Warning of crisis in Myanmar, increasing conflict and criminal activities at its peak: UN envoy

United Nations. The UN special envoy for Myanmar warned that the Southeast Asian nation is facing a crisis. He said that conflict is increasing in Myanmar, criminal activities are at its peak and people are forced to face severe suffering. “Myanmar’s actors must move beyond their mindset in the current situation,” Julie Bishop told the UN General Assembly’s human rights committee on Tuesday. Julie submitted her first report after being appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in April.
The military in Myanmar overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread non-violent protests demanding a return to democratic rule, leading to increased violence and a humanitarian crisis in the country. Over the past year, three armed groups have captured some areas and thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes. According to the United Nations, 3 million people have been displaced in Myanmar and about 18.6 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Julie called for an end to the violence, stressing that even though armed conflict continues in the country, little help can be done to meet people’s needs. Australia’s former foreign minister said she had spoken to the government, including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in Myanmar’s capital Naypyitaw, as well as opposition representatives, indigenous armed organisations, women’s groups, human rights activists and a number of countries.
However, he did not give any details about these meetings. Julie said she has spoken with current, past and future ASEAN chairpersons in Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia. The UN envoy said she has also visited Myanmar’s neighboring countries China and Thailand and will soon visit India and Bangladesh. “She will continue to urge Myanmar’s neighboring countries to take advantage of their influence,” he said. Julie said she would also visit Napita again but did not give any time frame. He did not provide any details about any meeting.

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