UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has appointed Julie Bishop United Nations’ special envoy on Myanmar.
Bishop’s new role will see her trying to engage the military junta in discussions about the December 2022 UN resolution on Myanmar.
This broadly backs in ASEAN’s five point consensus on Myanmar, in calling for and end to violence, and restoration of normal diplomatic discussions.
Myanmar has been one of the most dangerous and oppressive countries in the world since the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted by the military in February 2021.
A UN spokesperson said Bishop brings “extensive political, legal management and senior leadership experience to the role”.
“Throughout her career, Ms Bishop has strengthened engagement with regional partners and led international negotiation efforts, including the first ever United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea conciliation,” they said.
Bishop has been Australian National University (ANU) chancellor since 2020.
She was widely recognised as one of the country’s most effective foreign ministers, counting Kevin Rudd and Penny Wong among her fans.
Wong said the Australian government would work closely with Bishop and international bodies to restore peace in Myanmar.
“The special envoy plays a vital role in sustaining international attention and supporting coordinated efforts towards a peaceful resolution in the interests of the people of Myanmar,” said Wong.
“Ms Bishop brings a wealth of experience to the role, and her appointment comes at a critical time as the political, humanitarian and security situation in Myanmar continues to worsen.
“We reiterate our call on the Myanmar regime to cease violence against civilians, release those unjustly detained, allow safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, and return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy.”
Bishop has held other high-level government positions including cabinet minister for education, science and training, minister assisting the prime minister for women’s issues and minister for ageing. She was a member of Parliament from 1998 to 2019, following a 20-year career in law.
She won the Weary Dunlop Medal in 2022 for her contribution to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and has been named a Kissinger Fellow for her work on significant global policy issues.
ANU vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell congratulated Bishop on the appointment.
“As Australia’s first female foreign minister, Julie made an incredible contribution to global politics,” she said.
“Now, she’s adding special envoy to her illustrious career in global diplomacy. This is a well-deserved recognition of her significant impact on contemporary international relations.
Bishop will continue in her role as ANU chancellor while undertaking her work with the UN.
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