Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 1st Feb. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday voiced his grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, according to a statement issued by UN spokesman’s office in New York.
Guterres underscored the urgency of a transition to democratic governance and reinstating civilian rule In a statement issued by his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric,.
“The Secretary-General condemns all forms of violence and calls for the protection of civilians and cessation of hostilities,” said the statement.
“An inclusive solution to this crisis requires conditions that permit the people of Myanmar to exercise their human rights freely and peacefully. The military’s campaign of violence targeting civilians and political repression must end, and those responsible be held to account,” it added.
Guterres called for sustained international and regional attention, and coherent collective action to support the people of Myanmar.
He remains committed to work with all stakeholders, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional actors, to help secure a sustainable and inclusive peace there, the statement noted.
The statement reiterated that in pre-dawn raids on 1 February 2021, the military detained top political leaders and government officials in Yangon and other cities, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.
The military coup triggered an intensification of armed conflicts across the country, including indiscriminate air strikes killing numerous civilians, mass killings of detainees, dismemberment and desecration of bodies, rape, and the deliberate burning of entire villages.
Thousands have been killed and over two million driven from their homes.
Some 18.6 million people one-third of the population require humanitarian support, compared to one million before the military takeover.
OCHA continued access for humanitarian aid is paramount, and the UN and humanitarian agencies have called for international support for populations in need.
They launched a $994 million humanitarian response plan to reach 5.3 million people worst affected In December 2023.
Mr. Guterres condemned all forms of violence, and urged an immediate halt to hostilities and political repression, and the protection of civilians, the statement noted
He reiterated his concern regarding the military’s stated intention to move toward elections amid intensifying conflict and human rights violations across the country.
“The Secretary-General stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their desire for an inclusive, peaceful and just society,” the statement noted.
The statement added that he “stresses the need to ensure the protection of all communities, including the Rohingya, who are risking dangerous journeys in increasing numbers in search of safety, basic rights and dignity.”
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