6 June 2024 – In a strongly worded statement issued today, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed profound concern over the escalating violence in Myanmar. He condemned recent attacks by the Myanmar military, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, including in the conflict-ridden Rakhine State and Sagaing Region.
The Secretary-General highlighted a particularly troubling incident targeting ethnic Rakhine in western Myanmar. This attack, alongside the persistent persecution of the Rohingya community, underscores the urgent need for the protection of all communities within the country. Reports of indiscriminate aerial bombings and widespread human rights violations continue to emerge from various regions in Myanmar, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence,” said the spokesman.
The increasing violence and instability in Myanmar have also raised concerns about the broader regional implications. The Secretary-General emphasized the necessity for a unified international approach to address the deteriorating situation.
António Guterres urged Member States and all relevant stakeholders to support his Special Envoy, Julie Bishop, in her efforts to mitigate the suffering and facilitate a Myanmar-led process towards sustainable peace. He stressed the importance of close cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and neighboring countries to achieve these goals.
The Secretary-General’s statement reflects the growing alarm within the international community over Myanmar’s deepening crisis and highlights the urgent need for collective action to prevent further violence and support efforts towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
