ASEAN will hold two special meetings next week focused solely on the worsening conflict in Myanmar, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn confirmed on Wednesday. The meetings will take place in Malaysia ahead of the upcoming ASEAN summit.

Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has plunged into civil war, displacing nearly 3.5 million people and triggering a major humanitarian crisis. ASEAN’s earlier peace initiative—the Five-Point Consensus—called for an end to violence and inclusive dialogue but has largely failed to produce results. In response, ASEAN barred Myanmar's military leaders from attending its high-level meetings.

“This is something new and focused entirely on Myanmar,” Kao told Reuters, without disclosing specific proposals. The first meeting will involve ASEAN’s former, current, and incoming chairs—Malaysia, Laos, and the Philippines—while the second will bring together ASEAN’s foreign ministers.

Rights groups have repeatedly accused the Myanmar military of war crimes, including airstrikes on civilian areas and mass displacement. The junta, however, has dismissed such reports as Western propaganda.

When asked why ASEAN has been unable to resolve the crisis, Kao said, “If someone wants a quick solution, that won’t be realistic. We are working on it, but it will take time.”

Fighting briefly paused in March after a deadly earthquake, but clashes soon resumed, including air attacks and shelling. Kao declined to say who broke the ceasefire first.

On a separate note, Kao added that East Timor’s application to join ASEAN is making progress, with the country meeting several membership criteria.

While ASEAN’s principle of non-interference has long been a barrier to decisive action, these upcoming talks signal renewed regional attention. Human rights advocates stress that without concrete steps—including access for humanitarian aid and accountability—ASEAN’s credibility remains at stake.

BOB Post