UNITED NATIONS: In a concerted effort to address the dire situation unfolding in Myanmar, the United Nations Security Council has issued a joint statement condemning the relentless violence and loss of civilian lives. Thirteen out of the 15 council members have backed this resolution, with China and Russia notably absent. This call for action comes in response to the ongoing strife in Myanmar and emphasizes the urgency of ceasing hostilities, releasing Aung San Suu Kyi, the ousted leader, and safeguarding human rights.
The council members expressed their concern over the slow progress in implementing the initial Security Council resolution on Myanmar, adopted in December of the previous year. In a noteworthy 12-0 vote, China and Russia abstained, alongside India, whose two-year term on the council has concluded. The British deputy UN ambassador, James Kariuki, read the joint statement on behalf of the supporting nations, flanked by representatives from various other countries.
The statement reaffirms the demands laid out in the December 2022 resolution, which are yet to be fully executed. These demands include the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, restoration of democratic institutions, respect for human rights and the democratic will of the people, as well as upholding the rule of law.
Additionally, the joint statement urges the complete implementation of the plan presented by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with regard to Myanmar. Although the plan was accepted by Myanmar’s rulers in April 2021, little progress has been made in its fulfilment. This plan entails an immediate cessation of violence, facilitated dialogue among all involved parties mediated by an ASEAN envoy, and engagement with Myanmar. Despite visits by envoys, they have been denied access to Aung San Suu Kyi.
The gravity of the military’s actions is evidenced by the report presented during the council meeting. UN independent investigators detailed the alarming escalation of war crimes and crimes against humanity, further underscoring the need for swift international action. The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, established by the UN Human Rights Council, reported compelling evidence of indiscriminate and disproportionate targeting of civilians, mass executions, and large-scale burning of civilian residences.
Nicholas Koumjian, the head of the investigative group, remarked that this evidence points to a dramatic increase in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Myanmar. He stressed the importance of building strong case files that can serve as a basis for holding individual perpetrators accountable in courts of law.
The joint statement also reiterated the ongoing concern for the Rohingya Muslim minority, a population that continues to face persecution and displacement. Nearly a million Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar due to a military crackdown, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis. The council called upon Myanmar to address the root causes of this crisis and restore the rights of the Rohingya population, most of whom are denied citizenship and subjected to severe restrictions on their movements.
The resounding unity among the council members serves as a strong signal that the international community is steadfast in its commitment to peace, human rights, and justice in Myanmar. As the global community continues to advocate for change, the hope remains that Myanmar’s military rulers will heed these calls and work towards a more stable and equitable future for the nation and its people.
