UK Voices Alarm Over Myanmar Violence Ahead of UN Security Council Meeting
The United Kingdom has voiced strong concern over the continuing violence in Myanmar, warning that the country’s humanitarian and political situation is rapidly deteriorating. Speaking ahead of a closed UN Security Council session, the UK’s acting ambassador to the United Nations, James Kariuki, called on Myanmar’s military to immediately de-escalate and halt attacks on civilians.
Kariuki condemned ongoing airstrikes carried out by the military, including a recent strike on a hospital in Rakhine State that killed more than 30 civilians. He stressed that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must end, describing such actions as unacceptable.
A report by the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar indicates that the military junta has continued air attacks against civilian targets throughout 2025. Kariuki said the humanitarian crisis remains catastrophic, with more than 16 million people expected to need life-saving assistance in 2026. According to UN data, nearly 22 million people—around 40 percent of Myanmar’s population—currently require humanitarian aid.
The UK has provided more than $100 million in humanitarian assistance during the current fiscal year. However, Kariuki emphasized that aid can only be effective if humanitarian organizations are given full and unhindered access to those in need.
Addressing the junta’s plan to hold elections, Kariuki warned that any meaningful vote would require an end to violence and inclusive dialogue among all political stakeholders. He said there are no signs that the planned elections would be viewed as free or fair, cautioning that holding elections under current conditions could trigger further violence and make a long-term political solution more difficult.
In July, Myanmar’s military announced a nominal transfer of power to a civilian-led interim administration ahead of elections scheduled for December and January. Despite this move, the junta leader remains in control as acting president.
The UK reaffirmed its support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its role in seeking a resolution to the crisis. UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop and ASEAN Special Envoy Tan Sri Othman Hashim are expected to brief the Security Council.
Myanmar has remained engulfed in civil conflict since the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Human rights groups report that more than 6,000 people have been killed and nearly three million displaced due to fighting between the military and opposition forces.
Kariuki said the UK stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and will continue to keep the crisis on the UN Security Council’s agenda. End / diplomats world
