UNITED NATIONS THIRD COMMITTEE: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE: SPECIAL ENVOY OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON MYANMAR; HEAD OF THE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIVE MECHANISM FOR MYANMAR; SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN MYANMAR
Statement by Ms. Briony Daley Whitworth, Political Counsellor, Australian Mission to the United Nations, New York
28 October 2025
Thank you Chair.
We thank the Special Envoy, Special Rapporteur and head of IIMM for their updates and their important work on Myanmar.
We are deeply concerned by the escalating conflict, the briefer’s reports of steadily declining conditions, and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
Australia condemns in the strongest terms the military regime’s continued attacks against civilians, including an airstrike on the Buddhist Festival of Light in central Myanmar in October. The regime has killed more than 7,000 civilians since the February 2021 coup. The violence must stop.
We urge the regime to cease violence, release all those unjustly detained, allow safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, and engage in genuine and inclusive political dialogue with all stakeholders. Elections held without these essential steps risk greater division and instability.
Australia wants to see a peaceful transition of power in Myanmar to a civilian democratic government that reflects the will of the people. This is the only path to resolving the crisis.
Australia asks: What more can the international community do to support a peaceful resolution to the crisis and to return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy?