Speaking in New York on 22 December, Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, set out London’s position ahead of a closed-door Security Council discussion on Myanmar. The UK said elections cannot be credible amid active conflict and reiterated that it will keep Myanmar on the Council’s agenda, with updates expected from ASEAN Special Envoy Othman Hashim and UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop, both named in the UK Government’s statement.
The statement condemned ongoing military airstrikes and targeted attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. It singled out the airstrike on a hospital in Rakhine State earlier this month, which, according to the UK, killed more than 30 civilians, and underlined that such actions must stop immediately. Hospitals and medical personnel are protected under international humanitarian law.
On humanitarian conditions, the UK cited projections that more than 16 million people in Myanmar will require life-saving assistance in 2026. It said the UK has provided over $100 million this fiscal year but stressed that funding can only be effective if access is granted. This mirrors the Council’s previous language on unhindered humanitarian access, including the emphasis contained in Security Council resolution 2669 (2022) and the Council’s 4 April 2025 press statement on the post-earthquake response.
On the proposed election, the UK said any meaningful process requires an end to violence and dialogue among all parties. It added there are no indications the planned polls would be free or fair under current conditions and warned that pressing ahead risks further bloodshed. Security Council Report has previously noted the military leadership’s stated timeline for a multi‑phase vote in late December 2025 or early January 2026, underscoring the relevance of today’s warning for immediate political choices.
The UK reiterated support for ASEAN’s central role, including implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, and welcomed substantive briefings from both Special Envoys. The appointment of Julie Bishop as UN Special Envoy in April 2024 and Othman Hashim’s designation as ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy in January 2025 are intended to strengthen coordination between regional and UN efforts, a point the UK highlighted in its statement.
Process matters were explicit. As penholder on Myanmar at the Council, the UK has used private meetings through 2024–2025 to maintain attention on the file when consensus on formal outcomes has been limited. Security Council Report records that efforts to advance a draft resolution in 2024 stalled, with the Council instead agreeing a press statement in April 2025 following the earthquake. Today’s meeting continues that pattern of sustained engagement despite procedural constraints.
For governments and agencies funding relief, the statement signals continued UK backing for cross-border and cross-line delivery through trusted partners, but also a clear expectation that the military and other actors allow rapid, safe and unimpeded access. The practical effect is that programme plans for 2026 will depend on predictable access arrangements, especially in Rakhine and other contested areas identified by UN briefings.
On accountability and pressure tools, the UK referenced past Council language and its own policy track record. UK Government statements to the Human Rights Council in 2025 pointed to sanctions aimed at restricting the regime’s access to finance, arms, and aviation fuel, alongside support for evidence preservation through UN mechanisms. No new restrictive measures were announced today, but the UK’s commitment to keep Myanmar on the Security Council’s agenda preserves scope for further multilateral and unilateral action.
The immediate next step is diplomatic. Envoy briefings will test whether ASEAN and the UN can secure even limited de-escalation and access improvements in the coming weeks. For election administrators, humanitarian coordinators and neighbouring states, the UK’s message frames near-term priorities: ceasefire talks, civilian protection, and access agreements before any ballot. That sequencing reflects existing UN positions and signals where international recognition will hinge should voting proceed.