What's happened
Julie Bishop addressed the U.N. General Assembly, highlighting ongoing violence in Myanmar following a devastating earthquake in March that killed over 3,000. Ceasefires have failed, exacerbating humanitarian needs amid a military conflict that began in 2021. Bishop warned against upcoming elections without peace and called for urgent solutions for the Rohingya minority.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- The earthquake's aftermath has compounded existing humanitarian crises in Myanmar.
- Ceasefires have not been respected, leading to ongoing violence and suffering.
Political Landscape
- The military's grip on power remains strong, with over 22,000 political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
- Upcoming elections are viewed with skepticism; without peace, they could worsen instability.
Humanitarian Concerns
- The Rohingya minority continues to face dire conditions, with 80% living in poverty and subjected to violence.
- International attention is crucial for addressing these humanitarian needs and fostering dialogue for peace.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Julie Bishop emphasized that the violence in Myanmar persists despite the earthquake, stating, "A zero-sum approach persists on all sides." The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that ceasefires have largely been ignored, creating a "crisis within a crisis." Both sources highlight the dire situation for the Rohingya, with Bishop mentioning that up to 80% of civilians in Rakhine state live in poverty. The urgency for a high-level conference on the Rohingya, called for by the U.N. General Assembly, is also noted as a potential step towards finding solutions.
How we got here
Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup in February 2021, which ousted the elected government. The coup sparked widespread resistance and armed conflict, leading to significant civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis, further intensified by a powerful earthquake in March 2025.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the upcoming elections?
- How is the international community responding to the crisis?
- What are the conditions like for the Rohingya in Myanmar?
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Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician, diplomat, author, and a 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The first and incumbent State Counsellor of Myanmar, she is also the leader of the National League for Democracy and played a vital role in the state's tran
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Julie Isabel Bishop is a former Australian politician who served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2018 and deputy leader of the Liberal Party from 2007 to 2018. She was the Member of Parliament for Curtin from 1998 to 2019.
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