Unsc Hmun India

United Nations Security Council
Harvard Model United Nations India, 2023

The Thirteenth Session
Harvard Model United Nations India 2023 The Specialized Agencies United Nations
Harvard Model Security CouncilIndia 2023
United Nations
A LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL FROM YOUR UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL

Dear Delegates,
Dear Delegates,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the thirteenth session of Harvard Model United Nations India, to be held at
the Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park from August 12th to 15th, 2023. My name is Abigail Mack and I am humbled to serve as the Under-Secretary-General of Committees for HMUN
India 2023. After directing at HMUN India 2022 (UNHCR - The Plight of Urban Refugees) I truly fell in love with
Every year, HMUN India sees hundreds of delegates from across India and around the world come together the conference. The energy and dedication that delegates bring to HMUN India every year is unparalleled. While
to debate and develop solutions for some of the most pressing issues on the planet. I am ecstatic to watch the our job as your Secretariat and Director team is to make this an educational and exciting experience for you, please
debate unfold again, this year. I am also honored to welcome you, for the first time in conference history, to the know that you are providing the exact same experience for us. My favorite part of hosting international conferences
host city of Bengaluru. is meeting incredible delegates like yourselves.
Whether this will be your first HMUN India or your last, thank you for contributing to what will be an I joined Model UN quite late – I did not start competing and staffing until I was in college, so you’re all already
unforgettable weekend. HMUN India was founded on the simple belief that Model United Nations can bring ahead of me in your MUN careers! I’m so thankful that I joined Model UN because it has become a home for me
together ambitious and talented students from all walks of life. By participating in HMUN India, you are at Harvard. Model UN brings together students that are passionate about the world, and who are creative enough
joining a truly diverse global family. More than that, we hope that through our conference you discover your to try to solve them. Just by participating in this conference you have already earned my respect and admiration.
power to build, grow, and create communities in whatever corner of the world you call home. The skills you Model UN can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding.
will gain include the art of diplomacy and its critical components of research, public speaking, debate, and
negotiation. These are skills that the world needs now more than ever, and we hope that you will put them into I want to take some time to address what I hope for you to derive from this experience this summer. While Model
action even after our Closing Ceremonies. UN does have some competitive aspects, it is not the time to just "be the loudest voice" in the room. In MUN, you
have the opportunity to try your hand at solving some of the world's most pressing problems. This can only be
At the heart of HMUN India are our committees. To help you prepare, our directors worked tirelessly to accomplished through sincere collaboration. Listening can be just as effective as speaking. You will find success in
prepare the guide that you will find over the following pages. This background guide will provide you with committee, and even in life, if you can perfect the skill of cooperation. Rather than pushing only your own ideas
information about the history, context, events, implications, problems, and solutions that you will be asked forward, listen to everyone's ideas and be the glue that holds your solution together. I predict that you'll make more
to tackle at HMUN India. Beyond just the guide, each Director will be accessible via their committee emails friends and have a more enjoyable conference experience if you embrace the collaborative aspect of Model United
and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We also encourage you to do research of your own, Nations.
learning more about your country’s position or individual policies. In particular, we urge you to be strategic
about your research. When it comes to international problem-solving, memorizing statistics on the magnitude I wish you all the best of luck in your preparation and during the conference. Your background guides are a
of an issue may be less productive than diving into case studies and evidence-based solutions. fantastic starting point to familiarize yourself with your committee, but feel free to look outside of the box for more
solutions, and more detailed information about your country. I cannot wait to see you all
I am so excited for you to join us in Bengaluru. I look forward to seeing your research come to life through
Abigail Mack
Sincerely,
committee debate, working papers, and draft resolutions or directives. Best of luck with your preparation
efforts, and please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. I cannot wait to see all of you in
August.
Sincerely, Abigail Mack
Arpit Bhate
Under-Secretary-General of Committees
Harvard Model United Nations India 2023
[email protected]
Arpit B. Bhate
Secretary General
[email protected]
2 3
Harvard Model United Nations India 2023 The Specialized Agencies United Nations
Harvard Model Security CouncilIndia 2023
United Nations
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

Topic: Conflict in Myanmar Topic: Conflict in Myanmar
Dear Delegates, Dear Delegates,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Security Council at Harvard National Model United Nations India 2023. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the United Nations Security Council! My name is Georgia Steigerwald, and
My name is Sahil Kuchlous, and I look forward to serving as your director. I will be serving as your Crisis Director. I am currently a junior at Harvard College concentrating in Psychology
with a secondary in Economics. I am from just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My involvement in Model UN
I am a sophomore at Harvard College concentrating in Computer Science with a secondary in Mathematics. I began in high school and continued to grow when I joined Harvard’s Intercollegiate Model UN team. Since then,
grew up in Bangalore, and began my MUN journey as a freshman in high school. My school had an amazing I’ve loved competing on the college circuit and finding an incredible community to spend my time with. In the
and passionate culture of MUN, and my seniors inspired me to try it out myself; I have not looked back since. In past, I have served as the Under-Secretary General for Committees at HMUN India, am a Crisis Director for our
high school, I participated actively in the MUN team and helped organize our own MUN, serving 3 years on the high school MUN conference, HMUN, and am the “Momager” for Harvard’s competitive Model UN team. I am
secretariat. I have now chaired multiple conferences at Harvard as well, including directing UNSC at HNMUN also on the board of Harvard Model Congress Asia and serve as a senior staffer for Model Congress conferences
2023, our collegiate conference, and DISEC at HMUN India 2022. I also compete on the Harvard MUN team! in Europe, Dubai, and Boston. When I’m not doing MUN/Model Congress I am a research assistant in Harvard’s
Moral Psychology Research Lab, Senior Content Editor for the Harvard College Economics Review, write for The
Our agenda this year will address the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar. Although the early 21st century seemed Crimson’s Blog, and participate in a number of programs at the Institute of Politics. In my free time you can find
to mark a shift towards democracy in Myanmar, the 2020 elections resulted in a military coup. The Tatmadaw, me loading up on caffeine, playing with cats, and catching up on sleep.
Myanmar’s military, detained members of the ruling party and installed their own government, sparking widespread
protests across the country. It is up to the UNSC to come up with a suitable response to the growing crisis in As far as my expectations for committee go, I prefer to run a very delegate-driven backroom incorporating as many
Myanmar. theatrical crisis breaks as possible. I encourage you to base your arcs on factual events, but feel free to get creative
(just keep everything within the realm of possibility). I appreciate notes that are clear, lay out a clear goal, and have
I look forward to seeing the creative and impactful solutions that the members of this committee negotiate and a set of steps to accomplish that goal.
enact.
Above all, please don’t stress out! All of us have had times when we give speeches that don’t go as well as we hope,
sessions when our arcs don’t break, or conferences where we don’t accomplish what we want to. But it’s through
Sincierly, these experiences that we grow and become better delegates. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for feedback or help,
both before and during the committee.
Sahil Kuchlous
Welcome to HMUN India 2023!
Sahil Kuchlous Sincierly,

Director of United Nations Security Council
Georgia Steigerwald
[email protected]
Georgia Steigerwald
Crisis Director of United Nations Security Council
[email protected]
4 5
The Specialized Agencies United Nations Security Council
Also remember that while your country may not have lar clauses are not required and clauses which lead to no dis- ganizing team will ensure that committee is smooth, cohesive
the same capabilities as others, you will NOT be at a disad- cernible action will not be looked upon favorably. Please write and entertaining. There will be constant and frequent commu-
vantage. Your resources may be limited but your creativity is your directives with thought and place an emphasis on taking nication between the front and back rooms, so that the choices
not. The crisis staff will consider your country’s capabilities and action that makes committee move forward. I do not wish to you make, both in public and private, are reflected in the flow
Committee Expectations will be open to accepting more creative ideas. Even if you do spend much time discussing directives since having debate on of the committee. The committee will be very fast-paced, with
Before we get into the substance of this background happen to be a big country with a large array of resources at the topics and crises is, in my opinion, much more productive. quick note responses and constant crisis updates. Crisis breaks
guide, I want to describe my vision for this committee and your disposal, keep your ideas fresh and your crisis notes inter- So, restrict the number of directives you write and try to merge will be dramatic, supplemented by our diverse array of props
how I expect the committee to function. I will be happy to take esting (and funny!). The team is far more likely to incorporate directives if they are similar. We will be suspending crisis notes and our crisis team’s chaotic imagination. This committee will
feedback and advice from delegates throughout the conference, arcs that are fresh and entertaining to present. Of course, this early on Saturday’s first session, and the committee will focus not give you time to catch your breath; it is up to you to keep
and most of these points are not non-negotiable. That being comes with its own caveats; please be mindful of the nature of on the production of a resolution document for the remain- up.
said, the word of your secretariat is, of course, final. the topics and avoid being insensitive, regardless of your coun- der of committee time. Crisis elements and breaks may still As a final note, during debate regarding the history
I generally do not interfere with the flow of the com- try’s position, since these are real issues affecting real people be undertaken by staff during such a period when notes have and politics of Myanmar, it is inevitable that the topic of geno-
mittee, but will sometimes make suggestions to steer the di- today. elapsed, but the purpose of these sessions is to work on and cide will come up, particularly with regard to the treatment of
rection of debate. For instance, if I feel like the committee is Remember that this committee is a double delegation eventually pass a resolution that, if possible, would take legal the Rohingya people. This is a sensitive issue, so please ensure
getting off track or ignoring an important aspect of the issue, I committee and we will be observing how well you work with force under the UNSC’s mandate. that you treat it with the delicacy it deserves. The executive
may point this out. The goal of the crisis breaks will also be to your co-delegate. There is no need to limit you or your co-del- Please be constructive in crisis. Yes, you should use it board will maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech or
correct for such large deviations, although where you choose to egate to particular roles to be effective. However, delegations to your country’s advantage, but remember that your advan- mockery, and we reserve the right to take whatever action we
take the committee is largely up to all of you. that choose to have individual delegates specialize in either the tage need not always be at the cost of someone else. Write de- deem necessary if this occurs.
I would like to see a large amount of substantive de- front-room or crisis elements of committee will not be penal- tailed crisis notes, telling us exactly why, when, and how you We will be following standard rules of procedure ac-
bate on the topics and the crises. I expect delegates to be well ized for doing so as long as the delegation is seen as working want things to happen. And please be mindful of your crisis cording to the HMUN India handbook. If you have any ques-
researched on the intricacies of the topics and on country posi- and cooperating in one common partnership. Just make sure arcs. Inciting religious, ethnic, or any other forms of violence tions about how committee will work or if you have any sug-
tions, and I expect that substantive preparation to be reflected that you and your co-delegates are sharing the workload and is not the only route a crisis arc can take. For crisis, we will gestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
in crisis notes and speeches. That means going beyond the in- communicating with each other to be cohesive in your policy. be using a double notepad system. A double notepad system
formation contained in this background guide, doing indepen- I want to especially stress the importance of diplomacy. You is one in which you may submit only one notepad at a time
Introduction to the Com-
dent research and familiarizing yourself with the history and should behave as actual delegates in the UNSC would. Your ac- but retain another in which to write new crises which you can
context of this issue. I want to hear well-constructed arguments tions and speeches should show an understanding of the issues
mittee and Guide
submit as soon as you get the other back. This gives delegates
The United Nations Security Council promises to be
from delegates, especially from those defending controversial as well as a willingness and ability to work with other delegates. maximum time to come up with crises and the crisis staff will
the most fast-paced and engaging committee at HMUN India
country positions. While I expect superb crisis note writing, I A willingness to compromise will be looked upon favorably if come around regularly to pick them up. Do not make your
2023. Combining a focus on real world conflicts and issues
also expect stirring debate on the crisis and its implications, be- it benefits committee and/or the situation at hand. I cannot notes excessive in length, and add a summary at the end. Notes
with elements of crisis, this committee allows for important
yond just condemnation and expressions of disapproval. Keep emphasize the importance of being polite in your interactions that are unclear in their purpose or lengthy for no discernable
discussions that college students need to be having while en-
in mind, especially when writing directives, that all interna- with other delegates and with the staff enough. reason may be given less importance, and we may set a limit to
couraging them to err on the side of crazy through creative cri-
tional institutions have specific mandates beyond which they When it comes to directives, I prefer quality over the length of notes if we feel it is necessary.
sis notes. You will be sparring not just with the other delegates
cannot act. quantity. Directives should only have action clauses. Preambu- These may seem like a lot of asks, but in return the or-
6 7
but also with members of the dais who fully intend to hit you vote of the UN General Assembly and serve two-year terms. Charter requires an affirmative vote and domestic ratification
with crisis after crisis to keep you on your feet.

Introduction to the The most important criterion on which this election is based by two-thirds of Member States, including all P5 members who
The topic we have chosen for this committee is one is the country’s contribution to the maintenance of interna- are unlikely to want to reduce their own influence. Many states
of immense international importance. However, even beyond

Security Council tional peace and security. This includes financial contributions, like Brazil and India are vying for permanent seats themselves,
The United Nations Security Council is one of the six
that, the lessons we learn from a careful study of the history troop contributions, and displays of leadership on regional is- while smaller countries are advocating for greater transparency
main organs of the UN. It is tasked with the maintenance of
and ongoing crisis in Myanmar can be applied to situations sues. Another consideration is the equitable geographical dis- and enlargement of the body, which would come at the cost of
international peace and security and is perhaps the most im-
across the world, from methods to deal with a transition from tribution which led to regional groups being allotted seats. The efficiency.
portant decision-making body of all international institutions.
authoritarianism to democracy to precautions against flawed Asia-Pacific group has two seats, the African group has three
It is the only organ of the UN which has the power to pass
and illegitimate elections. This guide will cover important in-
binding resolutions and impose obligations on the Member
seats, the Latin American and Caribbean Group has two, the
History
formation on how the conflict came to be, but you are encour- Western Europe and Others group has two, and the Eastern
The history of human settlement in Myanmar, former-
States of the UN. The Council has five permanent members
aged to extend your research beyond the confines of the guide, European group has one.2
ly known as Burma, can be traced as far back as 11,000 BC.4
and ten elected members. It meets regularly to address any
as greater context will only serve to enhance your arguments The functions of the UNSC include determining
Evidence of this early civilization has been found primarily in
threats to international peace and security. It has, in the past,
and solutions within committee. the existence of a threat to global peace, ordering adversarial
the central dry zone, in close proximity to the Irrawaddy river.
addressed issues that range from terrorism and civil wars to
The background guide begins with a detailed treat- parties to settle disputes peacefully by recommending courses
Although these settlements are situated in fertile areas, it wasn’t
national disasters.1
ment of the history of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. of action and/or terms of settlement, imposing sanctions on
until some time between 10,000 and 6,000 BC that plants and
Although subjected to much criticism, the structure of
Although some of the early sections of history may seem un- countries to force their hand, authorizing the use of force, and
animals were first domesticated, as evidenced by cave paintings
the UNSC has largely remained unchanged since it was found-
related to the topic at hand, I strongly encourage you to read recommending measures to the UN General Assembly and
found in the region. The use of copper and bronze became
ed. It has five permanent members- China, France, Russia,
through it in its entirety. The issues that plague Myanmar have other organs of the UN. The UNSC is supported by subsidiary
prevalent around 1,500 BC, particularly in settlements in the
the UK, and the USA. The permanent members, collectively
deep roots, and understanding these roots is essential to appre- organs which carry out its work. This includes ad hoc com-
Ayeyarwady valley.5
known as the P5, have this privileged status as a result of their
ciating the complexity of the agenda. This section then tran- mittees such as those on sanctions and nuclear weapons, or
The Pyu were the first well-documented inhabitants of
victory in the Second World War, which was a large factor in
sitions to recent events, including the origins of the current international criminal tribunals such as those for Rwanda. The
the region now known as Myanmar, with their first settlements
the creation of the United Nations. The five permanent mem-
political parties and culminating in the most recent elections UN Secretariat also helps it carry out its mandate, especially
dating back to the second century BC.6 These settlements
bers of the UNSC wield veto power, which means if any one
and the coup that followed. through the Department of Peacekeeping and the Department
eventually grew into walled city-states centred around the
of them votes against a resolution, the resolution automatical-
The next section provides an overview of the stanc- of Field Support. 3
plain areas at the confluence of the Irrawaddy and Chindwin
ly fails. Although China was initially represented by the Re-
es of the countries in this committee. This should help give The UNSC has been criticized on many grounds.
rivers, similar to the region occupied in the prehistoric age.7
public of China (referred to as Taiwan), it is now represented
a big-picture perspective on which countries share common Many argue that the seat distribution reflects a power struc-
The civilization was remarkably advanced, sporting sophisti-
by the People’s Republic of China. The Soviet Union held a
goals, but does not encompass the entirety of any country’s ture which no longer holds. The veto power frustrates the im-
cated fortification and irrigation systems.8 After around a mil-
permanent seat and this seat was taken over by the Russian
perspective. Finally, the guide includes some questions to keep mense power of the body and makes it subject to the political
lennium of existence, the Pyu civilization began its decline in
Federation as the successor state of the USSR. Counting the
in mind and further sources of research. interests of the P5 which leads to inaction in concerning areas
the early ninth century AD at the hands of the South Chinese
years when the USSR held the seat, Russia has used the veto
I hope you find this document useful as a starting such as Syria. Peacekeeping operations are criticized not just for
kingdom of Nanchao.9 Later in the 9th century, the Nanchao
most frequently. While the US has the second highest frequen-
point for your exploration of the agenda. As always, please do their cost and unduly large scope but also because peacekeep-
were expelled from the region by the Mon, who established the
cy, China has been using the veto with increasing frequency
not hesitate to reach out with any questions, big or small. Best ers themselves have been accused of abuse in multiple cases.
Pegu Kingdom in the Southern regions of Burma.10 This king-
recently. The other ten members are elected by a two-thirds
of luck! Change is, however, unlikely since an amendment of the UN
dom persisted in the South all the way until 1539, but little is
8 9
known of its history. the Toungoo Empire battled frequent Chinese raids. In 1679,
The Pagan empire is considered by many to be the or- however, after quarrels with Minrekyawdin, the ruler at the
igin of modern-day Burma. It is traditionally believed that the time, the Dutch withdrew their factories as well.18
city of Pagan was founded in 849, but the kingdom began its From this time onwards, there is little to note in the
rise under the rule of Anawrahta in the 11th century. His ef- history of the region until the great Mon revolt of 1740. As
forts at expansion included the Arakan Yoma in the West, the mentioned earlier, the Mon people had occupied the South-
foothills of the Shan mountains in the East and the coast of the ern regions of Burma for hundreds of years, and saw the weak
Andaman Sea in the South. At the peak of its influence, the Toungoo kings at the start of the 18th century as an opportu-
Pagan empire included most regions that comprise present-day nity to restore the old kingdom of Pegu. Their revolts began in
Myanmar.11 earnest in 1740, and in 1752 the Mon troops forced their way
This period was especially important for its role in into the capital city of Ava and razed it to the ground, marking
planting the seeds of what is now considered Burmese culture. the end of the 266-year-old Toungoo dynasty.19
Anawrahta’s conquest of the Southern Mon kingdom of Tha- The Mon control over the region, however, was short-
ton, for instance, marked the beginning of a strong Buddhist lived; in 1753, the Burmese leader and king Alaungpaya led a
presence in the region, adopted from parts of South India.12 counter resistance, routing the Mon presence in Ava.20 They
This eventually evolved into the Theravada Buddhism practised Let us now turn our attention to the coming of the were forced to flee to their capital of Pegu, but maintained con-
by a majority of the Burmese today. The Pagan rulers commis- Europeans, a notable period in the history of most Asian coun- trol over their remaining territory with the assistance of the
sioned some of Myanmar’s first large-scale monuments, most ties. Although Burma was first described in Marco Polo’s book Frenchman Sieur de Bruno.21 It was only in 1757 that Alaung-
notably the impressive Ananda and Thatpyinnyu Temples.13 at the end of the 14th century, the first significant Western paya completed his conquest, razing Pegu and unifying Burma
This time period also marked the origin of the Burmese lan- contact began in the 15th century as noted earlier. The Portu- once more.22 The king was killed in a cannon accident in 1760,
guage, closely related to the Pyu language that preceded it. guese, led by Albuquerque, were the first to attempt to set up but his legacy as the founder of the Konbaung dynasty, the last
After two centuries of existence, the Pagan dynasty be- trading relations, although they came to little fruition. Until Burmese dynasty had been secured.23
gan its decline under the simultaneous onslaught of the Tartars the last decade of the 16th century, however, the Portuguese Alaungpaya was succeeded by his sons Hsinbyushin
and the Shans, leaving the region in disorder.14 From the 13th remained the primary European presence in the region.17 and Bodawpaya, who took advantage of the momentum their
to 15th centuries, the region was divided into a number of small It was only in the 17th century that the Dutch and the father had gathered to expand the Burmese kingdom across the
kingdoms, including the Hanthawaddy, Ava, and Shan states. English really began to take notice of Burma. In the 1630s, the Arakan and Assam, defending against the Chinese along the
The 15th century is also when the earliest recorded European Dutch opened a factory in the capital of Arakan, an indepen- way.24 This reckless expansion, however, created many enemies,
visitors to Burma arrived, including Nicolo di Conti and Santo dent kingdom in the region separated from mainland Burma and would eventually lead to the downfall of the state. The first
engulfing a majority of mainland Southeast Asia. In fact, the
Stefano from Italy and Affonso de Albuquerque from Portugal, by the Arakan Yoma mountains. A few years later, under the signs of cracks began in 1794, when Bodawpaya’s aggressive
empire is widely regarded as the largest empire in the history of
the latter of whom conquered Malacca in 1511.15 rule of Thalun, the Dutch and English East India Companies and brutal rule forced crowds of Arakanese to take refuge in the
Southeast Asia. Although it nearly collapsed in 1599 under the
In the early 16th century, a new dynasty began to opened their first factories in the Toungoo Empire. The En- British territory of Bengal.25 Following this, the British began
forces of the Siamese and the Arakans, it was able to partially
rise - the Toungoo Empire. Led by Tabinshwehti, and later glish factories only lasted 10 years, but the Dutch influence their attempts at establishing relations with Burma, but failed
recover, persisting in the region until its final decline in 1752.16
his brother-in-law Bayinnaung, the empire rapidly expanded, persisted in the region, albeit with periods of rocky relations as to find common ground, particularly on the treatment of the
10 11
the care of Mindon Min, the new Burmese king appointed by now commemorated as Armed Forces Day.41 By May 1945,
the British.30 After his death in 1878, however, a bloody succes- Burma was back under British control.
sion resulted in his son Thibaw as the new king, under whom The war had left Burma in shambles, and between
Anglo-Burmese relations once again soured. He allegedly at- 1945 and 1947 the country was on the brink of a civil war.42
tempted to resume relations with France, but only succeeded On January 27, 1947, however, the British finally committed
in angering the British, who finally completed their annexation to the complete independence of Burma within a year. In April
of Burma in the Third Anglo-Burmese War in 1895.31 Thibaw 1947, the first Constituent Assembly elections were held, and
would be the last king of Burma, and Burma was made a prov- the Aung San-led AFPFL party won a majority of the seats.43
ince of India, with the capital in Rangoon. However, there were still internal divides, and on July 19,
From the beginning, it was clear that Burma was not a 1947, Aung San and members of his cabinet were assassinated
priority of the British, its importance often overlooked in favor from India, but the move was met with further controversy. by gunmen on the orders of U Saw, a member of his party. The
of developments in mainland India.32 In the early 1900s, for The demonstrations mounted through 1938, getting increas- British appointed U Nu as Aung San’s successor, and after Bur-
example, Burma was seen by the British primarily as a source ingly violent and resulting in hundreds of arrests across the ma’s independence on January 14, 1948, he became the first
of rice production for the rest of India, earning it the nickname region.37 prime minister of independent Burma.44
‘the bread-basket of India’. The early 20th century, however, The next major event in the history of the country, The start of Burma’s history as an independent state
also marked the beginning of a new nationalist movement in arguably as influential as the period of British colonization, was was tumultuous as the new government faced insurgencies
the region.33 This was fueled primarily by the British-educat- World War 2 and the Japanese occupation.38 In 1940, Aung from a number of fronts, most notably the Communist party
ed Burmese youth and organizations such as the Young Men’s San, now a prominent figurehead of the independence move- and the Karen minorities. These rebellions were gradually dealt
Buddhist Association (YMBA), united by the desire to sepa- ment, contacted the Japanese army and agreed to lend them with, and by mid-1949 the government began taking control
Arakan refugees. Moreover, a raid on the Burmese in 1811 by rate Burma from India.34 The movement marked its national support against the Allied Powers in exchange for their backing of the situation.45 This period marked the beginning of the
a rebel group stationed in Bengal further complicated matters, presence on 5th December 1920 with the strike at Rangoon of the Burmese independence movement. He returned to Bur- Tatmadaw’s strongly Burman character and its development as
resulting in irreparable damage to Anglo-Burmese relations.26 University against the colonial-sponsored University Act, a ma and put together a ragtag group of Thakin Party members an autonomous political force. Following this period of un-
The Burmese began their offensive by occupying As- date celebrated as National Day in Myanmar. The movement to form the Burma Independence Army (BIA), supporting the rest, the Burmese parliamentary government began to settle,
sam in 1819, and turned their sights to Manipur and Chit- sparked rural protests and violence that culminated in the Saya Japanese Army when it invaded Burma at the end of 1941.
tagong in 1824, leaving the British no choice but to retaliate San protests of 1930-32, but dissent was brutally quashed by Officially, the history of the Tatmadaw is traced back to the
and resulting in the first Anglo-Burmese War.27 The war was the British.35 BIA.39 By mid-1942, the entire country had been occupied by
expensive for both sides, but ultimately resulted in a decisive 1930 also marked the rise of a new organization, the the Japanese, forcing the British into retreat. Unfortunately,
British victory 2 years later, leaving them in possession of large Dobama Asiayone, also known as the Thakin Party. Follow- the Japanese did not offer Burma complete independence as
portions of Burmese territory that would gradually expand to ing the second university strike in 1936, the Dobama Asiayone promised, instead running the country under military admin-
engulf the entire region.28 In 1852, a string of unsavoury inci- merged with the Rangoon University Students Union to form istration.40 Coupled with the reign of terror under the Japanese
dents led to the Second Anglo-Burmese War, resulting in the the Freedom Bloc, spearheaded by personalities like Aung San military, this triggered the formation of a growing Anti-Fascist
annexation of the Pegu province.29 After the war, Anglo-Bur- and U Nu, and lead the Burmese movement for self-rule.36 In movement. On March 27, 1945, the Burma National Army
mese relations improved significantly for a few decades under 1937, the British finally made the decision to separate Burma rose up against the Japanese to back the Allied forces, a day
12 13
with the AFPFL continuing to win comfortable majorities. In This sets the stage for the 1988 uprising, reminiscent (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and the National Unity Par-
1958, however, new cracks began to emerge as the AFPFL split of the nationalist movements in the 1930s.55 The immediate ty (NUP), the reorganized Burma Socialist Programme Party
into two factions.46 U Nu’s faction remained in power via the trigger of the protests was the brutal police repression of stu- that had been in power for the past 40 years. The willingness of
elections of 1960 as the Tatmadaw continued to gain political dent protesters at Rangoon in March 1988.56 Riot Police killed the SLORC to move ahead with free and fair elections seems
influence.47 and imprisoned hundreds of largely-peaceful protestors, flam- to indicate that they expected a NUP victory. In reality, the
On March 2, 1962, the Tatmadaw staged a coup, ar- ing national outrage. The government attempted to control the NLD won 59.9 percent of the vote and 392 seats, even after
resting U Nu and other politicians, suspending the constitution spread of information via widespread censorship and media the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, whereas the NUP won
and the parliament and proclaiming a Revolutionary Council control, but the news continued to spread.57 The situation was only 10 seats.
(RC) under the chairmanship of General Ne Win.48 Their goal worsened by the appointment of Sein Lwin, the commander The military, however, was not yet prepared to give
was to move the country from a “parliamentary democracy” of the Riot Police during the protests, as Burma’s president. up control over the government.61 Instead, they established
to a “socialist democracy,” although it was immediately clear On August 8, 1998, hundreds of thousands of protestors took a constitutional drafting body, the National Convention, to
that this democracy would only have a single party, the Burma to the streets in cities across the country.58 The military fired prepare a new constitution for the civilian government. Until
Socialist Programme Party.49 The bureaucratic ranks were occu- freely into the crowds, killing thousands over the span of 4 then, the country was to remain under martial law. Suu Kyi
pied by army officials, and although changes were not as drastic days. In the following weeks, Aung San Suu Kyi, Aung San’s and other NLD leaders were kept under house arrest and were
as in some other communist nations at the time, dissent was 43-year-old daughter, came to prominence as the face of the
systematically repressed.50 As per the socialist philosophy, the movement as the situation worsened. On September 10, the
1960s came with a large wave of nationalization of enterpris- government promised the adoption of a multiparty democratic
es and minimization of dependency on imports.51 However, system, finally replacing the single-party “democracy.” It was
although the focus on domestic agriculture led to impressive during this time that the predecessor of the National League
initial growth, it could not be sustained. By the late 1970s, for Democracy was first formed.
Burma was forced to accept millions of dollars of aid, primarily On September 18, the State Law and Order Resto-
from Japan and Western Germany.52 ration Council (SLORC), led by General Saw Maung, seized
1970s, however, was also the most challenging period for the
During this period, Burma’s foreign policy was fairly power and placed the country under martial law.59 Troops
government so far. Between 1974 and 1976 there were large-
noncommittal in nature in an attempt to promote friendly rela- were withdrawn from the city, but order was reimposed with
scale strikes across the country, largely triggered by major food
tions with all countries. Other than a period of rocky relations ruthless efficiency, resulting in thousands of further casual-
shortages, peaceful demonstrations were brutally suppressed,
with China, there were few notable international disputes. ties. This is also when the English name of the country was
and there was a failed coup. However, the military remained
Burma did, however, also enact a strong policy of isolationism, changed from “Burma” to “Myanmar.” Old regional and local
in firm control. Between 1987 and 1988, there was a brief at-
severing cultural and educational ties with most countries.53 bodies were dissolved and replaced by Law
and Order Resto-
tempt at economic reform to encourage foreign investment,
Thus, most of the issues faced by the military rule came from ration Committees (LORCs), and the government began the
but its effects were overshadowed by the “demonetization” pol-
internal insurgent groups including the Communist Party of transition from “socialist democracy” to “multiparty democ-
icy that attempted to quash the rampant black market but only
Burma and assorted minority parties. racy,” announcing a general election on May 27, 1990.60 Al-
succeeded in wiping out the savings of the lower and middle
In 1974, a new constitution was introduced, establish- though 93 parties contested the election, there were two parties
class.54
ing the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma. The mid- with significant backing: the National League for Democracy
14 15
only released in 1995. During this period, the National Con- tial for progress as Gen. Khin Nyunt, the new prime minister, foreign aid likely cost thousands of lives. Nevertheless, the new elections was held, and the first to be openly contested. The
vention was permitted to meet only intermittently, prompting introduced a “road to democracy.” In 2004, however, he was constitution was ratified in May 2008 and was to take effect NLD won a majority of the seats, and was thus in a position
the NLD to walk out in 1995. Suu Kyi was also awarded the arrested on charges of corruption and replaced by Gen. Soe after the election scheduled for November 2010. In March to form the government in 2016. Due to a constitutional pro-
Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, drawing international attention to Win. 2010, however, a series of laws were passed to indirectly ensure vision, Suu Kyi could not be made president, so Htin Kyaw
the Burmese situation.62 During this period, the quality of life of the Burman that Aung San Suu Kyi would be barred from contesting the was voted to the post instead, with Suu Kyi being appointed as
The military continued to solidify its control over the people continued to diminish. UN reports at the time showed elections, forcing the NLD to withdraw. Unsurprisingly, this foreign minister and state counselor, a position similar to the
government through the 1990s. Senior General Than Shwe that one in three children was “chronically malnourished,” and meant that the military-backed USDP and NUP parties won prime minister. The government got to work negotiating an
took over as chairman of the SLORC in 1992, and in 1997 the average income was below $300 a year.65 The situation was a majority of seats largely uncontested, resulting in a majority end to the many insurgencies that plagued the country at the
he reorganized the SLORC under the new title of the State made even worse in 2006, when the price of basic commodities of international powers dismissing the election as illegitimate. time. It soon faced significant challenges regarding the violence
Peace and Development Council (SPDC), replacing most se- such as rice and eggs rose dramatically. Dissatisfaction with the Suu Kyi was released from house arrest soon after. of the military against the Muslim population of the Rakhine
nior members of the organization.63 The military also began government has been growing for years, and the spark that set On March 30, 2011, Thein Sein formally assumed state, also known as the Rohingya people.
to exercise greater control over the country’s natural resources, it off came on 15 August 2007 when the government removed control over the executive branch of government, and the The history of the Rohingya people can be traced back
regulating the export of materials like natural gas to neighbour- fuel subsidies, triggering a 500% rise in the price of petrol and SPDC was finally dissolved. The new government imple- to the 8th century, when Muslims from the Middle East ar-
ing countries and further cementing their power. A notable a doubling of the price of diesel. The effects on the population mented a broad range of reforms, releasing political prisoners, rived and settled in the state of Arakan, the region in Myanmar
change in the new leadership’s plan for the country was in its were near-immediate, and within days protestors had taken the improving freedom of the press and enacting laws to allow now known as Rakhine.70 The Muslim population in the re-
approach to foreign relations; foreign private investment and streets. The government reacted harshly, beating and detaining peaceful demonstrations. Relations with the West improved gion grew as Bengali Muslims were captured and brought back
tourism were encouraged and relations with other Asian coun- protestors and triggering international condemnation.66 The significantly, resulting in a visit by the US Secretary of State by the Arakanese in the 17th century. In 1785, the region was
tries flourished, with massive support of the SPDC from Chi- Buddhist monks were the first to protest in large numbers, as Hillary Clinton in 2011 and US President Barak Obama in integrated into Burma under the rule of the Konbaung dynas-
na on both military and infrastructure fronts.64 Following this, tens of thousands took to the streets across the country in Sep- 2012. Restrictions on Suu Kyi were reduced further, and the ty. The first signs of animosity between the Burmese and the
India too made the decision to support the SPDC, and Burma tember.67 As the protests became more political in nature and NLD was allowed to contest in the 2012 by-elections, in which Muslim population began under British rule in 1825, when
joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in spread to the rest of the population, the military crackdown Suu Kyi was finally elected and the NLD won 43 of the 45 hundreds of thousands of Bengalis arrived in the region seeking
1997. Relations with the West, however, suffered. In response became more violent, likely costing hundreds of lives and re- seats. The Burmese economy continued to grow during this work, expanding the Muslim population to a third of the total
to the failure to respect the 1990 elections, the United States sulting in the arrest of thousands. The protests also began to period. by 1941. Although it improved the economy, locals resented
imposed sanctions on Burma in 1997, followed soon after by attract significant international attention, with the US and EU In November 2015, the next round of parliamentary that their jobs were being stolen by migrants. Relations soured
the EU. Burma also began to face greater pressure in the Unit- tightening sanctions on the military leadership. With both do- further during the Second World War, when the Muslims re-
ed Nations, with allegations of human rights violations being mestic and international pressure mounting, the SPDC finally mained on the side of the British while the rest of Burma chose
raised against the country. yielded, announcing in early 2008 that a constitutional refer- to support the Japanese.
At the turn of the 21st century, the junta were still endum would be held the same year, and that general elections Thus, after Burma gained independence in 1948, the
firmly in command of the Burmese government. Suu Kyi was would be held in 2010.68 Rohingya people were not awarded citizenship, and have never
released from house arrest briefly in 2002, but after reconcili- Plans for reform were delayed in 2008 by Cyclone been since. Moreover, the population has suffered at the hands
ation efforts between her and the government fell through she Nargis, a tragic natural disaster that struck the Irrawaddy del- of the Burmese majority for decades; some notable crackdowns
was once again arrested in 2003, triggering intensified US and ta region, killing over 100,000 people.69 The government’s re- include Operation Naga Min or Operation Dragon King in
EU sanctions. The same year, there seemed to be some poten- sponse was slow and inefficient, and its unwillingness to accept 1978, and Operation Pyi Thaya or Operation Clean and Beau-
16 17
tiful Nation in 1991.71 The Burma Citizenship Law, passed in and Amnesty International.76 The crackdown continued into military, disenfranchising around 10 per cent of the population However, this did not stop the USDP party from
1982, did not even list the Rohingya people as one of the 135 2017 completely unchecked, resulting in an official death toll consisting largely of Rohingya people.81 Some allege that this claiming that the elections were fraudulent.87 Following the
“national races.” The treatment of the Rohingya population of nearly 400 by September.77 Tens of thousands of Rohingya was an intentional tactic by the ruling NLD government to announcement of results, candidates from the party made
worsened following the creation of the military force Nay-Sat people were also forced to flee, a majority crossing the border improve their odds for reelection. However, the elections were widespread allegations, including “duplications on voter lists
Kut-kwey Ye, also known as NaSaKa. These forces, found only into Bangladesh and resulting in one of the largest refugee cri- scheduled for 8th November 2020 as planned. that allowed some voters to cast their ballots twice, as well
in the state of Rakhine, are the main perpetrators of violence ses faced today. The true casualties are likely significantly high- The elections were a massive success for the NLD par- as underage voting, vote-buying and voter harassment.” The
against the Rohingya minority in the country. Historically, the er than officially reported; a 2018 study estimated that over ty, as they outperformed the results from 2015 by securing a Union Election Commission, however, rejected these claims,
treatment of the Rohingya population had been worst under 24,000 Rohingya people were killed since the ethnic cleansing total of over 397 of the 476 seats in the parliament. Official- with backing from the international community.88 Rumors of a
the rule of the junta, who abused nationalistic sentiments to began in 2016.78 The Rohingya genocide continues today, and ly, the NLD party claimed 258 of the seats contested in the potential coup began to spread around near the end of January,
justify further discrimination against minorities in the country. is a persistent backdrop to the political struggles of modern House of Representatives and 138 in the House of Nation- prompting statements from Western nations such as the US,
In 2012, for instance, the rape and murder of a Rakhine wom- Myanmar. alities, compared to 26 and 7 by the USDP.82 The next-high- the UK, France and Australia warning the military against a
an by three Muslim men sparked widespread religious violence In the wake of the 2016 genocide, Aung San Suu Kyi est totals were the Shan Ethnic Democratic Union Party and forced takeover.89
in the region, resulting in the death of over 200 and forcing was widely criticized for her inaction during the crisis and her the Arakan National Party, securing 15 and 8 seats across the On Feburary 1st, 2021, the day Parliament had been
tens of thousands to flee to neighbouring countries.72 failure to condemn the attacks.79 In 2019, she went as far as to Houses respectively. The election had a strong turnout, as more due to start, senior leaders from the NLD party, including Aung
This, however, was only a fraction of the atrocities defend the military’s actions when brought before the Interna- than 70 percent of the country’s 37 million-plus eligible voters San Suu Kyi, were detained by the Myanmar military.90 News
against the Rohingyas that would occur between 2016 and tional Court of Justice.80 During this period, there were also cast ballots.83 and internet services were disrupted across the country, and
2017 at the hands of Myanmar’s military and police.73 In Oc- some notable changes in the government appointments; Htin It is worth noting that several precautions were taken banks under the Myanmar Banking Association announced
tober 2016, Rohingya militants attacked three police posts on Kyaw resigned as president on March 21, 2018, and was re- to ensure a free and fair election, including a large number of a unified closure.91 92
By February 3rd, over 400 members of
the border of Myanmar and Bangladesh, resulting in the death placed by Win Myint, another close ally of Suu Kyi. In March domestic and international election observers.84 Domestically, Myanmar’s Parliament had been placed under house arrest in
of nine border officials.74 In response, the military forces began 2020, the NLD introduced amendments attempting to reduce the Union Election Commission accredited 7,232 observers Naypyitaw.93 The next day, however, the arrested members
a brutal crackdown on the Rohingya population in the Rakh- the influence of the military over the democratic government, at the union level and 985 observers at the state and regional were forced to disperse as demands were raised to convene par-
ine state; hundreds were killed, and entire villages were burnt but were unable to get them passed. levels. International observers included the Asia Network for liamentary session in house arrest, as the quorum was met.94
to the ground.75 This unchecked violence drew widespread This brings us to the parliamentary elections of 2020, Free Elections (ANFREL), the European Union, the govern- Following the arrests, Vice Pres. Myint Swe became
international criticism from governments and organizations, the primary agenda for this committee. Leading up to the elec- ment of Japan, the Carter Center, the International Founda- acting president, invoking articles 417 and 418 of the consti-
including the US Department of State, the United Nations tions, there were once again 2 primary parties: the National tion for Electoral Systems and the International Institute for tution. A one-year state of emergency was declared, and control
League for Democracy (NLD), the incumbent party led by Democracy and Electoral Assistance. After the elections, a of the government was handed over to the armed forces.95 The
Suu Kyi, and the Union Solidarity and Development Party joint statement by domestic election observer groups “found next day, the military regime formed a new 11-member govern-
(USDP), backed by the military junta. Other parties contest- that the results of the elections were credible and reflected the ing body dubbed the “State Administrative Council” (SAC),
ing the election included smaller groups representing minority will of the majority voters”.85 The Carter Center also found no led by military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.96 Al-
populations, including the Shan Nationalities League for De- major irregularities at polling stations.86 However, both reports though the SAC was comprised largely of military officials, it
mocracy and the Arakan National Party. A month before the noted that constitutional reforms are required to address short- also included a member of the NNDP and the NDF, the two
elections, the Union Election Commission cancelled elections comings that include reserved military seats and restrictions on military-backed opposition parties. The military also made a
in “conflict zones” between ethnic minority groups and the presidential candidates. number of other appointments, including State and Regional
18 19
on any online platform.101 China was accused of helping the Simultaneously, the violence was accompanied by peaceful in the distant future.122 This was all but confirmed on August
military regime deploy an internet firewall, but denied in- protests throughout the country, often in the form of gener- 1st, 2022, when the National Defence and Security Council
volvement. Demonstrations continued across the country, al strikes and boycotts.114 The military crackdowns, however, approved a 6-month extension of the state of emergency in the
with police using water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas to showed no signs of stopping as the total casualties approached country, moving the end forward to February 2023, followed
dispel protestors.102 Arrests also continued to grow, with more the thousands.115 On the political front, attempts by the junta by a further 6 month extension.123 124
This also conveniently
ministers, election officials, activists and even celebrities being to neutralize the NLD party continued as well; the Union Elec- shifts the date for holding a new round of elections that the
detained.103 A number of foreign nationals were also arrested, tion Commission, appointed by the junta, announced its plans junta committed to ever since they entered power.
including Sean Turnell, the Australian economic advisor to the to prosecute the NLD party leaders for election fraud.116 As it currently stands, the Myanmar military remain
government, and Yuki Kitazumi, a Japanese freelance journal- July was a particularly difficult month for the coun- in firm control over the country’s government. Myint Swe re-
ist.104 try, as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic began to hit the mains the Acting President, while Min Aung Hlaing, the chair-
The crackdown continued to intensify, claiming at country’s weakened and under-funded healthcare system.117 man of the State Administration Council (SAC), has almost
least two more lives on February 20th as soldiers opened fire Medical professionals who expressed their dissatisfaction with complete power. Soe Win, the Deputy Prime Minister and vice
during a rally in Mandalay.105 On February 26th, Kyaw Moe the regime were targeted for arrest, and distribution of oxygen chairman of the SAC, is his second-in-command. Since the
Tun, Myanmar’s permanent representative to the United Na- cylinders was to the public was curtailed, all contributing to a coup began, 3434 people have been killed, 21538 have been
tions, announced his opposition to the coup, and was sacked worsening of the pandemic.118 The regime also misused funds arrested, and 17633 people are currently under detention as
the next day.106 The last day of the month was the deadliest, allocated to the immunization effort.119 In 2021, nearly 20,000 of April 2023.125 The struggle against the military continues in
with 18 killed across the country; a small sign of the escala- people in the country died due to the pandemic, a number earnest, with Aljazeera proclaiming that the scale of voilence
tion to come.107 The death tolls continued to mount; on March likely underreported by the government.120 121 in Myanmar is second only to the war in Ukraine.126 The two
Administrative Council chairmen to replace the chief minis-
3rd, at least 38 peaceful protesters were killed, and hundreds The tyranny of the ruling junta continued through primary centers of the resistance are the National Unity Gov-
ters and a new Attorney-General, Union Auditor-General and
wounded.108 Reports of NLD officials dying in regime custo- 2021, with no end to violence in sight. Entering 2022, the sit- ernment, an “administration established in opposition to the
Central Bank of Myanmar chairman. The new government
97
dy also began to surface. The government also continued to uation seemed largely unchanged: on January 10th, Aung San military” by ethnic leaders, activists and former members of
reiterated that the takeover was necessary to check for irregu-
expand its censorship of media, revoking the licences for five Suu Kyi was sentenced to another 4 years of imprisonment on the NLD, and the People’s Defence Forces, the civilian mili-
larities in the election process, and that new elections would be
local media outlets. By the end of the March, over 200 people charges of “illegal possession of walkie-talkies” and “breaking tias. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is
held once the state of emergency elapsed.98
had been killed as police brutality continued to escalate.109 coronavirus rules,” a sign that a return to democracy reamined currently one of the only international associations making an
The aftermath of the coup continued to evolve through
Moving into April, armed resistance to the military active effort to repair the broken democracy in Myanmar. It
Februaury, claiming its first life on the 9th as a 20-year-old
regime began to spread more widely, particularly in the Sagaing is up to this committee to map out what the UNSC can and
protester was shot by the police.99 As anti-coup protests contin-
region.110 The Karen and Kachin states were also hotbeds for should do to contribute.
ued to grow around the country, the government announced
violence, as the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the
imposed a curfew in Yangon and other major cities, banning
gatherings of more than five people in public spaces.100 On

armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), organized
Bloc Positions
armed revolts. 111
By May, armed struggle also began to escalate
February 11th, a new Cyber Security Law was drafted, forcing Let us begin by discussing the plurality of UNSC
in the Chin state and ethnic Karenni areas.112 113
Over time,
internet service providers to provide user data to the govern- countries that stand firmly against the military coup in Myan-
these armed anti-coup movements began to adopt guerrilla tac-
ment on request and imposing censorship of “misinformation” mar. The United States of America has arguably been the most
tics, a transition led by the Mandalay People’s Defence Force.
vocal in its condemnation of the coup. They saw the move to-
20 21
wards democracy in 2010 as a step in the right direction, and also announced its support for any sanctions placed on the the second day of the coup, China vetoed a joint statement in that “Moscow has not been willing to publicly embrace Min
fostered strong relations with Aung San Suu Kyi.127 This be- country.137 Similarly, Ireland has announced their support for the UNSC condemning the Myanmar military, an action that Aung Hlaing’s regime just yet.”153 According to a UN expert,
gan to change following the 2017 Rohingya genocide, during additional restrictive measures via the EU if necessary.138 could be considered simply in line with its “non-interference Russia has also joined China in supplying “drones, fighter jets,
which the USA imposed visa restrictions and financial sanc- Norway played an integral part in peacekeeping efforts principle.”146 Alongside Russia, for example, China has also re- and armored vehicles” to the junta. In return, Myanmar was
tions on a number of Burmese officials. After the coup in 2021, in Myanmar since 2011, resulting in improved bilateral rela- peatedly exercised its veto to shield Myanmar from criticism one of the first countries to come to Russia’s defence following
the USA was quick to respond, describing the claims of elections between the two countries and culminating in a Memo- regarding the Rohingya crisis. In April of 2022, however, Bei- the invasion of Ukraine, describing the attack as an “appropri-
tion fraud as “a meager attempt to mask [the] power grab in randum of Understanding signed in 2019.139 Since 2021, how- jing finally announced that it would back Myanmar “no matter ate action.”154
some sort of constitutional legitimacy.”128 This response includ- ever, they have been clear in their condemnation of the coup, how the situation changes,” clearly signalling the country’s sup- Finally, there are the countries that have not taken a
ed “diplomatic pressure” via the G7 and UNSC, sanctions on stating that “the situation in Myanmar will be a continued port for the military rule.147 They further indicated that they clear side with regard to the conflict. India is one of the most
government officials, and export restrictions on the Burmese Norwegian priority” as they take up presidency of the UNSC plan to “deepen exchanges and cooperation” and proceed with notable examples; as one of Myanmar’s biggest economic part-
military.129 in 2022.140 The country does, however, have some difficult de- large infrastructure projects like the China-Myanmar Econom- ners in Asia, the two countries have had a long and tumul-
Following the response of the US, the United King- cisions to make regarding its financial ties to Myanmar, most ic Corridor irrespective of the political situation.148 It is also tuous history. After independence, the countries had strong
dom announced asset freezes and travel bans on dozens of mil- notably with regards to the state-owned telecommunications suspected that China has been supplying Myanmar with fight- socio-economic ties until the Burmese government was over-
itary officials in an attempt to “hold the Myanmar military to company Telenor, one of the biggest foreign investors in Myan- er jets and other military support.149 thrown by the military in 1962, a move which the government
account for their violations of human rights.”130 Historically, mar.141 Albania, another European country with strong ties to Perhaps unsurprisingly, Russia has been the other of India condemned as a threat to global democracy.155 Re-
the UK has played the role of the lead drafter of resolutions on the EU, has stood by its Western allies, most recently issuing a supporter of the new government in Myanmar. Historically, lations improved in 1987 when Indian Prime Minister Rajiv
Myanmar in the GA in New York and Human Rights Council joint statement with the US, UK, EU and others reiterating the Russia has joined China in exercising its veto power to protect Gandhi visited the country, but were stalled due to the anti-de-
in Geneva, but has often failed to hold its ground in the UN- plea for a peaceful return to democracy.142 Myanmar from human-rights related criticism in the UNSC as mocracy crackdowns in 1988.156 Beginning in 1993, however,
SC.131 It is also worth noting that the ambassador of Myanmar Kenya rounds out the list of UNSC countries that far back as 2007.150 Russia and Myanmar also agreed to devel- the Indian government began to show a greater willingness to
to the UK, Kyaw Swar Min, was recalled by the government stand clearly against the actions of the Burmese military. In an op further military cooperation in 2016 and 2018, indicating foster relations with the Burmese military junta in an effort to
in March of 2021 after calling for the release of Aung San Suu official statement, the country announced that it “recognises that a significant component of the relationship between the widen its influence in South East Asia.157 The two countries
Kyi.132 Swar Min still resides in London, but has faced pressure the primacy of democratic civilian government” and “strong- countries revolved around defense.151 Unlike China, Russia maintained close relations during Myanmar’s shift towards
from the British foreign office to vacate his home.133 ly condemns unconstitutional changes of government by mil- was quick to announce its support for the new regime, with democracy, but following the coup in 2021 the Indian gov-
The members of the European Union, of which France itary coup d’état.”143 Dr Martin Kimani, Kenya’s Permanent Russian deputy defence minister Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin ernment was notably measured in its response. A press state-
and Ireland are currently members of the UNSC, were also Representative to the UN, explained that Nairobi’s support for visiting Naypyitaw to attend the 76th Anniversary of Armed ment expressing “deep concern” regarding the developments
quick to condemn the actions of the junta. The response in- the democratically elected officials of Myanmar is a product of Forces Day on March 26th 2021.152 Following this, the two in Myanmar was made, but stopped short of condemning
cluded asset freezes and travel bans on a total of 65 individuals Kenya’s tradition to respect constitutional governments.144 countries have had a number of diplomatic visits by top offi- the coup.158 In December of 2021, however, India made the
and 10 entities, including the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Next, let us turn to the countries of the UNSC that cials, including visits by coup leader Senior General Min Aung decision to take what it describes as the ‘twin tack’ approach,
one of the primary sources of income for the military.134 135 On have been vocal in their support of the military rule in Myan- Hlaing and his deputy Vice Senior General Soe Win to Russia engaging with Myanmar’s junta regime while still pushing for
an individual level, the French government has made a number mar, the most notable being China. China had fostered strong and a military delegation led by Vice Admiral Vladimir Kasa- democracy in the region.159 Following this, India’s Foreign Sec-
of official statements on the issue, reiterating their demands for relationships with the National League for Democracy gov- tonov to Yangon. It is worth noting, however, that there has retary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Myanmar to meet the
the release of political prisoners and a return to democracy.136 ernment in Myanmar prior to the coup, initially raising some not yet been a meeting between Russia’s President Vladimir junta’s commander-in-chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, as well
TotalEnergies, a French oil giant that operates in Myanmar, doubt regarding their response to the attack by the junta.145 On Putin and Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, leading to speculation as members of the NLD party. As of now, it therefore seems
22 23
unlikely that the Indian government would take drastic action

Suggestions for Further statistics. chance to interact with people that have such vastly different
in either direction. As for country and bloc positions, I strongly recom- backgrounds and that is the most exciting thing that HMUN
The other countries of the UNSC with unclear posi-

Reading mend checking official government statements addressing the India has to offer you as a conference. Remember, everything
There are a number of interesting and comprehensive
tions include Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, Mexico and the United coup; such communication provides vital insight into the is- you do should appear to be in the interest of the UNSC and
books on the history of Myanmar. “Burma”, by D. G. E. Hall,
Arab Emirates (UAE). Following the coup, the government of sues various countries care about the most and the language international security. What your actions are actually in the
was one of the most approachable in its length and style, and
Brazil issued a press release stating that it is “closely monitoring in which they address them, both of which should help guide interest of is up to you. I hope you’re ready for a crazy four days
one I reference heavily in my guide, particularly up to the be-
the developments” in Myanmar, and that it “expects a rapid your approaches within committee. There are also a number of in Bangalore.
ginning of the British rule. The later sections are written from
return to democratic normality in the country.”160 Like India, articles and opinion pieces describing what a stronger response
a colonial lens, but still provide a perspective on the gover-
however, it notably does not condemn the coup or threaten from countries could look like in practice. Finally, I would also
nance at the time. “History of Burma: from the earliest times
action of any kind. UAE and Myanmar signed a joint com- suggest examining countries’ responses to the Rohingya crisis,
to 10 March, 1824, the beginning of the English conquest,”
munique announcing diplomatic relations in November 2020, especially in the UN; although not directly relevant, it may
by G. E. Harvey, also gives a unique account of the early his-
months before the coup, but has not made any comments help shed some light on what a similar response may look like
tory of Bruma. Additionaly, “Historical Dictionary of Burma
since.161 Gabon, Ghana and Mexico have also not made any for the issue at hand.
(Myanmar),” by Donald M. Seekins, is a wonderful resource
public announcements regarding the coup; their positions on
that includes a timeline of events up until 2005, a summary
the issue will likely be decided based on other factors, includ-
of the history of the region and an expansive list of people,
Conclusion
ing foreign relations with the rest of the UNSC powers and
This background guide might have hit you with a lot
parties and events associated with the county. For information
historical response to similar issues.
of information, but it has only scratched the surface of this
on the Rohingya genocide in particular, the United Nations
extremely complex topic. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and
reports on human rights violations are a great resource, and are
Questions A Resolution also valuable in their representation of what solutions from this
writing about these topics but I can’t wait to hear actual debate
Must Answer committee may resemble in a different context.

on the issues. Drive committee in whatever direction you want.
Be creative with the arguments you present; the dais will be

1. How can the security of those under detention, in- For information on the current situation, particularly
listening. Delve deep into your country’s position but, when
cluding Aung San Suu Kyi, be guaranteed? with regard to the coup, I would recommend focusing your
crises hit, know that you don’t have to follow your current pol-
2. How can the military junta be held accountable for attention on news reports from a variety of sources and per-
icy to a T. What we are looking for is well-researched speeches
the recent coup? spectives. I found it difficult to find academic literature on
which demonstrate an understanding of the topics, creativi-
3. Is there a way to facilitate a peaceful transition back to these events, since they occurred so recently, but the national
ty in dealing with crises, and an ability to lead committee in
democracy? and international reporting on them is extensive, and should
the direction you want to take. Most importantly, though, we
4. What failsafes can be set up to ensure that such a coup provide you with all the information you need when paired
want this committee to be fun. We want to hear different per-
does not occur again? with the historical context provided above. Myanmar NOW,
spectives and see collaboration. Write a crazy joint crisis note
5. What role should the international community play for example, is a reputable local source of news that I found
with someone who comes from a different continent; voice
in the maintenance of democracy in Myanmar? What invaluable in my research. Also try and keep an eye out for
your agreement (or disagreement) with you’ve never met be-
would be considered excessive interference? reports published by NGOs and human rights orgnaizations,
fore and might never meet again; send a rose to that delegate
as they often provide objective and apolitical information and
who vetoed your last directive. It’s not often that you get the
24 25
Endnotes 38 Seekins, Donald M. 2017. Historical Dictionary of

Burma (Myanmar). Second edition. Lanham, Maryland: Row-
72
73
“The Most Persecuted People on Earth?”
Myanmar - Myanmar since 1988 | Britannica.
89 “Myanmar Military Warned against Coup Staging by Aus-
tralia and Growing List of Countries.” ABC News, 29 Jan. 2021.
man & Littlefield. 74 “Myanmar Policemen Killed in Rakhine Border Attack.” www.abc.net.au, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/austra-
1 “The UN Security Council.” Council on Foreign Re- 39 ibid 23 BBC News, 9 Oct. 2016. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/ lian-government-worried-about-myanmar-military-coup/13104328.
lations, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/un-security-council. 40 ibid 24 news/world-asia-37601928. 90 Foundation, Thomson Reuters. “Aung San Suu Kyi and
Accessed 18 Nov. 2022. Other Leaders Arrested, Party Spokesman Says.” News.Trust.Org,
41 ibid 25 75 Rohingya Abuse May Be Crimes against Humanity:
2 ibid Amnesty. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/19/rohing- https://news.trust.org/item/20210131230656-kkg7f/. Accessed 21
42 ibid 26 Nov. 2022.
3 United Nations Security Council. https://www.un.org/ ya-abuse-may-be-crimes-against-humanity-amnesty. Accessed 18
securitycouncil/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
43 ibid 27 91 “Internet Disrupted in Myanmar amid Apparent Military
Nov. 2022.
4 44 ibid 28 Uprising.” NetBlocks, 31 Jan. 2021, https://netblocks.org/reports/
Chapter I: Prehistoric and Animist Periods. http://seasite. 76 Cumming-Bruce, Nick. “Myanmar ‘Callous’ Toward
niu.edu/burmese/Cooler/Chapter_1/Chapter_1.htm. Accessed 18 45 ibid 29 Anti-Rohingya Violence, U.N. Says.” The New York Times, 16 internet-disrupted-in-myanmar-amid-apparent-military-upri-
Nov. 2022. 46 ibid 30 Dec. 2016. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/16/ sing-JBZrmlB6.
5 Naing Tun, Win. “Prehistory to Proto-History of Myan- 47 ibid 31 world/asia/myanmar-rohingya-violence-united-nations.html. 92 Banks Closed, ATMs Shut down in Myanmar Following
77 Military Coup - News Live. 2 Feb. 2021, https://newslivetv.com/
mar: A Perspective of Historical Geography.” Burma/Myanmar in 48 ibid 32 “Nearly 400 Die as Myanmar Army Steps up Crackdown
Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges, 2015. on Rohingya Militants.” Reuters, 1 Sept. 2017. www.reuters.com, banks-closed-atms-shut-down-in-myanmar-following-military-
49 ibid 33 coup/.
6 Aung-Thwin, Michael., and Knowledge Unlatched https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rohingya-idUSKCN-
50 ibid 34 93 Hundreds of Myanmar MPs under House Arrest. https://
funder. The Mists of Ramanna The Legend That Was Lower Burma. 1BC3T8.
51 ibid 35 www.thenews.com.pk/print/784319-hundreds-of-myanmar-mps-
University of Hawai’i Press, 2005. 78 Habib, Mohshin, et al. Forced Migration of Rohingya:
7 ibid 16
52 ibid 36 The Untold Experience. Ontario International Development Agen- under-house-arrest. Accessed 21 Nov. 2022.
53 ibid 37 cy, Canada, 2018. 94 Htet, Thu. “Myanmar Military Give MPs 24 Hours
8 ibid 27
to Leave Naypyitaw.” The Irrawaddy, 3 Feb. 2021, https://www.
9 ibid 36
54 ibid 38 79 Holmes, Oliver. “Myanmar Seeking Ethnic Cleansing,
irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-military-give-mps-24-hours-
10 Hall, D. G. E. Burma. Hutchinson’s University Library,
55 ibid 39 Says UN Official as Rohingya Flee Persecution.” The Guardian,
24 Nov. 2016. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/ leave-naypyitaw.html.
1950. 56 ibid 40
world/2016/nov/24/rohingya-flee-to-bangladesh-to-escape-myan- 95 Myanmar - Myanmar since 1988 | Britannica.
11 ibid 57 ibid 41
mar-military-strikes. 96 KyawThu. “Myanmar Military Regime Appoints Gov-
12 ibid 16 58 ibid 42 erning Body.” The Irrawaddy, 3 Feb. 2021, https://www.irrawaddy.
80 Myanmar - Myanmar since 1988 | Britannica.
13 ibid 20 59 ibid 43 com/news/burma/myanmar-military-regime-appoints-govern-
81 Beech, Hannah, and Saw Nang. “Myanmar Election
14 ibid 24 60 ibid 44 Delivers Another Decisive Win for Aung San Suu Kyi.” The New ing-body.html.
15 ibid 34 61 ibid 45 York Times, 11 Nov. 2020. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes. 97 ibid
16 ibid 43 62 “The Nobel Peace Prize 1991.” NobelPrize.Org, https:// com/2020/11/11/world/asia/myanmar-election-aung-san-suu-kyi- 98 Myanmar - Myanmar since 1988 | Britannica.
www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1991/press-release/. Accessed 18 results.html. 99 “Family of Young Woman Shot in Head during An-
17 ibid
Nov. 2022. 82 Union Election Commission, https://www.uec.gov.mm/ ti-Coup Protest Say They Are Ready to Take Her off Life Support.”
18 ibid
63 Historical Dictionary of Burma (Myanmar). news_preview_detail.php. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022. Myanmar NOW, https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/family-
19 ibid
83 of-young-woman-shot-in-head-during-anti-coup-protest-say-they-
64 Myanmar - Myanmar since 1988 | Britannica. https:// KyawThu. “Election 2020 | Myanmar’s 2020 Gener-
20 ibid 70 www.britannica.com/place/Myanmar/Myanmar-since-1988. Ac- al Election Results in Numbers.” The Irrawaddy, 11 Nov. 2020, are-ready-to-take-her-off. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022.
21 ibid 71 cessed 18 Nov. 2022. https://www.irrawaddy.com/elections/myanmars-2020-general-elec- 100 KyawThu. “Myanmar Military Govt Bans Gatherings
22 ibid 75 65 The Hardship That Sparked Burma’s Unrest. 2 Oct. 2007. tion-results-numbers.html. of Five or More in Yangon, Other Areas.” The Irrawaddy, 9 Feb.
23 ibid 77 news.bbc.co.uk, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7023548. 84 ANFREL IEOM TO THE 2020 MYANMAR GENER- 2021, https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-mili-
stm. AL ELECTIONS INTERIM REPORT. Asian Network for Free tary-govt-bans-gatherings-five-yangon-areas.html.
24 ibid 78
66 U.S. Condemns Burmese Arrests Of 13 Dissidents. www. Elections, https://anfrel.org/anfrel-ieom-to-the-2020-myanmar-gen- 101 Frontier. “Civil Society, Businesses Condemn Junta’s Draft
25 ibid 85
eral-elections-interim-report/. Cyber Security Law.” Frontier Myanmar, 11 Feb. 2021, https://
washingtonpost.com, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/
26 ibid 91
85 “JOINT STATEMENT: DOMESTIC ELECTION www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/civil-society-businesses-condemn-jun-
content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082202488.html. Accessed 18
27 ibid 92 Nov. 2022. OBSERVER GROUPS SAY 2020 MYANMAR POLLS RESULTS tas-draft-cyber-security-law/.
28 ibid 94 67 Q&A: Protests in Burma. 2 Oct. 2007. news.bbc.co.uk, CREDIBLE, CALL SUPPORT FOR PEACEFUL POWER 102 “Myanmar: Who Are the Rulers Who Have Executed
29 ibid 101 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7010202.stm. TRANSITION.” Asian Network for Free Elections, https://anfrel. Democracy Campaigners?” BBC News, 2 Feb. 2021. www.bbc.com,
30 org/joint-statement-domestic-election-observer-groups-say-2020- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070.
ibid 104 68 Burmese Junta Sets Voting Dates. 9 Feb. 2008. news.bbc.
myanmar-polls-results-credible-call-support-for-peaceful-power- 103 KyawThu. “Six More Myanmar Celebrities to Face Arrest
31 ibid 115 co.uk, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7236648.stm.
transition/. for Support of Civil Disobedience Movement.” The Irrawaddy, 17
32 Smith, Martin J. Burma : Insurgency and the Politics of 69 Myanmar - Myanmar since 1988 | Britannica. https://
86 KyawThu. “Election 2020 | No Major Irregularities in Feb. 2021, https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/six-myan-
Ethnicity. 2nd updated edition., University Press ; White Lotus ; www.britannica.com/place/Myanmar/Myanmar-since-1988. Ac-
Myanmar Election: Carter Center.” The Irrawaddy, 11 Nov. 2020, mar-celebrities-face-arrest-support-civil-disobedience-movement.
Zed Books, 1999. cessed 18 Nov. 2022.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/elections/no-major-irregularities-myan- html.
33 ibid 48 70 “The Most Persecuted People on Earth?” The Economist. mar-election-carter-center.html. 104 “Myanmar Detains Australian Adviser to Aung San Suu
34 ibid 49 The Economist, https://www.economist.com/asia/2015/06/13/the-
87 Mon, Swe Lei. “NLD Shrugs off ‘Childish’ Fraud Allega- Kyi; First Known Arrest of Foreign National since Coup.” CNA,
most-persecuted-people-on-earth. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
35 ibid 90 tions from a Defeated USDP in Pyawbwe.” Frontier Myanmar, 20 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/myanmar-coup-australian-
36 ibid 54
71 “Bangladesh: The Plight of the Rohingya.” Pulitzer Cen- Nov. 2020, https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/nld-shrugs-off- adviser-aung-san-suu-kyi-detained-323801. Accessed 21 Nov. 2022.
ter, https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/bangladesh-plight-rohingya. childish-fraud-allegations-from-a-defeated-usdp-in-pyawbwe/.
37 ibid Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
105 “Timeline: Myanmar’s Year of Resistance.” Myanmar
88 ibid NOW, https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/timeline-myan-
26 27
mars-year-of-resistance. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022. ian-intervention-can-curb-myanmars-covid-19-disaster-experts-say. news.sky.com/story/myanmar-recalls-ambassador-in-uk-after-he- ther-shows-world-dividing-autocracy-versus-democracy. Accessed 18

106 Tostevin, Matthew. “Myanmar Ambassador to the United Accessed 25 Nov. 2022. called-for-release-of-detained-leader-aung-san-suu-kyi-12240972. Nov. 2022.
Nations Has Been Fired: State TV.” CTVNews, 27 Feb. 2021, 119 “Former Head of Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Charged with Accessed 18 Nov. 2022. 146 “Myanmar Coup: China Blocks UN Condemnation as
https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/myanmar-ambassador-to-the-united- High Treason.” Myanmar NOW, https://www.myanmar-now.org/ 133 Geddie, John, and Poppy Mcpherson. “EXCLUSIVE UK Protest Grows.” BBC News, 3 Feb. 2021. www.bbc.com, https://
nations-has-been-fired-state-tv-1.5327022. en/news/former-head-of-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-charged-with- Urges Ex-Myanmar Ambassador to Leave London Home Citing www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55913947.
107 “Myanmar Sees Deadliest Day since Uprising Began as high-treason. Accessed 25 Nov. 2022. Junta ‘Pressure.’” Reuters, 10 Mar. 2022. www.reuters.com, https:// 147 “China to Back Military-Ruled Myanmar Regardless
Junta Intensifies Attacks on Peaceful Protesters.” Myanmar NOW, 120 “Myanmar: The Latest Coronavirus Counts, Charts and www.reuters.com/world/exclusive-uk-urges-ex-myanmar-ambassa- of Situation.” AP NEWS, 2 Apr. 2022, https://apnews.com/
https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/myanmar-sees-deadli- Maps.” Reuters. graphics.reuters.com, https://graphics.reuters.com/ dor-leave-london-home-citing-junta-pressure-2022-03-10/. article/wang-yi-aung-san-suu-kyi-china-myanmar-diplomacy-
est-day-since-uprising-began-as-junta-intensifies-attacks-on-peace- world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/countries-and-territories/ 134 Myanmar/Burma: EU Imposes Restrictive Measures on d68de69436c1462f647f6475b6315c92.
ful. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022. myanmar/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2022. 22 Individuals and 4 Entities in Fourth Round of Sanctions. https:// 148 “Myanmar: China, the Coup and the Future.” Unit-
108 “A Day after the Regime Murdered Dozens of Their Com- 121 Chanayuth. “Death Toll Underreported on Myanmar’s www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/02/21/ ed States Institute of Peace, https://www.usip.org/publica-
rades, Defiant Protesters Return to the Streets.” Myanmar NOW, COVID-19 Frontline: Charities.” The Irrawaddy, 8 July 2021, myanmar-burma-eu-imposes-restrictive-measures-on-22-indivi- tions/2021/06/myanmar-china-coup-and-future. Accessed 18 Nov.
https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/a-day-after-the-regime- https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/death-toll-underreport- duals-and-4-entities-in-fourth-round-of-sanctions/. Accessed 18 2022.
murdered-dozens-of-their-comrades-defiant-protesters-return-to- ed-on-myanmars-covid-19-frontline-charities.html. Nov. 2022. 149 “U.N. Myanmar Expert Says Junta Using New Russian,
the. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022. 122 Ratcliffe, Rebecca. “Aung San Suu Kyi Handed Four-Year 135 New EU Sanctions Target Myanmar Military’s Lucrative Chinese Arms against Civilians.” Reuters, 23 Feb. 2022. www.
109 “A Nurse, an Architect, and a Striking Police Officer Jail Term in Military ‘Courtroom Circus.’” The Guardian, 10 Jan. Gas Firm. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/22/new-eu-sanc- reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-myan-
among 169 Murdered by Junta over the Weekend.” Myanmar 2022. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/ tions-target-myanmar-militarys-lucrative-gas-firm. Accessed 18 Nov. mar-expert-says-junta-using-new-russian-chinese-arms-against-civil-
NOW, https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/a-nurse-an-archi- jan/10/aun-san-suu-kyi-sentenced-to-four-years-in-prison-for-walk- 2022. ians-2022-02-22/.
tect-and-a-striking-police-officer-among-169-murdered-by-junta- ie-talkie-and-covid-rule-breaches. 136 “Burma/Myanmar – New Prison Sentence Imposed on 150 Lynch, Colum. Russia, China Veto Resolution On
over-the-weekend. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022. 123 “Myanmar Prolongs State of Emergency for 6 Months Ms Aung San Suu Kyi (16 Aug.22).” France Diplomacy - Ministry Burma. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.
110 “As Slaughter of Civilians Continues, Some Decide It’s – DW – 08/01/2022.” DW, https://www.dw.com/en/myanmar-pro- for Europe and Foreign Affairs, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/ com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/12/AR2007011201115.html.
Time to Take up Arms.” Myanmar NOW, https://www.myan- longs-state-of-emergency-for-6-months/a-62665148. Accessed 25 country-files/myanmar/news/article/burma-myanmar-new-prison- Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
mar-now.org/en/news/as-slaughter-of-civilians-continues-some-deci- Nov. 2022. sentence-imposed-on-ms-aung-san-suu-kyi-16-aug-22. Accessed 18 151 “Russian Defense Minister Points to Russia-Myanmar
de-its-time-to-take-up-arms. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022. 124 “Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency, Delaying Nov. 2022. Developing Military Cooperation.” TASS, https://tass.com/de-
111 “KNU Seizes Control of Tatmadaw Base in Kayin State.” Promised Elections.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 137 France’s Total Backs Sanctions on Myanmar Oil and Gas fense/986024. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
Myanmar NOW, https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/knu-seiz- February 2, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/ Revenues. https://thediplomat.com/2022/01/frances-total-backs- 152 Chanayuth. “Specials | Myanmar and Russia’s Close Post-
es-control-of-tatmadaw-base-in-kayin-state. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022. feb/02/myanmar-junta-extends-state-of-emergency-delaying-prom- sanctions-on-myanmar-oil-and-gas-revenues/. Accessed 18 Nov. Coup Relationship.” The Irrawaddy, 2 Nov. 2021, https://www.
112 “Karenni Resistance Fighters Open New Front against ised-elections. 2022. irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-and-russias-close-post-coup-rela-
Junta.” Myanmar NOW, https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/karen- 125 “Daily Briefing in Relation to the Military Coup.” As- 138 February - Statement by the Department of Foreign tionship.html.
ni-resistance-fighters-open-new-front-against-junta. Accessed 25 sistance Association for Political Prisoners, 24 Nov. 2022, https:// Affairs on the One-Year Anniversary of the Coup in Myanmar - 153 Russia Is Gaining an Indo-Pacific Foothold Through
Nov. 2022. aappb.org/?p=24795. Department of Foreign Affairs. https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/ Myanmar. https://thediplomat.com/2022/07/russia-is-gaining-an-
113 “Eight Regime Soldiers Killed in Clashes in Hakha, Say 126 Rasheed, Zaheena. Unrest Worsens as Myanmar Mili- press-releases/press-release-archive/2022/february/statement-by-the- indo-pacific-foothold-through-myanmar/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
Chin Resistance Fighters.” Myanmar NOW, https://www.myan- tary Struggles to Consolidate Coup. https://www.aljazeera.com/ department-of-foreign-affairs-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-the-
coup-in-myanmar.php. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022. 154 Mendelson, Allegra. ‘Stronger Together’: Myanmar,
mar-now.org/en/news/eight-regime-soldiers-killed-in-clashes-in- news/2022/11/11/asean-action-myanmar-army-struggles-to-consoli- Russia Parade Military Relationship. https://www.aljazeera.com/
hakha-say-chin-resistance-fighters. Accessed 25 Nov. 2022. date-power. Accessed 25 Nov. 2022. 139 “Bilateral Relations.” Norgesportalen, https://www.nor- news/2022/3/27/holdstronger-togethermyanmarrussiaparademili-
114 “At Least Six People Killed by Junta’s Armed Forces as 127 “U.S. Relations With Burma.” United States Department way.no/en/myanmar/norway-myanmar/bilateral-relations/. Accessed tary-relationship. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
Demonstrators Return to the Streets.” Myanmar NOW, https:// of State, https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-burma/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
155 “India’s Cautious Approach to the Military Coup in
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tas-armed-forces-as-demonstrators-return-to-the-streets. Accessed 25 128 U.S. RESPONSE TO THE COUP IN BURMA. the Hope for a Better 2022.” Scandasia, 4 Jan. 2022, https://scan- aforum.org/2022/03/22/indias-cautious-approach-to-the-military-
Nov. 2022. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-117shrg44721/ dasia.com/norway-joins-the-people-of-myanmar-in-the-hope-for-a- coup-in-myanmar/.
115 “As Spate of Killings Continues, Anti-Junta Forces Warn html/CHRG-117shrg44721.htm#:~:text=Since%20February%20 better-2022/.
156 India – Myanmar Relations. Indian Ministry of External
of More to Come.” Myanmar NOW, https://www.myanmar-now. 1%2C%20the%20United,reestablish%20and%20safeguard%20 141 For Norway’s Telenor, Myanmar’s Coup Leaves ‘Many Affairs, https://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/myanmar-ju-
org/en/news/as-spate-of-killings-continues-anti-junta-forces-warn- their%20democracy. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022. Dilemmas’: CEO. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/5/7/ ly-2012.pdf.
of-more-to-come. Accessed 25 Nov. 2022. 129 “FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Actions for-norways-telenor-myanmars-coup-leaves-many-dilemmas-ceo.
Accessed 18 Nov. 2022. 157 Explaining India’s Silence over Burma. 26 Sept. 2007.
116 “Junta-Appointed Election Commission Head Suggests in Response to the Coup in Burma.” The White House, 11 Feb. news.bbc.co.uk, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7013975.
Disbanding NLD, Prosecuting Leadership as ‘Traitors.’” Myanmar 2021, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releas- 142 One Year Anniversary of the Military Coup in Myanmar: stm.
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one-year-anniversary-military-coup-myanmar-joint-statement_en. 158 “India Expresses ‘Deep Concern’ on Myanmar Coup,
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117 “No Time to Mourn: Bodies Pile up in Yangon as Some erals.” BBC News, 18 Feb. 2021. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc. 143 https://www.the-star.co.ke/authors/star-reporter-and-reu- Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
Lose Multiple Relatives to Covid-19 Surge.” Myanmar NOW, com/news/uk-politics-56115434. ters. “Kenya Condemns Coup in Myanmar.” The Star, https://www.
the-star.co.ke/news/2021-02-02-kenya-condemns-coup-in-myan- 159 Basu, Nayanima. “India Plans ‘Twin-Track’ Approach
https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/no-time-to-mourn-bod- 131 Sidoti, Chris. It Is High Time for the UK to Take Action to Engage with Myanmar Junta as China Makes Inroads.” The
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118 “Only a ‘Massive’ Humanitarian Intervention Can Curb mar-at-the-unsc. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022. 145 “China’s Support for Myanmar Further Shows the World roads/796249/.
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28 29
The Specialized Agencies
es/situation-in-myanmar. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.

161 UAE, Myanmar Establish Diplomatic Relations. https://
www.mofaic.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2020/11/10/10-11-2020-
uae-myanmar. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
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Harvard Model United Nations India, 2023

A LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL FROM YOUR UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

Dear Delegates, Dear Delegates,

Sahil Kuchlous Sincierly,

with crisis after crisis to keep you on your feet.

of immense international importance. However, even beyond

gatherings of more than five people in public spaces.100 On

unlikely that the Indian government would take drastic action

The other countries of the UNSC with unclear posi-

Must Answer committee may resemble in a different context.

Be creative with the arguments you present; the dais will be

Endnotes 38 Seekins, Donald M. 2017. Historical Dictionary of

mars-year-of-resistance. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022. ian-intervention-can-curb-myanmars-covid-19-disaster-experts-say. news.sky.com/story/myanmar-recalls-ambassador-in-uk-after-he- ther-shows-world-dividing-autocracy-versus-democracy. Accessed 18

es/situation-in-myanmar. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.

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