UNITED NATIONS – In its first-ever resolution on the situation in the unrest-ridden Southeast Asian nation, the UN Security Council on Wednesday demanded that the junta in Myanmar release Aung San Suu Kyi.
Since February 2021, when military rule began in Myanmar, the 15-member Council has been divided on the issue and has hitherto been limited to agreeing only on ceremonial pronouncements about it.
Since the army forcefully suppressed dissent and overthrew Suu Kyi’s government over two years ago, the 77-year-old has been imprisoned.
Suu Kyi and former president Win Myint are among the detainees who have to be “immediately released,” according to Wednesday’s resolution, which “urges” the junta to do so.
Additionally, it calls for “all parties to respect human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law” and urges “an immediate end to all forms of violence.”
In a year in which divides have been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the adoption represented a moment of mostly unanimity inside the UN Security Council.
Before the vote, the spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Any chance for the Security Council to speak with one strong, united voice on any issue and especially on Myanmar would be much appreciated.”
With 12 votes, the text was approved. China and Russia, who are permanent members and might have used their vetoes to block the resolution, chose to abstain. India did not vote.
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