Topic: 2025 – Situation in Myanmar
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Joseph Cox
Country: South Africa
Delegate: Joseph Cox
School: Williamston High School
Committee: SPECPOL
Topic: Situation in Myanmar
The republic of South Africa views the crisis in Myanmar with profound concern. The illegal overthrowing of a democratically elected leader in a military coup in 2021 and the subsequent civil war has resulted in extreme violations in human rights and the rule of law. South Africa is most concerned with the current humanitarian catastrophe in Myanmar, the negligence in protecting ethnic minorities and the risk of the conflict escalating into a proxy war are extremely concerning and something must be done. It is extremely urgent that the people of Myanmar must live in a state that upholds the tenets of democracy and religious/ethnic minorities can live without threat of mass killings. South Africa urges the international community to come up with a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
South Africa has seen extremely tense and dangerous conflict over ethnic tensions and knows that a peaceful solution is always possible and is always ideal. The transition from the Apartheid era to a more equal era in South African politics showed how peaceful solutions to problems like this must be valued highly. South Africa’s constitutional commitment to human rights and strong democratic values demonstrate that this delegation is dedicated to the end of this crisis in Myanmar. The republic of South Africa supports the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy, demanding an immediate cease fire and the release of all political prisoners.
A peaceful solution to this situation is vital for the well being of the people of Myanmar and for the well being of the current geopolitical climate. The republic of South Africa demands an immediate ceasefire and deescalation of the conflict, it is also necessary that access to humanitarian aid is given to those affected by the ongoing crisis. Following the cessation of hostilities and release of political prisoners a convention should be convened which includes all of the major factions and leaders in the current crisis. This convention should be aimed towards creating a new constitution providing civil liberties and a democratic government to all in Myanmar. It is vital that this new constitution defines and guarantees powers to the ethnic states. Inclusive fair negotiation is the only way for the situation in Myanmar to be solved in an efficient and peaceful manner. The UN must ensure that large foreign powers such as the United States of America or the People’s Republic of China cannot intervene in the negotiations and creation of a new constitution so that the beliefs and rights of the people of Myanmar can be fulfilled without foreign interference.
https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/rohingya-crisis-myanmar
https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2024/09/report-human-rights-situation-myanmar
