the Member States, United Nations Resident Coordinators and United Nations country teams, in particular his colleagues in Myanmar, international and regional organizations as well as civil society organizations and scholars who have supported his mandate. 95. It is hoped that the ASEAN human rights mechanism, if established in accordance with international standards and norms, will assist Myanmar in fulfilling its international human rights obligations. 96. The Special Rapporteur would like to reaffirm what he has previously stated to the Council: humanitarian assistance cannot be a hostage to politics. Any decision on humanitarian assistance must be guided solely by the best interests of children, women, vulnerable groups and minority communities. It would be a terrible mistake to wait for the political normalization of Myanmar to help the population and to empower communities and their representatives. 97. The Special Rapporteur would like to conclude by praising all human rights defenders inside and outside the country for their courage and commitment in the promotion and protection of the human rights of the people of Myanmar.