Burma “risks the crisis becoming forgotten,” warns UN envoy

The United Nations“special envoy to Myanmar condemned what she called a “zero-sum mentality” among those involved in the long-running conflict there, saying that only an end to violence would open the door to reconciliation.

Julie Bishop made the remark on Tuesday in her first speech to a U.N. General Assembly committee since being appointed to the position in April.

The Burmese army that took power coup in 2021has faced increased fighting from armed groups across the Southeast Asian country over the past year, especially an alliance of ethnic rebel groups.

“Actors in Myanmar need to move beyond the current zero-sum mentality. There may be little progress in meeting people’s needs while armed conflict continues across the country, Bishop said.

Smoke billows from an explosion during last month's bombing by the Myanmar military in Lashio in northern Shan State. Photo: AFP — Smoke billows from an explosion during last month’s bombing by the Myanmar military in Lashio in northern Shan State. Photo: AFP

“Any path to reconciliation requires an end to violence, accountability and unrestricted access for the UN and its partners,” especially marginalized groups such as majority Muslims Rohingya– she added.

“The conflict in Burma risks becoming a forgotten crisis. The people of Burma, who have suffered so much, deserve better.”