Our Ambassador, Myanmar’s Voice: The Struggle To Be Heard At The UN – OpEd

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Myanmar is enduring a crisis that threatens the lives of millions and destabilizes the region. The military coup of February 2021 abruptly ended the country’s fragile journey toward democracy, plunging it into chaos and violence. Amidst this turmoil, one man stands as a symbol of resistance and a voice for the voiceless—U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations.

A Courageous Stand for Democracy

Appointed before the coup, U Kyaw Moe Tun made a bold and unprecedented decision to reject the military’s seizure of power, publicly pledging his loyalty to the ousted civilian government. His courageous act of defiance at the UN General Assembly not only put his life at risk but also positioned him as a crucial link between Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement and the international community.

The Coup and Its Aftermath

On February 1, 2021, Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw, orchestrated a coup d’état, overthrowing the democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military justified its actions with baseless claims of electoral fraud, despite the NLD’s landslide victory in the November 2020 elections. The coup halted Myanmar’s decade-long experiment with partial democracy, reversing years of political and economic progress.

The aftermath of the coup has been devastating. Nationwide protests erupted, with millions participating in a massive civil disobedience movement. The military responded with brutal force, using live ammunition, tear gas, and arbitrary arrests to suppress dissent. The situation quickly escalated into widespread conflict, with civilians forming defense forces to protect themselves and aligning with ethnic armed groups already opposing the junta.

Myanmar’s Dire Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing conflict has plunged Myanmar into a deep humanitarian crisis. Over 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes and forced to seek refuge in jungles, border areas, or neighboring countries. Healthcare and public services have collapsed in conflict zones, leaving millions without access to basic necessities. More than 15 million people face acute food insecurity, with hunger and malnutrition reaching critical levels.

The military’s crackdown has led to thousands of deaths, including children, and countless arbitrary detentions. Reports of widespread torture, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings are rampant, as documented by the UN and human rights organizations. In their ruthless pursuit of control, the military has launched air strikes against civilian targets, indiscriminately bombing schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Entire towns have been heavily damaged or destroyed—some for mere suspicion of aiding the resistance, others because of being reclaimed by those fighting for freedom. Air strikes are reported at four locations, three resistance-held towns, and one IDP camp in just one night. There is still no progress in limiting aircraft fuel imports to Myanmar.

In the face of this humanitarian disaster, U Kyaw Moe Tun has continued to advocate tirelessly for the people of Myanmar, using his position at the UN to amplify their voices and draw international attention to their plight.

A Lifeline at the United Nations

U Kyaw Moe Tun’s presence at the UN is a lifeline for Myanmar’s people. As the legitimate representative of Myanmar, he ensures that their true aspirations are heard on the world stage. He has been instrumental in calling for international intervention to protect civilians and advocating for humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need.

Despite retaining his position, U Kyaw Moe Tun faces significant procedural and diplomatic challenges. While he can participate in the General Assembly’s proceedings, including high-level meetings, there are restrictions during the High-level Week of the General Debate, which occurs in the third week of September. During this period, U Kyaw Moe Tun cannot attend or deliver speeches in the General Debate, which features policy speeches from state and government heads. However, he can participate in other events and sessions during that time, albeit with suggestions to maintain a low profile.

Additionally, there are procedural nuances concerning Myanmar’s representation at the UN. According to UN rules, the credentials for a country’s UN delegation are typically signed by the head of state, head of government, or foreign minister. However, specific rules can vary depending on the country’s internal protocols. The current names registered with the UN are U Win Myint as President and the State Counsellor as an advisor. Given the difficulties in obtaining these signatures due to the political situation, U Kyaw Moe Tun’s office has been sending provisional credentials with the understanding that formal credentials will be submitted “in due course.”

The Battle for Myanmar’s Voice at the UN

The upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September is particularly critical. The junta will likely intensify its efforts to vacate U Kyaw Moe Tun’s seat, hoping to replace him with a representative who would legitimize their brutal regime and silence Myanmar’s pro-democracy voices. The Credentials Committee’s decision will determine U Kyaw Moe Tun’s status and signal the broader international community’s stance on Myanmar’s crisis.

Should the junta succeed in vacating the seat, it would be a severe blow to Myanmar’s democratic aspirations. The people of Myanmar would lose their most prominent advocate on the world stage, and the military regime would gain a significant victory in its quest for international recognition.

The Implications of His Limited Role

These constraints have several implications:

• Reduced Diplomatic Impact: U Kyaw Moe Tun’s inability to participate in the High-level Week of the General Debate reduces his capacity to directly influence key decision-makers during one of the most critical periods of the UN calendar.
• Symbolic vs. Practical Role: While his presence at the UN is symbolically vital, his limited ability to secure concrete UN actions may reduce his practical effectiveness.
• Reliance on Alternative Channels: These constraints likely force U Kyaw Moe Tun to rely more heavily on informal diplomatic channels and public advocacy.
• Focus on Maintaining Position: The need to navigate procedural hurdles and secure annual reappointment may divert some of his efforts from addressing immediate crises to ensuring his continued UN presence.

A Voice That Must Be Heard

Despite these challenges, U Kyaw Moe Tun’s role remains crucial. The importance of his presence extends beyond Myanmar’s borders. The country’s crisis has significant regional implications, from refugee flows to the proliferation of illicit economies, including drug production and human trafficking, with spillover effects threatening the stability of neighboring countries. U Kyaw Moe Tun focuses international attention on these pressing issues by maintaining a pro-democracy voice at the UN.

Moreover, his continued recognition at the UN denies the military junta the legitimacy it desperately seeks. This diplomatic stance is vital in maintaining pressure on the regime and supporting the Myanmar people’s struggle for democracy and human rights.

A Call to Action

The international community must recognize the pivotal role U Kyaw Moe Tun plays. Supporting his position means supporting the democratic aspirations of millions of Myanmar’s citizens. It means standing against authoritarianism and for human rights and self-determination principles. The UN should take immediate steps to allow U Kyaw Moe Tun full participation in all relevant meetings and discussions, ensuring that Myanmar’s authentic voice is heard at every level.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2669 in December 2022, marking its first resolution on Myanmar in over 70 years. This resolution was a response to the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, which overturned the results of a democratic election and led to a humanitarian, economic, and political crisis in the country. The resolution called for an immediate end to violence, the release of political prisoners, respect for human rights, and the restoration of democratic institutions. It also emphasized the need for safe humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, particularly women, children, and minorities. Despite its adoption, the resolution has not been fully implemented.

As the crisis in Myanmar deepens, the need for a unified international response grows more urgent. U Kyaw Moe Tun’s voice at the UN is vital in shaping this response. He provides invaluable insights into the ground realities and the needs of the Myanmar people, guiding effective humanitarian interventions and diplomatic efforts.

Conclusion

The path to restoring democracy in Myanmar is long and fraught with challenges. But with dedicated advocates like U Kyaw Moe Tun, there is hope. His unwavering commitment to representing the valid will of Myanmar’s people serves as a constant reminder of what is at stake—not just for Myanmar but for the principles of democracy and human rights globally.

As the international community prepares for the upcoming UNGA in September, the decision regarding U Kyaw Moe Tun’s status will be pivotal. Supporting his continued presence and full participation at the UN is not just the right thing to do—it is a strategic necessity. His voice is the voice of Myanmar’s silenced millions, and it must continue to be heard, loud and clear, in the halls of the United Nations and beyond.

References

1. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports on Myanmar’s humanitarian situation.
2. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International reports on human rights abuses in Myanmar post-coup.
3. UN General Assembly resolutions and debates regarding Myanmar’s representation.
4. International Crisis Group (ICG) reports on Myanmar’s conflict and regional implications.