Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council meeting on 'The Situation in Myanmar'

Thank you, Mr. President

I thank ASG Khiari and Director Doughten for their informative briefing.

Guyana remains gravely concerned about the situation in Myanmar, including the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation.

We note from OCHA’s latest reports that the crisis in Myanmar is now marked by surging displacement, a fragile security environment, and escalating unmet needs with 18.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024. The food insecurity situation is dire with 2.9 million people affected and children and pregnant women most vulnerable to malnutrition.

We are also concerned about the deteriorating situation in Rakhine State, especially following the attacks of 29th February.

We commend the recent announcement by Myanmar and Thailand of a pilot initiative to scale up humanitarian assistance to people living in Kayin State and hope that this positive example of regional cooperation will be further expanded, given the scale of unmet needs across the country.

Compounding the challenges are the restrictions placed on humanitarian access. While we acknowledge Myanmar’s announcement that humanitarian access has been granted to UN agencies and international humanitarian organizations operating in Rakhine, we note that aid agencies continue to face restrictions in accessing conflict areas. As Director Doughten reported, OCHA continues to face heavy access constraints and bureaucratic impediments, with 185 aid workers arrested and detained.

Guyana commends the dedication of humanitarian workers in Myanmar and demands that they be granted rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected areas including Rakhine State. Supply routes connecting Rakhine to other parts of Myanmar must also be re-opened fully to minimize the impact of food shortage and price hikes in the affected areas. We also urge that humanitarian workers be provided with the resources needed and encourage member states to scale up support to the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.

Mr. President,

Guyana shares the view that no solution to the humanitarian crisis can be sustained until and unless there is a nationwide ceasefire, and there is firm action to address the political and economic situation in the country. We have seen reports of continued attacks on civilians and instances of forcible detention and recruitment of youths. Reports from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) suggest that some Rohingya, including very young children, were killed, and injured as a result of bombardment and ongoing airstrikes by the military in the Rakhine State. Some were even kidnapped and forced to join the military ranks.

Guyana strongly condemns any attacks against civilians and the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups, all of which are clear violations of international law including international humanitarian law. We demand an immediate end to these abhorrent and illegal acts.

We further call for the safe and dignified return of the Rohingya refugees and other internally displaced persons and urge all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to respect and fully comply with their obligations under international law.

In closing, Guyana calls for full compliance with resolution 2669 (2022) and for the rapid implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. We also look forward to the appointment of the UN Special Envoy in the coming days.

We will continue to work with fellow Council members in supporting efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement in Myanmar.

I thank you.