Regional Leaders Urge End to Violence, Humanitarian Access, and Myanmar-Led Peace Process
By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reaffirmed its collective resolve to support peace in Myanmar, issuing a strong joint statement urging an immediate halt to violence, an expanded nationwide ceasefire, and the resumption of inclusive national dialogue.
In a joint ASEAN Leaders’ Statement, released on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, member states expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar, which has been compounded by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
In a joint ASEAN Leaders’ Statement, released on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, member states expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar, which has been compounded by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
“We urged all parties to immediately cease acts of violence against civilians and public facilities… and take concrete action to halt indiscriminate violence,” the statement read.
A Call for Humanitarian Access and Political Dialogue
While ASEAN has long struggled to influence the complex conflict within Myanmar, the leaders reaffirmed that the Five-Point Consensus remains the central framework for a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led resolution, aimed at restoring peace, stability, and democracy.
The statement welcomed the declaration of three consecutive temporary ceasefires by Myanmar’s military authority, along with unilateral ceasefires by other parties, and called for these efforts to be expanded and sustained nationwide.
“We further called for the sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire… as an initial step towards the cessation of violence,” ASEAN leaders said, linking the ceasefire to the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and the creation of an environment conducive to national dialogue.
They also urged all parties in Myanmar to facilitate ASEAN’s humanitarian response, ensuring aid is delivered safely, timely, effectively, and transparently, without discrimination — including through cross-border channels where necessary.
Building Trust, Backing Dialogue
ASEAN leaders emphasized that trust-building and engagement with all relevant stakeholders — including ethnic groups, civil society, and political opposition — are essential to launch a credible and inclusive national dialogue.
“We encouraged all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar to build trust… with the aim of achieving a durable peaceful resolution to the crisis,” the statement said.
The bloc also reaffirmed its support for the work of the ASEAN Chair and Special Envoy, tasked with facilitating dialogue, implementing the Five-Point Consensus, and working closely with both internal and external stakeholders.
Cooperation with the UN and External Partners
Acknowledging the complexity of the crisis and its regional consequences, ASEAN leaders welcomed the continued support from the international community, particularly the United Nations, in backing ASEAN’s mediation role.
“The UN’s support remains critical in helping the people of Myanmar achieve a peaceful and durable solution,” the statement noted.
The leaders also committed to enhanced cooperation among ASEAN member states and Myanmar’s neighbouring countries, as well as the bloc’s external partners, to address broader impacts such as transnational crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online scams linked to instability in Myanmar.
Upholding ASEAN Centrality Amid Crisis
This latest statement comes amid growing pressure for ASEAN to show progress in addressing Myanmar’s internal conflict, which has posed challenges to the bloc’s unity and credibility. While ASEAN continues to adhere to its principle of non-interference, member states have taken increasingly proactive steps through quiet diplomacy and humanitarian coordination.
ASEAN leaders concluded by reiterating their collective commitment to “restoring peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political solution,” for the well-being of its people and the broader region.
- TNS News
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