UN Security Council issues statement of concern

February 5, 2021

HURFOM: On February 4rth, the United Nations Security Council issued a statement regarding recent events in Myanmar.

Security Council President, Barbara Woodward from the United Kingdom said,

“The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at the declaration of the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar by the military on 1 February and the arbitrary detention of members of the Government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and others. They called for the immediate release of all those detained.”

The 15-member UN Security Council met on Tuesday, February 2, to vote on a joint statement after Myanmar military chief Min Aung Hlaing on Monday seized control of the country.

Originally the Security Council statement sought to “condemn the military coup” and call on the military to “immediately release those unlawfully detained.” However, China and Russia who are both permanent members of the Council and who hold the power to veto or delay the body’s activities, were not in agreement with this language.

The Chinese and Russian UN Security Council representatives asked for more time, saying they could not endorse that specific wording without first obtaining approval from Beijing and Moscow.

A joint statement coming from all members of the UN Security Council is the first step to enforcing sanctions. Nations can enforce sanctions on Myanmar themselves, but for the UN to issue one takes a resolution, which looks unlikely given China and Russia’s reticence.

The February 4rth Security Council statement notably omits any reference to a military coup or to unlawful detentions. Instead, the statement refers to arbitrary detention. Presumably, the choice of wording was intended to placate China and Russia.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute has shown that most of Myanmar’s military imports come from China, Russia, India, Israel and Ukraine.

The February 4rth Security Council statement emphasized the need for the continued support of the democratic transition in Myanmar. The Councils’ message also called for the avoidance of violence and for parties to fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and to pursue dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.

Members of the Security Council also expressed concern at the restrictions on civil society, journalists and media workers. They called for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need, including through the re‑establishment of United Nations relief flights.

The members of the Security Council reiterated the need to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State and to create conditions necessary for the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return of displaced persons.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News