UN Special Envoy Heyzer ‘focuses on will of the people’ in meeting with NUG Foreign Minister

03 June 2023
UN Special Envoy Heyzer ‘focuses on will of the people’ in meeting with NUG Foreign Minister

The Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer yesterday met National Unity Government (NUG) Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung in Geneva, according to a UN press release 3 June. 

In line with her consistent focus on a Myanmar-led process reflective of the will and needs of the people, the UN Special Envoy welcomed the in-person meeting and her regular engagements with NUG leadership since the beginning of her tenure in December 2021, including consultations prior to her visit to Nay Pyi Taw in August 2022. 

The NUG Foreign Minister expressed her deep appreciation for the Special Envoy’s tireless efforts on Myanmar during its most difficult period as well as her “new way of approach” which focused on listening to the people and supporting their solutions. Recognizing the challenging nature of the position, the NUG Foreign Minister highlighted no individual could bring success without collective support of the international community which must start with building a common understanding of ground realities. 

During the meeting, the Special Envoy highlighted her commitment to continue reinforcing the Secretary-General’s call for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. She warned against ongoing attempts by the Myanmar military to undermine democratic institutions and processes, such as the dissolution of opposition parties including the National League for Democracy (NLD), underlining that the military’s proposed elections risk exacerbating the violence in the absence of inclusive political dialogue and conditions that permit citizens to freely exercise their rights. She called on the international community to consult widely and listen directly to the people in conflict-affected areas including women and youth. 

The Special Envoy commended the NUG Foreign Minister’s critical role in helping strengthen solidarity among domestic stakeholders towards greater inclusion inside Myanmar in the wake of the multidimensional crisis and the military’s ongoing brutal campaign against its own citizens. In this regard, she supported the NUG’s vision for a more democratic Federal Union and implementation efforts towards inclusive state-building. 

Referring to her all-stakeholder approach, the Special Envoy briefed on her bridging role underpinned by the principles and values of the United Nations to help strengthen regional unity and international coherence guided by the will and needs of the people of Myanmar, including in the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly. She reiterated all sides must desist from any form of violence to reduce the suffering of the people and as a prerequisite for sustainable peace. 

The Special Envoy appreciated the trust afforded to her by the NUG and other Myanmar stakeholders to support the people’s solution, including as regards the Inclusive Humanitarian Forum (IHF) led by local leaders as a political mechanism to help de-escalate the violence, prevent attacks against civilians and allow operational actors to implement unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery through all available channels, including through local administrative structures and networks. This urgency had been further compounded by the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha. 

In support of the Secretary-General’s leadership and guided by the Security Council, including Resolution 2669 adopted in December, as well as the General Assembly, the Special Envoy expressed hope the United Nations will continue to provide global platforms to support the Myanmar people, which will be vital in complementing ASEAN’s efforts to help resolve the crisis in Myanmar. 

The Special Envoy reiterated the Secretary-General’s solidarity with the people of Myanmar and her continued support for their democratic aspirations for an inclusive, peaceful and just society, as well as the protection of all communities including the Rohingya.