Asean urges immediate stop to indiscriminate violence in Myanmar

ASEAN foreign ministers on Sunday issued a statement urging all actors in Myanmar to take immediate, practical steps to halt “indiscriminate violence” and to protect civilians across the country. The communiqué said ministers condemned ongoing attacks targeting people, public services and civilian infrastructure and demanded measures that would stop further harm to non-combatants.

Humanitarian access and civilian protection

Ministers pressed the parties to exercise “utmost restraint,” to ensure “the protection and safety of all civilians,” and to enable safe, timely delivery of humanitarian assistance. The statement stressed that ending violence is a prerequisite for any meaningful political process and highlighted the urgent need to allow relief organisations access to affected populations.

Five-Point Consensus reaffirmed

The bloc reaffirmed the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) adopted in 2021 as the principal guide for resolving Myanmar’s political crisis, reiterating calls for appointment of a special envoy, cessation of violence, and steps toward inclusive dialogue. ASEAN urged full implementation of the 5PC and said it remained the main reference for engagement with all stakeholders.

Regional context and implications

ASEAN — founded in Bangkok on Aug. 8, 1967 — also used the meeting to mark institutional developments, welcoming Timor-Leste as the grouping’s 11th member in the bloc’s first enlargement in 26 years. The ministers’ statement underlined that stability in Myanmar matters to Southeast Asia’s security and economic outlook, and that regional partners, including Türkiye and others, will be watching how the 5PC is put into practice.