United Nations Security Council

STATEMENT BY MR MARK SEAH, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL ARRIA-FORMULA MEETING ON MYANMAR, 19 MAY 2023

19 May 2023

Mr President,

1 I wish to thank the United Kingdom for convening this timely meeting on the situation in Myanmar.

2 Singapore is deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha. We are also deeply dismayed by the lack of progress in the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus since its adoption more than two years ago.  We strongly condemn the airstrikes against civilians carried out by the Myanmar military in the Sagaing region in April 2023.  At the 42^nd ASEAN Summit last week, Singapore also joined other ASEAN Leaders in condemning the attack on the ASEAN humanitarian convoy in Myanmar’s Shan State on 7 May 2023.

3 Singapore therefore reiterates our calls for the cessation of violence, and for the Myanmar military authorities to swiftly and fully implement the Five-Point Consensus.  This would be critical to create a conducive environment for the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance, as well as to foster inclusive political dialogue among all stakeholders. Singapore remains committed to working with Indonesia as the ASEAN Chair and the rest of ASEAN to hold firm to the Five-Point Consensus. 

4 At the same time, ASEAN’s external partners, including the UN, have important roles to play in working with ASEAN and others in resolving the crisis, addressing the urgent humanitarian situation, and facilitating national reconciliation in Myanmar.  We fully support the UNSG Special Envoy’s efforts to foster dialogue and reconciliation, provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, and address the plight of displaced persons from Rakhine State.  We welcome continued coordination between the Special Envoys of ASEAN and the UNSG in this regard.

5 We also welcome the UN Security Council (UNSC)’s adoption of Resolution 2669 (2022) on the situation in Myanmar in December 2022, which calls for an immediate end to violence, constructive dialogue and reconciliation, and scaled up humanitarian assistance to all people in need in Myanmar. The resolution also underscores the UNSC’s support for the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and ASEAN’s role in helping to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. Ultimately, all parties need to engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue to work towards a peaceful solution and national reconciliation in Myanmar.

6 Thank you for your attention.

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