"Stop the Gunfire of the Military"… UN Myanmar Envoy Urges New Year Ceasefire

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] As allegations of civilian massacres by the Myanmar military continue, the UN Special Envoy for Myanmar has called for a ceasefire ahead of the New Year.

According to the UN website on the 27th (local time), Nolin Heizer, the UN Special Envoy, issued his first official statement since his appointment, saying, "The people of Myanmar have already endured tremendous suffering, but the COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened the socio-economic situation," and added, "We must stop the gunfire and protect those in desperate need of assistance."

Heizer explained that this statement stems from deep concerns over the situation in Myanmar's Kayin State, where dozens of civilians were massacred, as well as violence in other regions.

He emphasized the UN Security Council's resolution that all stakeholders should exercise maximum restraint and seek peaceful solutions for the benefit of the people, while also recalling ASEAN's agreement, which includes the immediate cessation of violence.

He urged, "The obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law to ensure freedom of movement must be fully respected, and humanitarian aid must be provided to those in need, including residents fleeing violence."

Special Envoy Heizer appealed, "To this end, let us observe a ceasefire across Myanmar to welcome the New Year."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Heizer as the Special Envoy for Myanmar in October. Heizer, who officially began his activities earlier this month, has been actively consulting with all stakeholders.

This statement came just one day after reports emerged of an incident in eastern Myanmar's Kayah State, where more than 30 civilians, including children, were brutally killed by being burned alive in an attack by the military.

The international community, including the United States, has raised voices condemning the Myanmar military government, demanding an end to killings of civilians, including anti-military forces.

Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also issued a statement the previous day, condemning "this tragic incident and all attacks on civilians prohibited under international humanitarian law," and called for a fact-finding investigation.

The Myanmar military staged a coup on February 1, rejecting the general election that ended with a landslide victory for the civilian government, and violently suppressed anti-military forces. As a result, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a human rights organization, estimates that more than 1,300 people have lost their lives to date.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.