Naypyidaw, 17 August 2022 (TDI): The United Nations (UN) Special Envoy to Myanmar, Noeleen Heyzer, began her first official visit to the country. Her visit follows a call by the UN Security Council for an immediate end to all forms of violence in Myanmar and unimpeded humanitarian access to those affected by the strife.
UN Special Envoy for #Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer has started her first visit to the country during which she “will focus on addressing the deteriorating situation and immediate concerns as well as other priority areas of her mandate.” pic.twitter.com/1hrUMZ7gfn
— UN Geneva (@UNGeneva) August 17, 2022
A visit amidst ‘deteriorating situation
The UN reported that the visit comes amid domestic political turmoil and fraying ties between Myanmar and its Southeast Asian neighbors.
The UN described the situation in Myanmar as being in turmoil since the overthrow of the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi early last year. A Myanmar court on Monday also sentenced Suu Kyi to six years in prison after finding her guilty in four corruption cases that have aggravated the political crisis.
Her visit also comes in the wake of the government’s recent executions of four political activists, which drew worldwide condemnation that added to concerns over reports of widespread human rights abuses.
Referring to a UN Security Council call for an immediate cessation of all forms of violence, the United Nations said Heyzer would “focus on addressing the deteriorating situation and immediate concerns”.
Expectations from the meeting
Noeleen Heyzer, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Myanmar visited after “extensive consultations with actors from across the political spectrum, civil society as well as communities affected by the ongoing conflict”, the United Nations said in a statement.
Heyzer’s initially arrived in Yangon and then towards the capital, Naypyitaw. She is to engage with all the stakeholders necessary to address the political situation in Myanmar.
 Special Envoy to Myanmar, Noeleen Heyzer, began her first official visit to the country...Read more){kind=link}