The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a closed-door meeting on Myanmar yesterday, addressing the escalating airstrikes and attacks carried out by the military against civilians. British Ambassador Barbara Woodward strongly condemned these acts, describing them as unacceptable and a clear violation of international law.
The meeting, held on November 20, 2024, included the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Myanmar, the ASEAN Special Envoy for Myanmar, and Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun. Delegates from UNSC member states also attended the session, discussing the worsening humanitarian and security crisis in Myanmar.
During a press briefing before the meeting, Ambassador Woodward highlighted that the Myanmar military has executed the highest number of airstrikes in the past three months since the coup. She pointed out the military’s use of heavy explosives, landmines, and artillery against civilians, actions that the UK firmly condemns. She also called for the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid and the full implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus.
Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun urged the international community to unite against the junta, citing the ongoing commission of international crimes by the military. He called for an immediate halt to the supply of weapons, dual-use goods, aviation fuel, and financial support to the junta, emphasizing the role of some countries in indirectly enabling such atrocities.
The ambassador also reiterated the rejection of the junta’s sham election by the Myanmar people and urged the international community to resolutely oppose it. He stressed that any election orchestrated by the military would lack legitimacy, fairness, and inclusivity.
Ambassador Woodward called on UNSC member states to act decisively and create hope for the people of Myanmar. She stated that a united response could effectively stop the junta’s atrocities. Additionally, she expressed concerns about the well-being of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, noting that her current status and health remain unknown.
Addressing political dialogues, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun reaffirmed the National League for Democracy’s openness to discussions but underscored the necessity of ensuring that past mistakes, such as those in 2010 and 2015, are not repeated. He emphasized the need for the military to fully withdraw from politics, marking it as a prerequisite for lasting peace and democracy in Myanmar.
