Delivered by Ambassador Mona Juul
In my capacity as the President of the Security Council I wish to inform you that the Council, today at the request of the UK will today convene a private meeting on the situation in Myanmar.
The members will hear briefings from the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair for Myanmar, Mr. PRAK Sokhonn, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Noeleen Heyzer, and the UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ramesh Rajasingham.
I will now make a few remarks in my national capacity:
Next week marks one year since the military coup that led to a wave of violence, deaths, and immense suffering for thousands of people. We are witnessing an appalling tragedy unfolding.
Norway is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. The increased fighting across the country has led to devastating political, economic, human rights and humanitarian consequences. And a country at risk of total collapse.
Norway strongly condemns all attacks directed against civilians – and especially children.
We call for an immediate cessation of violence, for release of all political detainees, including Aung San Suy Kyi and President Win Myint.
Right now more than 14 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. We call on all to ensure rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need- including civilians in detention.
Let me be clear: It is the Commander in Chief and his leaders that bear the main responsibility for the devastating situation that the country is in. We urge them to immediately implement the ASEAN five-point consensus plan, which they have agreed to.
Norway fully supports the role of ASEAN. And we hope to see significant progress of ASEAN’s five-point consensus. We strongly encourage its Special Envoy to speak to all stakeholders in the country, including civil society organizations.
Norway commends the inspiring work of civil society organizations- particularly women’s rights organizations- and human rights defenders.
They continue to bring aid and assistance to their communities, and to speak out, despite immense danger to themselves from targeted attacks.
Finally, let me also express Norway’s support to the UN’s new Special Envoy to Myanmar, Noeleen Heyzer. She has a crucial role to play in mobilising international collaboration and support for an inclusive Myanmar-led peace process.