March 18, 2025

A coalition of 290 civil society organizations has called on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to urgently investigate potential conflicts of interest surrounding Julie Bishop, the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, particularly regarding her alleged business dealings. They are also demanding that her mandate be immediately suspended while the investigation is underway.

The petition also urges the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to take direct action by revoking Bishop’s authority and calls on the Secretary-General to personally lead efforts to address Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.

The petition highlights concerns over Bishop’s links to Chinese state-owned companies, including Shenghe Resources and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). These companies have ties to Myanmar’s mining sector and military-backed operations, raising serious ethical and impartiality concerns about her ability to act as a neutral mediator.

“Bishop’s connections to Chinese government-backed corporations undermine her credibility as the UN’s envoy to Myanmar,” the petition states, adding that her role requires independence and neutrality, especially when dealing with China.

The civil society groups accuse China of being a key enabler of the Myanmar junta, providing military assistance and political legitimacy while the regime continues to commit crimes against humanity and war crimes.

“China remains one of the top sources of military aid to Myanmar’s illegal junta, despite its ongoing atrocities against civilians,” the petition argues.

The petition also references an August 2024 meeting between Julie Bishop and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, suggesting that her interactions with China may further compromise her impartiality.