UN Security Council implores Myanmar military to immediately end violence News
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UN Security Council implores Myanmar military to immediately end violence

The UN Security Council issued a statement Wednesday urging for the immediate end of violence in Myanmar.

Myanmar is currently under the control of the military junta, which overthrew the democratic government in February in a coup d’état. The Security Council supports the return to democracy and political independence in the country.

The Security Council highlighted that the country is in a humanitarian crisis. It stressed the importance of “facilitat[ing] the equitable, safe and unhindered delivery and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.” The Security Council also implored Myanmar forces to allow humanitarian aid uninhibited access to people in need.

The violence perpetrated by the military junta appears to be escalating of late. Prisoners are subjected to “methodical and systematic” torture. The UN Office of the Human Rights High Commissioner expressed concern over a “spike of atrocities” in October. Serious contraventions of human rights law and international humanitarian law have been documented.

According to the statement, the “recent developments pose particular serious challenges for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons.”

The statement urged “the swift and full implementation” of a five-point consensus set out by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April. The consensus calls for an immediate end to the violence in the country, working towards a peaceful resolution, provision of humanitarian aid, and for the UN Special Envoy to be instrumental in facilitating resolution.

Wednesday’s statement echoes an earlier statement published by the Security Council in February urging for democratic transition in Myanmar.

While the action that the Security Council can take is limited, it will be closely monitoring Myanmar as the military junta retains its grip over the country.

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