The National Unity Government (NUG) celebrated its second anniversary on 16 April, but it still has to try to gain international recognition as the official government of Myanmar. Despite facing difficulties in obtaining strong legitimacy, the NUG is acknowledged in some international circles as the people's government and is actively engaged in meetings and coordination efforts.
Aung Myo Min, the Minister for Human Rights of the NUG, told Mizzima that the NUG strives to be acknowledged as a legitimate government.
“We are still working towards getting the NUG recognized as a government. I want to be clear in stating that while the NUG has not yet been recognized as a legitimate government, it [NUG] is similar to an elected government and is being led based on the consensus of the people. Although we have to continue to try to be recognized as a government, we are actively engaged in meetings, coordination, and cooperation, much like a functioning government,” said Aung Myo Min. “At this stage, certain countries have officially announced their meetings with the NUG, while others are engaging in a form of silent cooperation known as silent diplomacy.”
NUG President's Office spokesperson Kyaw Zaw said that the Military Council in Myanmar is facing increasing international sanctions and condemnation, with the UN adopting its first-ever resolution on the situation.
“We are witnessing an increase in international sanctions against the Military Council, which is becoming increasingly isolated on the global stage. A few days ago, the United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously condemned the Military Council's human rights violations and demanded necessary action. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the situation in Myanmar, demanding an immediate end to the junta’s violence and immediate releases of all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders. This is the first resolution related to Myanmar in the history of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
He also highlights the NUG's successful diplomatic efforts, including the opening of representative offices in key countries.
“In terms of diplomacy on the international stage, our NUG Foreign Minister is engaging in official discussions with ministers from around the world, with some meetings being publicly announced and others remaining undisclosed. Remarkably, in February [this year], the opening of the representative office of the NUG Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Washington DC, was officially attended by the US Deputy Secretary of State, which is a great success for us from a diplomatic point of view. Also, we could open representative offices in other important countries. It is because of everyone's support, so we are able to open the offices despite the challenges,” said Kyaw Zaw.
Aung Myo Min, the NUG's Minister of Human Rights, stressed that although there is widespread awareness of the human rights violations and war crimes committed by Myanmar's Military Council, the differing political interests and positions of various nations hinder the achievement of effective change, and that awareness must continue to prompt effective actions against the Myanmar junta.
“It is not that the world does not know about Myanmar's human rights violations. They are already aware of the extreme violence and brutality carried out by the Military Council. The world already knows that not only human rights violations are being committed, but the Military Council is also committing war crimes. But on the other hand, knowing that much is not enough. We need to continue raising awareness to prompt action. Due to the international nature of the issue, the varying political positions and interests of different countries can create obstacles to achieving effective change. While some countries prioritize justice, some prefer to remain silent on Myanmar's internal affairs. It is not a matter of them being unaware of the human rights violations taking place. Therefore, we must persist in our efforts to take appropriate actions against the Military Council,” said Aung Myo Min.
He also emphasized the importance of ASEAN's role in addressing Myanmar's issues and the need for continued cooperation with other countries, including the Friends of Myanmar group, to promote human rights and global justice.
“ASEAN said that their efforts regarding the Myanmar issue have not yet been successful. However, the stance and actions of the rotating ASEAN chair country are crucial in implementing policies and promoting cooperation. Indonesia, as the current chairman, has expressed interest in the issue and their discussions are still ongoing to find a way to address the situation in line with ASEAN principles. It's worth considering how to address Myanmar affairs when another country becomes the rotating chairman after Indonesia, who has shown interest in the issue and can provide democratic leadership in ASEAN, and this is something that must always be considered every year. We still are not satisfied with
ASEAN’s performance. More needs to be done. In addition, the Myanmar issue is not just an ASEAN issue, but it is something that threatens human rights, global security, and justice in the world, so it is very important to cooperate with ASEAN and other countries that are interested in Myanmar issues, such as the Friends of Myanmar group of governments, rather than just ASEAN alone,” said Aung Myo Min.
Meanwhile, the international community, including the United Nations, is urging the Myanmar military to stop their war crimes. Western nations are imposing sanctions on the Myanmar military junta.
While the NUG marked its second anniversary on Sunday, it still lacks effective recognition as the official government on the international stage. However, the NUG is recognized as a people's government and it is committed to establishing itself as a legitimate government and bringing positive change to Myanmar.
