75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting on Myanmar
Statement by DPR Andre Lipand
July 29, New York
We would like to thank all the briefers for their interventions today. We have heard clearly how the conflict in Myanmar has further deteriorated in the past weeks and poses a real threat to the regional stability.
Estonia is deeply concerned about the level of violence and unprecedented scale of attacks against civilians in Myanmar, including against children, and women. With almost a thousand people killed, thousands more arbitrarily arrested and nearly 200 000 people displaced, the military coup has had irreversible political, economic and humanitarian consequences. Estonia strongly condemns the coup and all unlawful actions by the military. We call for an end to the killings and violence, the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, and accountability for all those responsible for the crimes committed.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen the already dire situation for the people of Myanmar. The combined effect of COVID and the coup has stretched the already weakened healthcare system to a point of total collapse. Ongoing attacks by the security forces against medical personnel and facilities are unacceptable and only fuel the public health crisis. It is important to coordinate a COVID response that includes a humanitarian ceasefire, and a vaccination program to prevent the unchecked spread of the pandemic. However, these vaccinations cannot be tied to politics. Necessary measures need to be taken that allow hospitals to operate, that support the medical workers, and make vital medical supplies and oxygen available.
In the face of this acute humanitarian situation in Myanmar, we urge the military authorities to stop the blockade and allow humanitarian aid to be delivered to all those in need. We commend the UN and other organisations who have provided immediate assistance in this crisis. It is imperative to ensure that all UN bodies and international mechanisms have access to Myanmar, including the Secretary General’s Special Envoy Ms Christine Schraner Burgener.
Speaking of the humanitarian situation, we also cannot forget that almost 1 million Rohingya people are living in difficult conditions and require a sustainable solution.
Madame Chair,
the Security Council has the legitimacy to protect nations at risk, so we have to strengthen our efforts and respond to the pleas of the people of Myanmar. We reiterate the call on all States to refrain from supplying weapons to the military authority. It is time for constructive dialogue among all parties in order to find a peaceful solution and address the root causes of the conflict.
ASEAN has a key role to play in Myanmar. Estonia supports the ongoing efforts of the Alliance and encourages additional steps to accelerate the process of the Five Point Consensus. Timely action and comprehensive implementation of all commitments is crucial. Furthermore, we look forward to the appointment of an ASEAN envoy as soon as possible.
Madame Chair,
Estonia supports the path chosen by the people of Myanmar towards democracy and rule of law. We reiterate the need to ensure full respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The international community cannot remain idle while Myanmar falls into disarray, but must come to a solution through common efforts.