Topic: 2025 – Situation in Myanmar
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: MyLinh
Committee: Special Political Committee
Topic: Situation in Myanmar
Country: The Dominion of Canada
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are prioritized in Canada’s foreign policy. We condemn the coup in Myanmar, as Canada’s global values are directly at odds with Myanmar’s military takeover. The situation in Myanmar is among the worst in the world. The military regime has violated human rights through actions such as widespread arrests, airstrikes against civilians, and the persecution of minorities. Citizens are unable to practice religious freedoms as Christianity is deemed unacceptable, and a genocide is being held against the Rohingya Muslims. Myanmar civilians have been in a struggle for democracy since 1962, and we believe that their struggle should finally call for the immediate support of the Ethnic Armed Organizations and restoration of democratic rule. Canada is committed to compensating for the atrocities committed in Myanmar and achieving justice for the victims of the situation.
In case of the junta’s surrender, elections within the country would become fairer and freer. Currently, the country’s electoral process is defined by significant restrictions and disenfranchisement, particularly for ethnic minorities and political opponents of the ruling military junta. To ensure the rights of all people, everyone must be given the opportunity and accessibility to participate in elections, regardless of their ethnic group, religion, sex, or mental or physical disability, among other characteristics. A constitution would be implemented to outline and protect this new government. Additionally, it would guarantee fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, and crucial equality rights. It would ensure that every individual is entitled to equal protection. The adoption of an official multiculturalism policy would encourage the preservation of cultural heritage while insisting on full and equitable participation in Myanmar society, allowing all people to feel as if they belong. These provisions would create a government heavily influenced by Canada’s electoral democracy.
In 2007, Canada began imposing sanctions on Myanmar under the Special Economic Measures Act to respond to the human rights and humanitarian situation in the country (Canada-Myanmar Relations). These sanctions help increase pressure on the military to initiate genuine and inclusive political action to end the crisis and reinforce Canada’s call to all countries to suspend operational support to Myanmar’s military. Canada’s assistance in Myanmar put women and girls at the center of its efforts and took a holistic approach to peace and security efforts. By concentrating on women and girls in conflict-affected areas and strengthening their role in conflict prevention and resolution, Canada’s National Action Plan on women, peace, and security is advanced, and human dignity, well-being, and rights of marginalized communities are improved. Since the coup, we have contributed to coordinated campaigning at the UN and with G7 countries to denounce the Myanmar military’s seizure of power and advocate for the swift restoration of democratic governance. As a democracy, we believe in the condemnation of military regimes, sanctions, and humanitarian support for the people affected in crisis.
Now, more than ever, all eyes should be on Myanmar. Myanmar junta chief, Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, at a summit, agreed to five points: an immediate end to violence in the country, communication between all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, humanitarian assistance by ASEAN, and the special envoy’s visit to Myanmar to meet with all parties, to help end the situation. However, Min Aung Hlaing went on to defy each point, and, rather than halting attacks, ramped up the abuses committed by the military. Security forces have killed over 1,700 people, including 130 children, arrested over 13,000, and displaced more than 550,000 people (Myanmar: ASEAN’s Failed ‘5-Point Consensus’ a Year ON). It is clear that we can not rely on the cooperation of Myanmar’s military regime to achieve our goal to help Myanmar achieve a democratic, peaceful, and inclusive future. As of now, we will continue to impose sanctions on Myanmar, and we believe that the situation also requires all parties to immediately de-escalate violence, ensure unhindered humanitarian access across the country, and prioritize the protection of civilians. To avoid proxy conflicts, Canada will work to continue trends of international diplomacy, alliances, and peacekeeping.
Work Cites:
https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/myanmar/relations.aspx?lang=eng
https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/04/22/myanmar-aseans-failed-5-point-consensus-year#:~:text=At%20a%20summit%20in%20Jakarta,displacing%20more%20than%20550%2C000%20people.
https://www.international.gc.ca/country_news-pays_nouvelles/2025-08-24-myanmar.aspx?lang=eng
