Britain Condemns Junta’s Attacks on Civilians and Media Repression
The UK government condemns the Myanmar military junta’s ongoing aerial attacks on civilians, including children, as stated by Andrew Jackson, head of the British Embassy in Yangon, on 22 October. He described the junta’s actions as utterly appalling and a grave violation of children’s rights.
Furthermore, the UK will continue to press the Myanmar military junta to ensure accountability for all human rights abuses and will explore ways to further support the Myanmar people’s aspirations for a peaceful democratic future. [1]
On 2 November, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the UK government issued a statement honouring the courage of Myanmar journalists. It noted that Myanmar is one of the world’s worst jailers of journalists, with over 200 arrested and 7 killed since the 2021 military coup.
At least 51 journalists remain detained, and female reporters face threats both online and offline. The UK condemned all violations of media freedom, vowed to hold perpetrators accountable, and pledged continued support for the safety of journalists in Myanmar and worldwide. [2]
UN Urges ASEAN to Reject Junta’s Sham Elections
UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, stated ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit that ASEAN’s strategy on Myanmar has reached a crossroads. He urged ASEAN leaders to firmly reject the junta’s sham election plans, which would only entrench military rule.
Despite ignoring the Five-Point Consensus since signing it, the junta continues to detain thousands of political prisoners and attack civilians while seeking ASEAN legitimacy for its sham elections, Andrews pointed out. [3]
In the same vein, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a press conference on 27 October, reiterated calls for an immediate end to violence, inclusive dialogue, and a return to civilian rule, warning that the military takeover not only devastates the Myanmar people but also threatens regional security. [4]
ASEAN Continues to Push for Myanmar-Led Peace
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, speaking at the opening of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, said that while ASEAN is working through all channels and partners to reduce violence and ease the humanitarian crisis under the Five-Point Consensus, lasting peace cannot be imposed. He stressed that Myanmar’s peace must be “Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led.” [5]
On 27 October, regional cooperation on the Myanmar conflict was discussed at the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar told regional leaders that ASEAN will continue to favour dialogue over coercion, balance over unilateral action, and cooperation over confrontation. He urged member states to maintain engagement with Myanmar and continue humanitarian assistance. [6]
Meanwhile, incoming ASEAN Chair, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., referred to the unresolved Myanmar crisis as “ASEAN’s unhealed wound” during the 47th ASEAN Summit on 28 October. He emphasised that the Philippines will continue working toward a peaceful, lasting resolution to the prolonged conflict in Myanmar.[7]
French President Demands Unconditional Release of Aung San Suu Kyi and All Political Prisoners
On 1 October, French President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter via France’s Special Representative for Myanmar to Kim Aris (son of Aung San Suu Kyi), demanding the unconditional and immediate release of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and all political prisoners detained since the coup. [8]
Expressing deep concern over reports from her son about her deteriorating health and lack of adequate medical care, Macron highlighted the injustice of her continued unlawful detention.
[1] British Embassy head condemns junta airstrikes, Mizzima, 23 Oct 2025
[2] International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, DVB, 2 Nov 2025
[3] Tom Andrews warns ASEAN to firmly reject junta’s ‘sham elections’, Mizzima, 23 Oct 2025
[4] UN chief calls for end to ‘appalling’ violence in Myanmar, DMG, 28 Oct 2025
[5] ASEAN Summit opens in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, DVB, 26 Oct 2025
[6] Myanmar conflict discussed at ASEAN–East Asia Summit, DVB, 28 Oct 2025
[7] ASEAN Chair Philippines pledges continued efforts on Myanmar, DVB, 30 Oct 2025
[8] French President demands release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Win Myint, and all political prisoners, People’s Spring, 5 Nov 2025