Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Paragraph: 20
If ASEAN’s mediation efforts are to have any chance of succeeding, they must be much...
Conclusion
If ASEAN’s mediation efforts are to have any chance of succeeding, they must be much more assertive, with a focus on holding the leaders of the junta to account. The UK has a responsibility to amplify the importance of human rights and international law in ASEAN deliberations.
Paragraph Reference:
20
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
We welcome the ASEAN Five Point Consensus and the commitment to its “swift and complete implementation” expressed by ASEAN Foreign Ministers at their meeting on 2 August. The appointment of Foreign Minister II, Dato Erywan, as ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar on 3 August is also an important step. We convened the UN Security Council on 17 August and invited the ASEAN Special Envoy to brief members on his next steps. We welcome ASEAN’s commitment to their Charter principles of “democracy, the rule of law and good governance, respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms” in the Chair’s statement of 1 February. We will continue to work closely with ASEAN and the Special Envoy to stress the urgency of addressing the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus is an important foundation, but urgent implementation is now key to ensure that the crisis is not perpetuated. We will continue to advocate for the Special Envoy to be given access to all stakeholders in Myanmar. The UK secured ASEAN Dialogue Partner status on 4 August, after the publication of this report. We welcome our strengthened relationship with the region and will continue to work to support their efforts to resolve the crisis. We are working closely with ASEAN, the UN and the donor community present in Myanmar to address the current humanitarian and COVID-19 crisis in Myanmar.