UN Envoy Calls for Collective Action to Stop Myanmar Repression

By Margaret Besheer March 05, 2021

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar urged Security Council members Friday to remain united against the Myanmar military's use of deadly force against protesters, who continue to take to the streets in daily opposition to the February 1 coup.

"The repression must stop," Christine Schraner Burgener told the closed-door meeting, according to a copy of her remarks shared with reporters.

"It is critical that this Council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results," she said. Schraner Burgener warned, though, that the hope the people have placed in the United Nations and its members "is waning."

Myanmar has been mired in chaos and violence for more than a month, since the military's overthrow of the civilian government and the detentions of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other high-ranking officials of her National League for Democracy (NLD) Party. Military officials say widespread fraud occurred in last November's election, which the NLD won in a landslide.

Soldiers and police have cracked down on demonstrators using live ammunition and rubber bullets, shooting indiscriminately into the crowds.

The envoy said Friday that in the past seven days, some 50 "innocent and peaceful protesters" have been killed and scores more have been wounded.

She said as of March 2, the U.N. Office of Human Rights is aware of about 1,000 people who are either known to be in detention or unaccounted for after having been arbitrarily detained since the February 1 coup.

"There is an urgency for collective action," she told Security Council members. "How much more can we allow the Myanmar military to get away with?"

As she made her remarks via videoconference to the Security Council in New York, demonstrations took place again Friday across Myanmar against the junta. There are reports of at least one protester having been killed.

Schraner Burgener said the international community must make it clear that perpetrators of serious human rights violations will be held accountable.

"The right to life, the right to liberty and safety, the right to be free from torture and other ill-treatment, and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly must be respected," she said.

The special envoy, who has been in her job for three years and has spent a large part of her time in Myanmar, has been trying to arrange a trip back to the country to meet with military officials, detainees, civil society and protesters. Officials have told her the time is not right.

Schraner Burgener renewed her calls on the Council to not lend legitimacy or recognition to the junta, urging the release of political detainees, and unhindered humanitarian access.

"I will continue my efforts in solidarity with the people of Myanmar," she said. "Their hope will depend on unified support and action from the Security Council."

Next steps

Britain requested Friday's Council meeting. Ambassador Barbara Woodward told reporters afterward that members are discussing what they can do in a unified manner.

"As the situation has deteriorated, I think it is right the council return and consider the next steps, and that is what we were discussing today," she said.

Myanmar's patron, China, explained its position. In a statement released to reporters, Ambassador Zhang Jun expressed support for the U.N. special envoy and regional bloc ASEAN's efforts to resolve the situation.

Beijing has said the matter is an internal one, but at the same time noted it is following developments "closely with great concern."

"We don't want to see instability, even chaos in Myanmar," the Chinese ambassador said. "The military and various political parties are all members of the Myanmar family, and should all take up the historical responsibility of maintaining the country's stability and development."

He added that the parties should resolve problems peacefully and "exercise utmost calm restraint, refrain from intensifying tensions or using violence, and prevent any incident of bloodshed."

On February 4, the 15-nation Security Council issued a unanimous statement expressing its concern and calling for the release of Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and others. Council members also stressed the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence, and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

So far, the calls have had no impact on the ground.