Urgent Call for International Action on Myanmar Crisis

Urgent Call for International Action on Myanmar Crisis

Global Pressure on Myanmar’s Military Regime

The United States Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, has issued a global call to action, stressing the necessity for the international community to maintain and intensify pressure on the military regime in Myanmar. This call to action is with the aim of resolving the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Zeya urged that the international community take a united stand to create conditions that would enable the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya people in the future.

Collective Responsibility to Halt Violence

Zeya emphasized the collective responsibility of the international community in putting an end to the violence and bringing to justice those responsible for genocide and other atrocities committed against the Rohingya population. She reiterated these concerns during a high-level UNGA side event in New York, which was focused on ensuring continued global solidarity with the Rohingya.

Establishing a Peaceful and Inclusive Burma

Furthermore, Zeya highlighted the importance of establishing a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic Burma. She stressed the urgency of this issue, particularly within the context of the ongoing conflict and violence that has disrupted the lives of many in the region. The establishment of a democratic Burma is seen as a fundamental step towards ensuring the safe return of the Rohingya people and the restoration of peace in the region.

Challenges in the ASEAN’s Approach

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, head of Myanmar’s delegation to the United Nations, expressed disappointment at the lack of substantial progress on the implementation of the five-point consensus peace plan agreed upon between Myanmar’s military-led government and other ASEAN countries in 2021. He pointed to the ongoing humanitarian situation in his country as a clear sign that stronger and more unified actions are required from ASEAN member states against the military regime.

Call for Sanctions and Accountability

Kyaw Moe Tun appealed to the Security Council to impose sanctions on the sale of arms and jet fuel to the military regime and to block its sources of funding. He also called for the establishment of an accountability mechanism to provide justice for those who have lost their lives due to the actions of Myanmar’s military. These actions, he suggested, would be instrumental in putting an end to the atrocities committed by the military.

Efforts and Strategies to Restore Democracy

The United States has accused Myanmar’s military generals of stalling for time after the coup leader extended the deadline for new elections. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to increase their efforts to resolve the political turmoil triggered by the power grab. He has also called for increased engagement from ASEAN to uphold the terms of the five-point consensus that Myanmar had also signed up to.

Human Rights and Democracy in Focus

U.S. lawmakers have voiced their resolve to rally international pressure for an end to the suffering of the people of Myanmar at the hands of the military junta. They have reiterated their commitment to human rights and peace for the people of Burma, and called for renewed efforts to stop the flow of weapons from other nations to the junta. The focus on ensuring justice for the displaced and internally displaced people, as well as refugees, has also been highlighted as a priority in the humanitarian aid efforts.

Sanctions and Economic Pressure

U.N. Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews, a former U.S. congressman, called for the United States to intensify sanctions against the military rulers, specifically targeting their primary revenue source—oil and gas sales. These measures, he argued, will significantly increase the economic pressure on the junta, thereby potentially facilitating a more rapid resolution to the crisis.