The United Nations envoy, Christine Schraner Burgener, warned Wednesday that Myanmar (Burma) is facing an “unprecedented” risk of being drawn into a “civil war”, calling on the UN Security Council to use “all means” to avoid a “catastrophe” and a “bloodbath” in the country.
In a speech delivered during an emergency closed session held by the UN Security Council, at the request of Britain, to discuss the situation in Myanmar, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General said: “Noting that the most serious crimes and violations of international law appear to be “happening in plain sight”.” There is “still time to avoid the worst outcome”.
The country has been witnessing a wave of unrest since the army ousted the civilian government from power in the February 1 coup, which led to a nationwide uprising in which protesters called for the restoration of democracy.
A local organization counted the killing of 520 civilians during the past two months, and the loss of hundreds of others, who were kept in secret locations.
As the situation deteriorated, Washington ordered “non-essential US government employees” to leave the country.
