The Myanmar crisis

Foreign Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 29 Apr 2021 Closed: 23 Sep 2021 Parliament page
This brief inquiry will examine the Government’s response to the ongoing military and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The aim of this inquiry is to provide time-sensitive recommendations that will strengthen the UK Government’s efforts to mediate and limit further violence in Myanmar. Read the call for evidence for more details … Read more
15 Recommendations
16 Conclusions
1 Report
1 Oral session
1 Event
Activity timeline 4 events
23 Sep
2021
Report published
16 Jul
2021
Report published
25 May
2021
Oral evidence
25 May
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
Oral evidence sessions 1 session
25 May 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Dr Sasa · National Unity Government of Myanmar John Sifton · Human Rights Watch Mark Farmaner · Burma Campaign UK Naw K’nyaw Paw · Karen Peace Support Network Thinzar Shunlei Yi · Action Committee for Democracy Development Tom Andrews · UN Human Rights Council
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fourth Report - The UK Government's Response to the Myanmar Cris… HC 203 16 Jul 2021 31 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
31 results
1 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
If the UK is to fulfil its unique potential to mediate, it has to demonstrate...
If the UK is to fulfil its unique potential to mediate, it has to demonstrate a willingness to take action beyond statements. A coherent and concerted response is needed by the United Nations if the junta is to feel any … Read more
Government Response
The UK has been at the forefront of a strong, coordinated international response, through our G7 Presidency and our leadership role on Myanmar at the UN Security Council. On 10 … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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2 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
The UK Government cannot be said to support democracy in Myanmar if it does not...
The UK Government cannot be said to support democracy in Myanmar if it does not recognise the outcome of democratic elections in Myanmar. The National Unity Government comprises the legitimate representatives of the people of Myanmar, whose election has been … Read more
Government Response
As the FAC acknowledges, the UK has a longstanding policy and practice of according recognition to States, not Governments. Nevertheless, we are clear that the National Unity Government (NUG) and … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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3 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that the UK Government supports the democratically elected National Unity Government of Myanmar...
We recommend that the UK Government supports the democratically elected National Unity Government of Myanmar by working with its representatives to identify and push for peaceful outcomes and draw attention to the junta’s illegal actions.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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4 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
This support should be contingent on the NUG’s clear and continued commitment to the rights...
This support should be contingent on the NUG’s clear and continued commitment to the rights of different ethnic groups and minorities, and to delivering justice for past crimes. The UK should work to encourage other countries to do the same.
Government Response
The UK Government is clear that we want to see a democratic, peaceful and inclusive future for Myanmar. The Minister for Asia used his meetings with Dr Sasa and Daw … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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5 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
It is essential that the UK Government’s actions do not appear to legitimise the authority...
It is essential that the UK Government’s actions do not appear to legitimise the authority of the junta in any way. Any actions that do will be seized upon by the junta and used as propaganda. Engagement should be strictly … Read more
Government Response
The UK is engaging with the regime bilaterally only where strictly necessary to ensure that we can deliver our political, humanitarian and development objectives in Myanmar. This is in line … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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6 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
Freezing the Tatmadaw’s supply of arms should be the first priority of all those who...
Freezing the Tatmadaw’s supply of arms should be the first priority of all those who wish to see violence in Myanmar come to an end.
Government Response
The UK is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo on Myanmar. We are clear that countries should not sell arms to the Myanmar military. The UK helped secure and … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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7 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that the UK draft a United Nations Security Council resolution calling explicitly for...
We recommend that the UK draft a United Nations Security Council resolution calling explicitly for an arms embargo on Myanmar in order to gauge the current level of support and the type of diplomatic engagement that is required to establish … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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8 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
In the absence of a binding UN resolution on an arms embargo, we recommend that...
In the absence of a binding UN resolution on an arms embargo, we recommend that the UK works bilaterally and with groups such as the G7, the Quad, and the Five Power Defence Arrangements to build broader coalitions that will … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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9 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
If ASEAN’s mediation efforts are to have any chance of succeeding, they must be much...
If ASEAN’s mediation efforts are to have any chance of succeeding, they must be much more assertive, with a focus on holding the leaders of the junta to account. The UK has a responsibility to amplify the importance of human … Read more
Government Response
We welcome the ASEAN Five Point Consensus and the commitment to its “swift and complete implementation” expressed by ASEAN Foreign Ministers at their meeting on 2 August. The appointment of … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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10 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
Using its new status as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, the UK should work with ASEAN...
Using its new status as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, the UK should work with ASEAN to avoid any member states legitimising the junta’s authority, and should make the release of political prisoners and the cessation of all violence a fundamental … Read more
Government Response
We welcome the ASEAN Five Point Consensus and the commitment to its “swift and complete implementation” expressed by ASEAN Foreign Ministers at their meeting on 2 August. The appointment of … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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11 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
If the crisis continues to worsen, and in the absence of meaningful action through other...
If the crisis continues to worsen, and in the absence of meaningful action through other United Nations mechanisms, the Uniting for Peace option may be another viable avenue for action, as the General Assembly has already shown consensus on an … Read more
Government Response
We note the Committee’s suggestion on the possibility of using the “Uniting for Peace” (UfP) procedure, which, if there is sufficient support, allows the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to meet, … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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12 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that the Government explore the feasibility of moving for a Uniting for Peace...
We recommend that the Government explore the feasibility of moving for a Uniting for Peace resolution if there is a failure to reach consensus in the Security Council within the next three months.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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13 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
To draw further attention to the challenges faced by different groups, the Government should consider...
To draw further attention to the challenges faced by different groups, the Government should consider raising the issue of Myanmar at the UN treaty bodies. This may include, but not be limited to, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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14 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We welcome the Government’s willingness to sanction individuals and Tatmadaw- linked companies in critical sectors.
We welcome the Government’s willingness to sanction individuals and Tatmadaw- linked companies in critical sectors. This should be taken further by freezing the military’s revenue sources on all possible fronts. The UK has the economic and technical capabilities to help … Read more
Government Response
The UK has been at the forefront of the international sanctions response. We agree with the Committee’s recommendation that we should pursue sanctions on businesses and organisations on which the … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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15 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
The Government should implement sanctions on Myanmar businesses and organisations in key industries on which...
The Government should implement sanctions on Myanmar businesses and organisations in key industries on which the junta is dependent at a much faster pace, while encouraging countries which are not currently introducing sanctions to do so.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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16 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We heard that banks operating in countries including Singapore and Thailand can be compelled by...
We heard that banks operating in countries including Singapore and Thailand can be compelled by UK regulators to enforce UK sanctions, as they conduct transactions in British pounds. This would cut off a key intermediary for the junta’s revenues, shutting … Read more
Government Response
Each of our sanctions regimes provides that, in accordance with section 21 of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, the prohibitions and requirements imposed by sanctions regulations apply to … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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17 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that the UK seeks to ensure that relevant third country financial institutions and...
We recommend that the UK seeks to ensure that relevant third country financial institutions and regulators support sanctions placed on Tatmadaw-linked businesses and individuals. (Paragraph 29) The UK Government’s Response to the Myanmar Crisis 21 Humanitarian support Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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18 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
The UK should use the UN system to build consensus on the need for humanitarian...
The UK should use the UN system to build consensus on the need for humanitarian assistance within Myanmar, emphasising fundamental requirements such as healthcare and basic provisions.
Government Response
The humanitarian situation in Myanmar is dire. The UN estimates that 220,000 people have been displaced since 1 February. Military blockades are creating severe restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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19 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
This should be done using a mechanism that will compel or encourage other countries to...
This should be done using a mechanism that will compel or encourage other countries to act, such as a resolution or statement at the Security Council or the General Assembly. Doing so will reaffirm certain countries’ commitment to provide humanitarian … Read more
Government Response
The UK will continue to use our leadership role at the UN, and particularly at the UN Security Council to keep a spotlight on the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. We … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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20 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
The Government should use its diplomatic influence to encourage border countries such as Thailand and...
The Government should use its diplomatic influence to encourage border countries such as Thailand and India to accept more refugees from Myanmar, and to meet their commitments of non-refoulement and support them as they do so, through channels including human … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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21 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that the Government explore innovative ways of providing financial support to of civil...
We recommend that the Government explore innovative ways of providing financial support to of civil society organisations.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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22 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
Aid spending should be funnelled to civil society and grassroots organisations who are doing invaluable...
Aid spending should be funnelled to civil society and grassroots organisations who are doing invaluable on-the-ground work to support those suffering under the junta. Organisations providing tailored support to different ethnic groups should also be specifically targeted for assistance. (Paragraph … Read more
Government Response
The UK is committed to supporting civil society to ensure aid gets to those who need it. The process of building democracy in Myanmar cannot just be top down, it … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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23 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
At the heart of this coup is the belief in impunity.
At the heart of this coup is the belief in impunity. The generals leading the junta believe they can act without consequence. It is vital that the international community demonstrates that this is not the case. Not only is it … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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24 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that, should other accountability efforts fail, the Government publicly state its support for...
We recommend that, should other accountability efforts fail, the Government publicly state its support for referring those responsible for the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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25 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that the UK Government announce its intention to intervene in the Application of...
We recommend that the UK Government announce its intention to intervene in the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v. Myanmar) at the International Court of Justice.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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26 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
Assistance should be provided to local media organisations which continue to provide information and hold...
Assistance should be provided to local media organisations which continue to provide information and hold the junta to account at serious personal risk. Ethnic media agencies in particular, which broadcast and provide information in different languages throughout Myanmar, require particular … Read more
Government Response
10 Government Response: The UK Government’s Response to the Myanmar Crisis The FCDO is providing funding to initiatives designed to help journalists and media organisations protect their identity and safety … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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27 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that the Government explore ways to provide core funding and resourcing support to...
We recommend that the Government explore ways to provide core funding and resourcing support to independent ethnic language media organisations.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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28 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
The Government should target funding and resources such as protected communications and data storage equipment...
The Government should target funding and resources such as protected communications and data storage equipment to civil society organisations on the ground in Myanmar, who are collecting evidence of human rights abuses committed by the Tatmadaw, for future due process. … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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29 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
While we commend the Government’s decision to provide support to the recently deposed Myanmar ambassador,...
While we commend the Government’s decision to provide support to the recently deposed Myanmar ambassador, Kyaw Zwar Minn, we recognise that there are other Myanmar nationals in the UK requiring assistance. These people do not have access to the proper … Read more
Government Response
The UK has a world-leading immigration system in terms of the number and flexibility of routes offered. Myanmar nationals who are currently in the UK can access the UK’s strong … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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30 Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
We recommend that the Government introduces ‘protected status’ lasting the duration of the violence for...
We recommend that the Government introduces ‘protected status’ lasting the duration of the violence for Myanmar nationals who are currently based in the UK but are unable to renew their visas due to the military’s occupation of the embassy in … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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31 Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK Government'…
It is the duty of the international community to support the Myanmar people in their...
It is the duty of the international community to support the Myanmar people in their efforts to stop the violence and bring about the democracy for which the country has fought so long. The Government has made positive steps on … Read more
Government Response
The UK Government agrees with the conclusion of the Foreign Affairs Committee report that the response to the Myanmar crisis requires a concerted and coordinated effort by the international community. … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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