New york: The UK remains "deeply concerned" about ongoing violence in Myanmar, the country's acting permanent representative to the UN told reporters ahead of a closed Security Council session on the situation. "The military must de-escalate and cease its violence, including air strikes on civilians. Targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop," Ambassador James Kariuki stated.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kariuki strongly condemned the recent airstrike on a hospital in Rakhine state this month, which resulted in the deaths of more than 30 civilians. A report by the special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar indicates that the military junta continued its airstrikes against civilians in 2025.
Kariuki highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Myanmar, with over 16 million people requiring life-saving assistance in 2026. Although the UK has provided more than $100 million this fiscal year, he emphasized that financial support can only have a real impact if access is granted.
UN data suggests that approximately 21.9 million people, or 40% of Myanmar's population, currently require humanitarian assistance. Kariuki stressed that any "meaningful" election requires an end to violence and dialogue among all parties, warning that "there are no indications" the planned elections will be perceived as "free or fair."
He cautioned that elections under the current circumstances risk provoking further violence and complicating a long-term solution. In July, the military announced a nominal transfer of power to a civilian-led interim administration ahead of planned elections in December and January, though the junta chief remains the acting president.
The UK reiterated its support for ASEAN's central role in seeking a solution to the ongoing crisis. UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop and ASEAN Special Envoy Tan Sri Othman Hashim are expected to brief the council on the matter.
Ethnic clashes have intensified Myanmar's humanitarian crisis, as the country remains engulfed in civil conflict nearly four years after the February 2021 military coup. The coup ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy and plunged the country into more than four years of emergency rule.
Rights monitors report that more than 6,000 people have been killed and nearly 3 million displaced due to fighting between the junta and opposition groups. Kariuki reiterated solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their desire for a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic future, affirming that the UK will keep the Myanmar crisis on the council's agenda.