UN reaffirms solidarity with Myanmar people, including Rohingya
Diplomatic Correspondent :
On the five-year mark of Myanmar’s military takeover, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations, while underscoring the urgent need to protect all communities, including the Rohingya.
In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, the Secretary-General said that five years after the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected Government, the suffering of the people of Myanmar has significantly deepened.
Widespread violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law continue, as the cycle of impunity remains unbroken.
The Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the country and its serious regional consequences.
These include rising transnational crime, mass displacement of nearly 5.2 million people both inside Myanmar and across borders, acute food insecurity, economic instability and escalating violence.
He highlighted ongoing airstrikes by the military that continue to hit civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
Strongly condemning all forms of violence, the Secretary-General urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to fully uphold international human rights and humanitarian law.
He also called for safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access so that the United Nations and its partners can deliver life-saving assistance and essential services to all people in need.
Reiterating his solidarity with the people of Myanmar, the Secretary-General emphasized that a viable path back to civilian rule must be grounded in an immediate cessation of violence and a genuine commitment to inclusive dialogue.
He stressed that such dialogue must involve the full participation of civil society, including women, youth, and ethnic and minority communities.
The Secretary-General further urged Myanmar stakeholders and international actors to help create conditions that allow the people of Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights.
He renewed his call for the swift release of all those arbitrarily detained, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Highlighting the need for sustained regional and international engagement, the Secretary-General said unity among international partners is essential to support a Myanmar-led solution that addresses the root causes of the crisis, ensures accountability and responds to immediate humanitarian and development needs.
The statement also noted that the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, continues to engage with all stakeholders in close cooperation with ASEAN and other regional partners, in an effort to identify common ground that can lay the foundation for a durable resolution and sustainable peace in Myanmar.