Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

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Context

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held a conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 6 in a renewed effort to organise humanitarian aid for Myanmar's strife-torn country.

 

What is the Background?

• High-level delegates from Myanmar and the other nine ASEAN member states, as well as foreign partners, UN specialised agencies, and other international organisations, are attending the hybrid conference, which some participants joined by video. Cambodia is the current ASEAN Chair.

 

Why was the meeting held?

• The conference is part of an effort to resurrect an ASEAN five-point agreement on Myanmar that was struck in April of last year.
• The endeavour is in reaction to the bloodshed that has rocked Myanmar since the military seized control from Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian administration in February 2021 and used brutal force to suppress opposition to the coup.

 

What is the reaction of Myanmar?

• The agreement asks for an immediate halt to violence, a conversation between all parties involved, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, humanitarian relief, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet with all parties involved.
• Myanmar agreed to the agreement but has made no effort to put it into practise.
• As a result of its obstructionism, Myanmar's leaders have been barred from attending important ASEAN meetings since last October.
• At the same time, armed opposition to military authority has grown to the point where some United Nations experts believe the country has devolved into civil war.
• Myanmar's military has started large-scale operations across the country, including air strikes, resulting in large-scale displacement.
• The United Nations' 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan aims to reach a record 6.2 million people and will cost $826 million, according to the international organisation.
• It is now barely 4 percent financed, according to the report. Any attempt to execute the five-point agreement, according to critics of Myanmar's military administration, is a waste of time.

 

What is ASEAN?

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organisation that was founded to maintain political and social stability among Asia's post-colonial governments amid escalating tensions.
• "One Vision, One Identity, One Community" is ASEAN's slogan.
• The 8th of August is ASEAN Day.
• Jakarta is home to the ASEAN Secretariat.
• The objectives of ASEAN are:
  • For a successful and peaceful Southeast Asian community, to accelerate economic growth, social improvement, and cultural development.
  • To promote regional peace and stability via a commitment to justice and the rule of law, as well as adherence to the United Nations Charter's ideals.
  • To encourage active collaboration and mutual support in the economic, social, cultural, technological, scientific, and administrative spheres on subjects of common concern.
  • To work together more effectively to maximise the use of agriculture and industry, expand commerce, enhance transportation and communications, and raise people's living standards.
  • To encourage the study of Southeast Asia.
  • Maintaining tight and mutually beneficial relationships with current international and regional organisations.

 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/cambodia-hosts-meeting-on-humanitarian-assistance-to-myanmar/article65387755.ece