Will UN Security Council efforts to end violence in Myanmar bear fruit?
Over 1,500 people have already lost their lives after the security forces’ crackdown in Myanmar
The violence in Myanmar, which was triggered soon after last year’s coup, has been raging, and it has now entered its second year. Mass protests and crackdown on dissent have been the most prominent features of the unrest that has threatened the very existence of the Asian nation.
With no let-up foreseen in the violence that has been battering Myanmar, the UN Security Council has urged an immediate halt to all forms of violence in the country. The UN body is however hopeful that it would be able to send a special envoy to the Asian country in a bid to be mediator to end the crisis. As a follow up to this thought, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is looking at sending Cambodia’s foreign minister Prak Sokhonn as its representative to Myanmar.
If the Cambodia’s foreign minister’s visit happens, the Security Council will be looking forward to find a solution to the long drawn crisis and violence. The UN body has reportedly expressed hope that Sokhonn’s visit will happen soon and that he will be able to meet with all parties concerned.
Mediator to Myanmar
Mediating towards the charting out of a dialogue between the parties concerned and also looking to ensure humanitarian assistance would be what the Association of Southeast Asian Nations representative would plan on doing.
It has been reported that over 1,500 people have already lost their lives after the security forces’ crackdown. More than 11,000 have been arrested following the coup. Among those jailed are Nobel prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who is Myanmar’s former civilian leader, and also the former president Win Myint.
UN calls for halting violence
Though criticism had raged regarding the neglect shown by various nations of the world with regard to putting an end to violence in Myanmar, the UN Security Council believes that it could possibly see a resolution to the crisis very soon. The Security Council has also called upon the current Myanmar rulers to immediately release the jailed leaders.
The UN body has also urged to ensure “safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need, and for the full protection, safety and security of humanitarian and medical personnel.” The Security Council would look toward putting an immediate end to the crisis in Myanmar. But how will the current administration, in the Asian nation respond is anybody’s guess.
