Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Rejected
Paragraph: 10
The UK Government cannot be said to support democracy in Myanmar if it does not...
Recommendation
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 government, the NUG should be treated as a government-in-waiting.
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
10
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government · verbatim extract
Rejected
AND 3. We recommend that the UK Government supports the democratically elected National Unity Government of Myanmar by working with its representatives to identify and push for peaceful outcomes and draw attention to the junta’s illegal actions. (Paragraph 14) As the FAC acknowledges, the UK has a longstanding policy and practice of according recognition to States, not Governments. Nevertheless, we are clear that the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) are important voices for many in Myanmar. Both organisations hold a strong democratic mandate from the November 2020 elections. We have worked to amplify their voice on the international stage, including by reading out their statements at the UN Human Rights Council on 12 February and the UN General Assembly on 26 February. At the UK’s initiative, representatives from the NUG, have briefed the UN Security Council in informal “Arria” meetings on 9 April and 29 July. We are also urging partners, including ASEAN, to engage with the NUG. Officials are engaging regularly with senior figures in the NUG. The Minister for Asia has met with both Dr Sasa and Daw Zin Mar Aung from the NUG, and reiterated the UK’s shared ambition for a democratic, inclusive and peaceful Myanmar.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗