EU Statement – UN Security Council Arria-formula Meeting: Humanitarian situation in Myanmar

 - Final -

Madam Chair,

Let me start by thanking you for convening this meeting and for the UK’s relentless work to keep the situation in Myanmar on the agenda, here in New York. Je souhaiterais aussi remercier la représentante d’OCHA pour son exposé, ainsi que les représentants de la société civile pour leurs témoignages édifiants et saluer leur courage.

As already raised by many today, the humanitarian situation in Myanmar is dire. The number of people in need has dramatically increased since the military coup in 2021, when the military took power from a democratically elected government, blatantly rejecting the will of Myanmar’s people. This set the country on a disastrous track that has killed thousands of people and displaced around 1.5 million people, and putting more than 17 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

This already dire humanitarian situation was further compounded a few days ago, when cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar, affecting particularly the Rakine state, home to thousands of internally displaced Rohingyas.  I want to express here our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

The EU condemns in the strongest terms the continuing grave human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence, the continued persecution of civil society, human rights defenders and journalists, attacks on the civilian population, targeting also children and persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities across the country. We are particularly alarmed at the recent deadly air strikes on civilian targets, including on schools and hospitals, by the Myanmar armed forces. Those responsible for this violence and gross human rights violations, should be held accountable.

The crisis in Myanmar has been created by the military and is made worse by the military. Myanmar is one of the few countries globally where access restrictions are rated as ‘extreme’ due to conflict and bureaucratic impediments imposed by the authorities. Travel restrictions, refusal of visas, and targeting of aid workers has all but blocked humanitarian access and made Myanmar one of the most dangerous countries for aid workers.

In this context, the EU reiterates its calls for immediate cessation of hostilities. The military authorities must fully respect international humanitarian law, and put an end to the indiscriminate use of force. They must ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all displaced persons and people in need, in all parts of the country. They must ensure aid workers can work without threats to their safety. Without these steps being taken, the country is at risk of devastating humanitarian consequences.

Madam Chair,

The situation of the Rohingya refugees remains desperate. As a host to the vast majority of Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh has expended considerable effort to ensure their protection and provide shelter and vital humanitarian assistance, and can count on the EU’s continued assistance in its response to the crisis. However, it is necessary to also identify and implement more sustainable solutions addressing the humanitarian, development, and peace dimensions. The Rohingya people have a right to voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation to their home in Rakhine State, and conditions that are conducive to their return must be established first.

Madam Chair,

The EU reiterates its support for ASEAN’s efforts in finding a peaceful solution to the crisis, based on the 5 points consensus. But the international community can also do more. The continuing sale and transfer of arms to the military enable the atrocities and continued violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The EU therefore reiterates its call for increased international preventive action, including a UN arms embargo.

Madam Chair,

The EU will continue to stand with the people of Myanmar and to provide humanitarian assistance in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. In February, the EU released over 43 million euros to address the humanitarian needs of people in Myanmar, as well as those of Rohingya refugees and their host committees in Bangladesh.

Thank you.