UN Envoy Julie Bishop Visits Quake-Hit Myanmar Amid Turmoil

Kawlin info

Julie Bishop, the United Nations’ special envoy for Myanmar, has made her first visit to the country since assuming the role last year, arriving just over a week after a catastrophic earthquake left more than 3,600 dead.

Bishop met Myanmar’s foreign minister, Than Swe, and other officials on Wednesday in Naypyitaw, where government offices now operate from makeshift tents following severe quake damage. The trip marks the UN’s most high-profile diplomatic engagement in Myanmar since the quake struck, compounding the nation’s existing political and humanitarian crisis.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated six states and regions, toppling homes, schools, and monasteries, and cutting off access to entire communities. According to military officials, over 48,000 homes and thousands of public buildings were destroyed. More than 5,000 people were injured, with hundreds still missing.

Bishop’s visit, described by the UN as a gesture to “reinforce its commitment to peace and dialogue,” follows her meetings in Malaysia — a key regional player in humanitarian coordination. However, the envoy's presence has not been without controversy. Last month, anti-junta groups accused her of ties to Chinese companies with business interests in Myanmar. She has denied any conflict of interest.

With much of the international community shunning Myanmar’s military rulers over human rights abuses, Bishop’s visit has drawn both attention and scrutiny. The junta remains heavily supported by China and Russia, despite widespread condemnation over its 2021 coup and ongoing violent suppression of dissent.

Humanitarian agencies are calling the current situation “a crisis on top of a crisis.” CARE Myanmar’s director, Arif Noor, described the earthquake’s impact as devastating: “This catastrophe has brought already vulnerable communities to their knees.” The UNHCR has rushed emergency aid to some 25,000 people and plans to assist 25,000 more, but warned that stockpiles are running low.

While both the junta and resistance groups have announced brief ceasefires to allow aid efforts, independent reports indicate continued fighting on the ground.

As Myanmar grapples with conflict, displacement and disaster, the effectiveness of Bishop’s visit — and the international response it may galvanise — remains to be seen.

-2025-04-11