Julie Bishop, a former foreign minister, was named the UN Special Envoy for Myanmar, and she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, appointed Bishop, citing her “extensive political, legal management and senior leadership experience to the role.”
“Ms. Bishop has led international negotiation efforts and strengthened engagement with regional partners throughout her career, including the first-ever conciliation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the UN said in a statement.
The position has remained empty for ten months as the nation’s war has worsened to the highest level of bloodshed since a military takeover in 2021.
She was the first woman to hold the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Australian Government from 2013 to 2018. She also served as the Cabinet Minister for Education, Science, and Training, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues, and the Minister for Ageing.
After a 20-year legal career, Bishop served as a member of the Australian Parliament from 1998 to 2019.
She was the first woman chosen to the position in the history of the Australian National University, and she presently serves as its Chancellor.
In addition, Bishop was appointed a Kissinger Fellow for her work on important international policy challenges and received the Weary Dunlop Medal for her services to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Bishop expressed her gratitude for her UN appointment, saying, “I am deeply honored to be appointed Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations on Myanmar to help deliver on the mandate of the General Assembly and the Security Council Resolution of December 2022.”
“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,” said Penny Wong, the foreign minister, in response to the announcement of Bishop’s appointment on Saturday morning.
“Australia remains resolute in our support for the people of Myanmar, who continue to demonstrate great resolve in the face of unspeakable violence and human rights abuses.”
Wong mentioned the Special Envoy’s “crucial role” in assisting in a diplomatic settlement of the dispute in the nation of South-East Asia.
“We restate our demand that the regime in Myanmar stop using violence against civilians, free those who have been wrongfully imprisoned, permit safe and unhindered entry for humanitarian aid, and put Myanmar back on the path of inclusive democracy,” Wong stated.