Select Committee · Foreign Affairs Committee

The Myanmar crisis

Status: Closed Opened: 29 Apr 2021 Closed: 23 Sep 2021 27 recommendations 4 conclusions 1 report

This brief inquiry will examine the Government’s response to the ongoing military and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The aim of this inquiry is to provide time-sensitive recommendations that will strengthen the UK Government’s efforts to mediate and limit further violence in Myanmar. Read the call for evidence for more details about the inquiry

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fourth Report - The UK Government's Response to the Myanmar… HC 203 16 Jul 2021 31 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

8 items
2 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Rejected

The UK Government cannot be said to support democracy in Myanmar if it does not...

The UK Government cannot be said to support democracy in Myanmar if it does not recognise the outcome of democratic elections in Myanmar. The National Unity Government comprises the legitimate representatives of the people of Myanmar, whose election has been found valid by third party observers. Rather than an exile … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government rejected treating the NUG as a "government-in-waiting" due to its policy of recognising states, not governments. However, it confirmed active engagement with NUG and CRPH representatives, amplifying their voices internationally and urging partners to engage.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
7 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Rejected

We recommend that the UK draft a United Nations Security Council resolution calling explicitly for...

We recommend that the UK draft a United Nations Security Council resolution calling explicitly for an arms embargo on Myanmar in order to gauge the current level of support and the type of diplomatic engagement that is required to establish an effective arms embargo. The ultimate objective of the UK … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government states it is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo and has implemented one domestically and through G7/UN General Assembly efforts, but currently finds a lack of support for a binding UN Security Council resolution, thus not proceeding with drafting one at this …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
11 Conclusion Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Rejected

If the crisis continues to worsen, and in the absence of meaningful action through other...

If the crisis continues to worsen, and in the absence of meaningful action through other United Nations mechanisms, the Uniting for Peace option may be another viable avenue for action, as the General Assembly has already shown consensus on an arms embargo. Read more

Government response AI summary
The government notes the suggestion to use the 'Uniting for Peace' procedure but states that the UN General Assembly is already addressing the Myanmar crisis, and invoking UfP would not change the existing prerogatives.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
12 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Rejected

We recommend that the Government explore the feasibility of moving for a Uniting for Peace...

We recommend that the Government explore the feasibility of moving for a Uniting for Peace resolution if there is a failure to reach consensus in the Security Council within the next three months.

Government response AI summary
The government rejects exploring a Uniting for Peace resolution, explaining that the UN General Assembly is already actively addressing the Myanmar crisis and invoking UfP would not change its existing prerogatives or powers.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
13 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Rejected

To draw further attention to the challenges faced by different groups, the Government should consider...

To draw further attention to the challenges faced by different groups, the Government should consider raising the issue of Myanmar at the UN treaty bodies. This may include, but not be limited to, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, due to the Tatmadaw’s reported use of rape … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation to raise issues at specific UN treaty bodies (CEDAW, CRC, CAT), stating it's not possible due to a lack of inter-state mechanisms, Myanmar's exclusion of certain mechanisms, or non-ratification of conventions. However, it committed to continue using its UN leadership …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
17 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Rejected

We recommend that the UK seeks to ensure that relevant third country financial institutions and...

We recommend that the UK seeks to ensure that relevant third country financial institutions and regulators support sanctions placed on Tatmadaw-linked businesses and individuals. (Paragraph 29) The UK Government’s Response to the Myanmar Crisis 21 Humanitarian support Read more

Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation to ensure support for sanctions from third-country financial institutions, stating it has no power to enforce sanctions extra-territorially without a UK nexus. However, it noted ongoing engagement with partners to encourage responsible investment and divestment from military-linked businesses.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
24 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Rejected

We recommend that, should other accountability efforts fail, the Government publicly state its support for...

We recommend that, should other accountability efforts fail, the Government publicly state its support for referring those responsible for the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.

Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation to publicly state support for ICC referral, citing insufficient UN Security Council support and the risk that an unsuccessful referral would embolden the Tatmadaw.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
30 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Rejected

We recommend that the Government introduces ‘protected status’ lasting the duration of the violence for...

We recommend that the Government introduces ‘protected status’ lasting the duration of the violence for Myanmar nationals who are currently based in the UK but are unable to renew their visas due to the military’s occupation of the embassy in London. (Paragraph 48) Conclusion Read more

Government response AI summary
The government outlines existing immigration routes and temporary provisions like Exceptional Assurance for Myanmar nationals in the UK, stating individuals can access various visa options or claim asylum, but does not commit to introducing a specific 'protected status'.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Oral evidence sessions

1 session
Date Witnesses
25 May 2021 Dr Sasa · National Unity Government of Myanmar, John Sifton · Human Rights Watch, Mark Farmaner · Burma Campaign UK, Naw K’nyaw Paw · Karen Peace Support Network, Thinzar Shunlei Yi · Action Committee for Democracy Development, Tom Andrews · UN Human Rights Council View ↗

Who gave evidence

6 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Dr Sasa · Minister of International Cooperation National Unity Government of Myanmar 1
John Sifton · Asia Advocacy Director Human Rights Watch 1
Mark Farmaner · Director Burma Campaign UK 1
Naw K’nyaw Paw · General Secretary Karen Peace Support Network 1
Thinzar Shunlei Yi · Advocacy Coordinator Action Committee for Democracy Development 1
Tom Andrews · Special Rapporteur on the situation of human righ… UN Human Rights Council 1