Myanmar has been in conflict for decades, but global attention has faded. Yet, since the 2021 coup, resistance has grown, worsening the crisis. Switzerland, through the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), remains engaged in peace efforts. The Program Manager for Myanmar at the PHRD, Nassim Awad, discusses Switzerland\u2019s role and the evolving international response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: What is the PHRD\u2019s role in Myanmar?<\/strong> PHRD\u2019s objectives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q: How much attention does Myanmar receive internationally and in Switzerland?<\/strong> Q: Has international attention on Myanmar changed over time?<\/strong> In the last 18 months, attention on Myanmar has grown due to its expanding illicit economy. In particular scam centers and the associated human trafficking, are stories that are relatable and of direct concern to international audiences. This has mobilized regional and global attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q: How does Switzerland contribute to peacebuilding in Myanmar, and what challenges arise from limited attention?<\/strong> Myanmar has been in conflict for decades, but global attention has faded. Yet, since the 2021 coup, resistance has grown, worsening the crisis. Switzerland, through the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), remains engaged in peace efforts. The Program Manager for Myanmar at the PHRD, Nassim Awad, discusses Switzerland\u2019s role and the evolving international response. … Interview \u2013 Switzerland\u2019s Peace Policy Engagement in Myanmar Amid Global Distraction<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5053,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[],"issue":[352],"acf":[],"author_meta":{"display_name":"\u00e0 propos","author_link":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/author\/apropos\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/swisspeace188Web-600x331.jpg","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["Reports<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Reports<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":0,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 1 year ago","modified":"Updated 1 year ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on March 25, 2025","modified":"Updated on March 25, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on March 25, 2025 6:51 am","modified":"Updated on March 25, 2025 8:15 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5050"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5050"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5050\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5323,"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5050\/revisions\/5323"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5050"},{"taxonomy":"issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koff.swisspeace.ch\/apropos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue?post=5050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
We operate within the Swiss Cooperation Program in Myanmar (2024\u201327), combining development cooperation, humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and human rights diplomacy. The PHRD supports peace processes by engaging key actors to contribute to a more peaceful and democratic Myanmar. Our approach fosters dialogue and with the aim of fostering conflict resolution, it identifies, designs and supports peace processes by working with relevant key actors (or elites). We aim to contribute to shape a more democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Myanmar by focusing on peace, reduction of violence and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Myanmar ranks low compared to crises like Ukraine and the Middle East. Despite being one of today\u2019s most violent and long-lasting conflicts, coverage remains limited. In 2025, humanitarian needs have surged twenty-fold. The country is facing a serious food security crisis, with an estimated 15.2 million in need of food assistance and increasing cases of preventable diseases.
Switzerland has consistently advocated for Myanmar, especially during its tenure on the UN Security Council (2023\u201324). Partnering with the UK, we highlighted human rights violations and co-sponsored resolutions on the Rohingya crisis. After leaving the Council, Switzerland continues its commitment through UN bodies and multilateral forums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2021 coup was a turning point. In the case of Switzerland, before the coup, we supported Myanmar\u2019s Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Post-coup, the focus shifted to humanitarian aid and fostering dialogue beyond the NCA framework. This shift is explained by the need to adapt to shifting political realities and increasing polarization. Switzerland now emphasizes creative solutions for aid delivery while maintaining contact with all parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Switzerland remains committed through its 2024\u201327 Cooperation Program, focusing on peace, livelihoods, and basic services. Funds have been repurposed to support humanitarian access and de-escalation initiatives, including the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee (JMC) pilot project.
Limited attention poses challenges, requiring pragmatic solutions to maintain dialogue.
Switzerland’s reputation as a balanced and responsive actor helps in maintaining and potentially increasing attention on Myanmar. Switzerland supports efforts of the UN Special Envoy and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to promote inclusive dialogue and humanitarian principles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"