Topic: 2025 – Situation in Myanmar
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Aanya Dogra
SPECPOL
The Situation in Myanmar
Switzerland
Aanya Dogra, Forest Hills Northern HS
The situation in Myanmar is a fastly deteriorating humanitarian issue, rooted in decades of military dominance that began in 1962. Although limited political reforms occurred in the 2010s, the military had significant control over parts of the government. The 2015 and 2020 elections introduced a sweeping democratic victory for the National League for Democracy (NLD), then leading to a military coup on February 1, 2021. Since then, Myanmar has faced a violent civil war with ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces, and severe human rights violations carried out by the junta as it struggles to maintain control.
Switzerland has consistently supported democracy and comprehensive dialogue and has maintained contact with Myanmar even before the 2021 events. Switzerland has stationed a human security adviser in Myanmar since 2012 to support peacebuilding, conflict management, and human rights initiatives. Denouncing the intensifying armed conflicts following the military takeover, Switzerland has urged all parties involved to engage in dialogue to reach a political resolution. After the 2021 conflict, Switzerland has remained in contact with all parties, encouraging collaboration and a return to democratic governance. In line with a commitment to peace and human security, the Swiss approach emphasizes protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access by promoting political solutions that reduce violence.
Switzerland has condemned the surge of armed conflict and emphasized adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. Switzerland supports the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), which collects evidence of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity to enable accountability through the International Criminal Court or other international tribunals. Additionally, Switzerland strongly advocates for unrestricted humanitarian access, protection of civilians and medical personnel, and the prevention of child recruitment by armed groups. Specifically, the Swiss Cooperation Programme in Myanmar 2019–23 prioritizes achieving peace, skills and market development, and health. In UN forums, Switzerland has called for active Security Council engagement, close coordination with ASEAN, and the implementation of mechanisms like the Five-Point Consensus to foster peace, dialogue, and humanitarian relief.
Switzerland promotes restoring democratic governance, protecting human rights, and mitigating civilian suffering. It proposes supporting international accountability to hold military leaders responsible. Switzerland also strongly recommends coordinated humanitarian efforts, ensuring safe passage for aid and medical services. Switzerland calls for action and looks forward to tackling this issue with other nations, emphasizing collaboration and safety.
