U.N. officials stated on Thursday that Myanmar’s escalating conflict and the worst violence since the military takeover in 2021 are having a devastating impact on human rights, fundamental freedoms, and basic needs of millions of people. They also noted “alarming spillover effects” in the region.
Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled Khiari informed the U.N. Security Council that the civilian toll continues to rise due to indiscriminate bombing by Myanmar’s armed forces and artillery shelling by various parties.
The nationwide armed conflict in Myanmar began after the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests seeking a return to democratic rule.
Thousands of young individuals fled to jungles and mountains in remote border areas following the military’s crackdown and joined forces with ethnic guerrilla groups in pursuit of autonomy.
Despite the military’s advantage in armaments and manpower, they have been unable to suppress the resistance movement. The army has suffered defeats in northern Shan State and Rakhine State, conceding territory and facing increasing attacks.
Myanmar’s main pro-democracy resistance group reported launching drone attacks on Naypyidaw, which the ruling military claimed to have thwarted. The incident, occurring in a heavily guarded location, indicates a shift in the military’s control.
Khiari mentioned the fighting between the Arakan Army and the military in Rakhine State, which he described as reaching an unprecedented level of violence.
He urged support for the Rohingya minority population caught in the conflict, facing significant restrictions on their freedom and vulnerability to abuse.
The escalating crisis has left millions without enough food, resulting in malnutrition among children and pregnant women, according to senior U.N. humanitarian official Lisa Doughten.
Doughten also highlighted the strain on the health system and appealed for urgent funding to address the escalating humanitarian needs in Myanmar.
The U.N. officials emphasized the need for a unified international response to the conflict and called on neighboring countries to use their influence to open humanitarian channels, end violence, and seek a political solution.
The U.N. Secretary-General plans to appoint a new special envoy for Myanmar to engage with relevant parties towards these goals, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Russia’s U.N. Ambassador objected to the meeting, stating that Myanmar does not pose a threat to international peace and security and accusing Western nations of destabilization efforts in the region.
Despite challenges, the international community remains committed to addressing the crisis in Myanmar and ensuring assistance reaches those in need.