UN Security Council calls for end to violence in Myanmar

The United Nations Security Council has issued a rare statement, agreed by all 15 members, that expresses deep concern about increased violence across Myanmar following a military coup in the country.

“The Members of the Security Council... reiterated their deep concern at developments in Myanmar following the declaration of the state of emergency imposed on 1 February and their call on the military to exercise utmost restraint,” said the statement, which was released on Wednesday and which was drafted by the United Kingdom.

The council also reaffirmed its support for the cessation of violence and a democratic transition in Myanmar.

The statement was issued as reports emerged of clashes between junta troops and fighters from a major militant group in Rakhine State. The Security Council warned that “recent developments pose particular serious challenges for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons.”

There are reports of a build-up of heavy weapons and troops in western Chin State, suggesting an imminent army attack to expel militia groups formed after the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in a coup on Feb. 1.

Myanmar’s junta has made no comment on the situation in Chin while the state has become a forefront of resistance against military rule.

The council members “encouraged the pursuance of dialog and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar,” the statement said.

The council also called for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need and the protection, safety, and security of humanitarian and medical personnel.

UN says over three million in Myanmar need life-saving aid

The UN humanitarian chief calls on Myanmar’s military rulers to provide unimpeded access to the more than three million people in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Myanmar has been in chaos since the junta seized power in a coup on February 1, ousting the then-de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. Since the coup, the junta has been clamping down on opposition protest rallies, workers’ strikes, and anti-junta demonstrations held by pro-democracy activists.

Since then, more than 1,200 protesters have been killed by security forces in a crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

A report released by UN on Nov. 8 said that more than 37,000 people, including women and children, had been newly displaced, and more than 160 homes had been burned, including churches and the offices of a humanitarian organization.

The report, released by UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths, warned that without an end to violence and a peaceful resolution of Myanmar’s crisis, “this number will only rise.”

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