A draft resolution circulated by Britain at the United Nations is calling for renewed peace efforts in Myanmar amidst escalating violence in the country. The resolution condemns attacks on civilians, particularly by the Myanmar military, and urges a halt to illicit arms transfers.
The document expresses alarm at the increased violence across Myanmar, which is currently embroiled in a civil war between the military-led regime and resistance forces. It emphasizes the need for safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access at scale, citing grave concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and restrictions on aid delivery leading to rising food insecurity and hunger.
The proposed resolution warns that the ongoing situation in Myanmar could further exacerbate discrimination, ethnically motivated violence, violations of international humanitarian law, human rights abuses, and conflict-related sexual violence.
Myanmar's military seized power on February 1, 2021, overthrowing the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The move sparked widespread public opposition, evolving into armed resistance and civil unrest. Ethnic minority militias and people's defense forces have captured significant territory in recent months, posing a significant challenge to the military regime.
The draft resolution highlights the crucial role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in facilitating dialogue and peace efforts in Myanmar. It calls for an immediate cessation of violence and the initiation of talks among all parties under the mediation of an ASEAN envoy.
The resolution also urges the ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar and the new UN special envoy to engage with all relevant stakeholders to seek a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the crisis in Myanmar.
Security Council negotiations on the draft resolution are expected to be challenging, given the previous divisions within the council. The resolution demands the full implementation of a previous resolution from December 2022, which called for an end to violence, the release of arbitrarily detained prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democratic institutions.
The international community continues to monitor the situation in Myanmar closely, with efforts focused on promoting peace, stability, and respect for human rights in the country.
