NUG calls for stronger ASEAN action to protect Myanmar civilians

Mizzima

The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar released a statement on 1 February responding to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu, Philippines welcoming ASEAN’s continued focus on Myanmar. The NUG statement also urged stronger, results-oriented implementation of the Five-Point Consensus to ensure civilian protection, political legitimacy, and inclusive humanitarian assistance.

The statement is as follows.

The National Unity Government (NUG) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar takes note of the recent deliberations by the Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the Retreat in Cebu, Philippines. We welcome the sustained attention given to the Myanmar crisis and express our support for the Philippines’ 2026 Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” which underscores the necessity of a resilient and people-centered ASEAN.

The NUG reaffirms its commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the primary regional framework for peace. We recognize the efforts of the ASEAN Troika, comprising the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, to ensure continuity and a unified regional response. However, as the year 2026 marks a critical juncture for our nation, we highlight the following priorities to ensure that diplomatic efforts translate into safety for the people of Myanmar:

(a) Operationalizing Peace and Security Anchors

The NUG echoes the concerns of the ASEAN Chair regarding the continued lack of substantive progress on the ground. For the “Peace and Security Anchors” of this year’s Chairmanship to be realized, it is essential to move from reaffirming the 5PC to establishing clear, measurable benchmarks for the cessation of violence. We invite ASEAN to work with all legitimate stakeholders to develop monitoring mechanisms that ensure civilian protection is not merely a goal, but a requirement.