Fourth Report - The UK Government's Response to the Myanmar Crisis
Select Committee
Foreign Affairs Committee
HC 203
16 July 2021
Government response
Third Special Report - Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report: The UK Government’s Response to the Myanmar Crisis · published 23 Sep 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
8 results
2
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 10
The UK Government cannot be said to support democracy in Myanmar if it does not...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected treating the NUG as a "government-in-waiting" due to its policy of recognising states, not governments. However, it confirmed active engagement with NUG and CRPH representatives, amplifying their voices internationally and urging partners to engage.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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7
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 17
We recommend that the UK draft a United Nations Security Council resolution calling explicitly for...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo and has implemented one domestically and through G7/UN General Assembly efforts, but currently finds a lack of support for a binding UN Security Council resolution, thus not proceeding with drafting one at this time.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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11
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 22
If the crisis continues to worsen, and in the absence of meaningful action through other...
Conclusion
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the suggestion to use the 'Uniting for Peace' procedure but states that the UN General Assembly is already addressing the Myanmar crisis, and invoking UfP would not change the existing prerogatives.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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12
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 22
We recommend that the Government explore the feasibility of moving for a Uniting for Peace...
Recommendation
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.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects exploring a Uniting for Peace resolution, explaining that the UN General Assembly is already actively addressing the Myanmar crisis and invoking UfP would not change its existing prerogatives or powers.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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13
Recommendation
Rejected
To draw further attention to the challenges faced by different groups, the Government should consider...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to raise issues at specific UN treaty bodies (CEDAW, CRC, CAT), stating it's not possible due to a lack of inter-state mechanisms, Myanmar's exclusion of certain mechanisms, or non-ratification of conventions. However, it committed to continue using its UN leadership role and the UNSC Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, and to publicly condemn human rights violations.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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17
Recommendation
Rejected
We recommend that the UK seeks to ensure that relevant third country financial institutions and...
Recommendation
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
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to ensure support for sanctions from third-country financial institutions, stating it has no power to enforce sanctions extra-territorially without a UK nexus. However, it noted ongoing engagement with partners to encourage responsible investment and divestment from military-linked businesses.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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24
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 40
We recommend that, should other accountability efforts fail, the Government publicly state its support for...
Recommendation
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.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to publicly state support for ICC referral, citing insufficient UN Security Council support and the risk that an unsuccessful referral would embolden the Tatmadaw.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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30
Recommendation
Rejected
We recommend that the Government introduces ‘protected status’ lasting the duration of the violence for...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government outlines existing immigration routes and temporary provisions like Exceptional Assurance for Myanmar nationals in the UK, stating individuals can access various visa options or claim asylum, but does not commit to introducing a specific 'protected status'.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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