UN headquarters in New York. UN chief condemns violence in Myanmar Peace and security
Four years after the military seized power in Myanmar, the situation in the country continues to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for the civilian population, according to a statement made today by UN chief Antonio Guterres’ spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
The Secretary-General condemns all forms of violence and calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, respect human rights and international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement to violence and intercommunal tensions.
“He reiterates his concern at the military’s stated intention to hold elections amid an escalating conflict,” the statement said. It also stressed that Myanmar currently does not have the conditions to allow its people to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights.
Some 19.9 million people in Myanmar – more than a third of its population – require humanitarian assistance, up from one million before the military took power four years ago. Guterres called for unimpeded access for aid to enable the UN and its partners to continue to support the people.
The Secretary-General also reiterates his call on all stakeholders to work more closely to end the fighting and help the people of Myanmar pave the way for an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule. Guterres said that countries in the region must provide access to those fleeing conflict and persecution, and that the international community must support countries, including Bangladesh, hosting refugees from Myanmar.
The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Julie Bishop continues to actively engage with all stakeholders to find a solution to the crisis.