United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener has placed great emphasis on the unity of UN Security Council to support democracy in the South Eastern country power of which was snatched by the military on Monday.
“More than ever, this Council’s unity is crucial,” she said while addressing the ambassadors of the UNSC members in a closed meeting in New York on Tuesday.
“I strongly condemn the recent steps taken by the military and urge all of you to collectively send a clear signal in support of democracy in Myanmar," she added.
Describing the turn of events as surprising and shocking, Burgener called for the state of emergency to be repealed and for the detained leaders to be released.
Following reports of violence, including against journalists, she also urged the Council to ensure the protection of civilians and human rights.
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The envoy also highlighted other aspects of the crisis, which could hamper efforts to address the situation of the country’s Rohingya community, who mainly live in Rakhine State in western Myanmar.
UN General Assembly president concerned
UN General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir has also called for the immediate release of the detained political leaders in Myanmar, adding that attempts to undermine democracy and rule of law are unacceptable.
“The president said this morning that he is deeply concerned that the military coup in Myanmar could further exacerbate the problems of the most vulnerable, including Rohingya Muslims,” his spokesman Brendan Varma, said on Tuesday.
“He condemned the coup once again and called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Rakhine State and other parts of the country.”
Bozkir is also looking to schedule a briefing by the special envoy on Myanmar for all UN member states, in line with a General Assembly resolution on the human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.
