On 5 April, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Julie Bishop of Australia as his Special Envoy on Myanmar. She was a member of the Australian Parliament for over 20 years. Ms. Bishop is currently the Chancellor of the Australian National University. Throughout her career, Ms. Bishop has strengthened engagement with regional partners and led international negotiation efforts, including the first ever United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea conciliation. 1
The National Unity Government (NUG) welcomed the appointment of Ms. Julie Bishop as the Special Envoy on Myanmar. The NUG has full confidence that Ms. Bishop’s extensive experience and expertise in diplomatic acumen make her a great fit for this new position, and the NUG expressed its sincere hope that she would discharge her responsibilities with the utmost dedication and commitment and serve the best interests of the people of Myanmar. 2
The UN Human Rights Council agreed to a measure that calls on governments to avoid exporting or selling jet fuel to Myanmar. The Human Rights Council made up of 47 member countries also urged a halt to the illegal transfer of weapons, munitions and other military equipment to Myanmar. 3
The United Nations Security Council’s open-door discussion on Myanmar was held in the United States on 4 April, with a resolution calling for restricting the Myanmar military’s access to jet fuel. The open-door discussion on Myanmar issues was held for the first time since the military council took power in 2021. The 47 members of the Security Council unanimously agreed to ban the export of jet fuel to the Myanmar military in order to stop the military council’s airstrikes targeting Myanmar people. 4
Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations said at the open-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 4 April that China will intervene and negotiate for the immediate stability of Arakan State. With recent escalations drawing international concern, Geng emphasized the conflict as Myanmar’s internal affair, urging the global community to respect Myanmar’s sovereignty and facilitate dialogue among the involved parties.
A Chinese delegation is currently in Myanmar to mediate and communicate, demonstrating China’s proactive approach to resolving the conflict, said Geng Shuang. 5
Thailand is prepared to temporarily accept about 100,000 Myanmar refugees, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara said on 9 April.
His remark comes at a time when there is fierce fighting between the army of the military council and the joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in Myawady of Karen State on the Thai-Myanmar border. 6
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1 UN Secretary-General appoints new special envoy on Myanmar
2 NUG welcomes new special envoy, analysts say that they will have to wait and see whether new special envoy can solve Myanmar issue
3 UN Human Rights Council calls on governments to stop exports of jet fuel to Myanmar
4 KNU and NUCC welcome UN protest against jet fuel importation
5 China said at UN Security Council that it will intervene and negotiate for the stability of Arakan State
6 Thailand is prepared to temporarily accept about 100,000 Myanmar refugees, Thai FM says