Remarks by H.E. Annalena Baerbock

President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

at the Informal meeting of the General Assembly to hear

a briefing from the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar

19 June 2026

[As Delivered]

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

I welcome the timely briefing from the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Ms. Julie Bishop, and commend her ongoing efforts to help find a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable path forward for the people of Myanmar.

Many of you were present last September at the High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar, where Member States and civil society participants spoke clearly about the priorities ahead.

Three stood out.

  • First, advancing a lasting resolution to this crisis; one centered on building trust among all communities, and giving them a shared stake in Myanmar¡¯s future, as part of an inclusive peace process.

  • Second, establishing the conditions for refugees to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity.

  • Third, ensuring adequate and sustained financial support to meet the basic needs of refugees and internally displaced persons, including food, health care and education.

Today¡¯s briefing gives us an opportunity to hear directly from the Special Envoy, take stock of the situation in Myanmar, and consider how we can respond with greater urgency and unity.

Since we met in September, the situation in Myanmar has remained alarming.

As of May, the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Myanmar in 2026 is only 38 per cent funded, with 340 million dollars received against the 890 million required.

That gap is measured in meals not served and treatment not provided.

Since the end of February, a sharp rise in food and fuel prices, driven in part by the crisis in the Middle East, has placed further pressure on families across the country.

Staple food prices have risen by 18 per cent nationwide on average ¨C resulting in acute food insecurity for approximately 12.4 million people, a quarter of Myanmar¡¯s population.

Meanwhile, violence against civilians has intensified – with 1,140 airstrikes on civilian targets in 2025 alone, killing people indiscriminately, including children.

These attacks have continued this year.

This violence is compounded by continued repression.

The conditions for peace require the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and others arbitrarily detained.

Peace also requires inclusion, accountability, and protection for all communities.

Myanmar¡¯s future cannot be built while the Rohingya and other minorities continue to face discrimination, exclusion, displacement and insecurity.

Their rights, dignity and place in Myanmar¡¯s future must be recognised as part of any sustainable solution.

We cannot not allow a ninth year of the Rohingya crisis to pass without change.

Renewing our commitment – in keeping with resolution 80/221, to support humanitarian efforts that meet the needs of all those affected, and to advance a sustainable solution to the situation in Myanmar, including the challenges faced by the Rohingya and other minorities – is crucial…

¡­but it means little without delivery and implementation on the ground.

With that, it is my honour to give the floor to the Special Envoy. Ms. Bishop.

We look forward to your briefing.

Thank you.