Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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20. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the systematic violence being employed by the Myanmar military, including airstrikes on civilian areas with a view to clearing territory ahead of planned elections, if Ireland will state unequivocally that it will not recognise any election conducted by the Myanmar military while it is engaged in aerial attacks and forced displacement of civilian populations; and if Ireland will press this stance at the European Union and UN General Assembly. [53620/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has consistently condemned the junta and has called for a return to a democratic path. I am appalled by the escalation in violence, the displacement of large numbers of people and the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar.

Since October 2023, the conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces and a number of armed groups has escalated. Significant areas of Myanmar are now under the control of non-state armed groups, and there have been increasingly brutal attacks by the military, and by other armed groups, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Conflict dynamics and natural disasters have compounded the existing humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 3.6 million persons displaced internally, while 16.7 million face acute food insecurity.

We note that the military junta has announced the holding of elections at the end of December 2025. While an orderly return to real democracy in Myanmar is highly desirable, Ireland and our EU partners have serious concerns about the holding of elections in the current context.

Territorial control continues to shift between different groups due to the ongoing conflict, with millions of people displaced from their homes. Although a national state of emergency has been lifted by the junta, local states of emergency remain in place in numerous townships. A number of opposition parties have been dissolved or banned from participating in the election. Civil society, media, and opposition voices operate under intense surveillance and censorship, with severe restrictions on speech, assembly, and campaigning. In early August, the junta introduced new measures imposing harsh penalties including life sentences and even capital punishment, for activities portrayed as ‘disturbance to the elections’. It is clear that this is not a conducive environment for a free and fair election.

The EU has urged the establishment of an inclusive dialogue, which is key to the crisis resolution process. The EU calls on all groups opposing the coup to work together towards a common platform with the aim of restoring a peaceful and democratic path and ensuring the rights and freedoms of all people of Myanmar. As the EU High Representative stated earlier this year, any elections held without a prior inclusive dialogue between all parties, and lacking popular support and broad participation, are likely to exacerbate violence and instability in Myanmar.

My Department remains engaged on this issue, and will continue to engage both with EU partners and at the UN to urge a return to democracy, stability, and respect for human rights.