UN Secretary-General Appoints Julie Bishop as Special Envoy for Myanmar
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Australia’s former top diplomat Julie Bishop as his special envoy for Myanmar. This position has been vacant for 10 months as the conflict in the Southeast Asian country has escalated into its worst violence since the military took over.
Julie Bishop’s Appointment
Bishop will be replacing Noeleen Heyzer, a former UN undersecretary-general for Singapore. Heyzer left after 20 months at the end of her contract in June 2023. In her assessment to the UN General Assembly before departing, Heyzer described the impact of the military takeover as “devastating,” with violence continuing “at an alarming scale.”
Background of the Conflict
The armed conflict in Myanmar began after the army ousted the elected government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, 2021. The military suppressed widespread nonviolent protests seeking a return to democratic rule.
Thousands of young people fled to jungles and mountains in remote border areas due to the military’s suppression. They joined forces with ethnic guerrilla groups, who have been battling the army for autonomy for decades.
Current Situation
Despite its military advantage, the army has struggled to quell the resistance movement. In recent months, the army has faced defeats in various regions, indicating the growing challenges it is encountering.
Khaled Khiari, assistant secretary-general for political affairs, highlighted to the UN Security Council the devastating impact of the conflict on human rights, freedoms, and basic needs of millions of people, with alarming spillover effects in the region.
Julie Bishop’s Background
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric mentioned that Bishop brings extensive political, legal, management, and senior leadership experience to the role. Bishop served as Australia’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2018 and has held various Cabinet positions. She was a member of the Australian Parliament from 1998 to 2019 and currently serves as the chancellor of the Australian National University.