Special envoy says Myanmar on ‘path to self-destruction’ violence must end

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Julie Bishop, on Tuesday, briefed the General Assembly said that 3 months after a catastrophic earthquake hit Myanmar, it struggle with its aftermath and the brutal civil war which has devastated the country since the February 2021 military coup.

Ms. Bishop said “there has been no end to the violence, even though thousands have been killed and thousands more injured.”

“I have stressed consistently that without a ceasefire, a de-escalation of violence and a focus on the needs of the people, there can be no inclusive lasting peace,” she said.

Ms. Bishop said they “wanted the fighting to end so they could live in peace,” as armed clashes continue to obstruct the aid and reconstruction effort.

She said some parties to the conflict have announced ceasefires, “they have largely not been observed,” she said.

Ms. Bishop reiterated a call to end hostilities she said civilian protection “must be the priority and inclusive and sustainable peace a shared goal.”

She said that without an end to the violence Myanmar would continue on “the path to self-destruction.”

Ms. Bishop warned that unless there is an end to the violence and an inclusive and transparent electoral process, all that could result from any election which the junta is planning to contest would be “greater resistance and instability.”

“It is inconceivable how an election could be inclusive,” she said, with so many political leaders still being held by the regime.

Ms Bishop also reiterated the UN’s call for the release of all arbitrary prisoners, including democratically elected leaders Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi.

She noted 80 per cent living in poverty, the situation of the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority in both Myanmar and Bangladesh remains dire.

They caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, Rohingya civilians in their historic homeland of Rakhine State are being subjected to forced recruitment and other abuse.

Rohingyas living in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar face real consequences, including cuts to food rations and education, as aid dwindles.

“A viable future for Myanmar must ensure safety, accountability, and opportunity for all its communities, including Rohingya, and must address the root causes of conflict, discrimination and disenfranchisement in all its forms,” Ms. Bishop added.